CROSS OF CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH24155 Griswold RoadSouth Lyon, MI 48178

(248) 437-8810www.crossofchristlutheran.org New Email: cross-christ@att.net

F E B R U A R 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,

Who will give you rest? What place will give you rest? What people and places can give you physical and spiritual rest? We received invitations to listen to speakers. When we accepted these invitations, we listened to what they had to say. I had that opportunity at the All District Pastors’ Conference last fall. I listened to three different speakers and felt spiritually renewed. Some people like to go where the weather is warmer in February for physical and spiritual rest. Some of our Lutheran brothers and sisters are in Florida, Texas, and other warmer places for sunshine, higher temperatures, and rest.

Who will give you rest for your soul? (Matthew 11: 28-30) “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Jesus invites you to come to Him, and promises to give you rest. Christ invites you to take His yoke upon you and learn from Him.

How can you come to Jesus? Trust in Christ as Your Savior and Lord. Listen to our Lord’s Word. Read God’s Word daily in your Bible. Come to Jesus each day in prayer. Receive our Lord’s Supper every day it is served at Cross of Christ. One Lutheran layman has characterized the Lord’s Supper as “the most precious gift in the universe.” Come to Christ by worshiping Him with fellow Lutherans in Divine Services. St. Augustine wrote, “Thou, God hast created us unto Thyself; hence our heart is restless until it rests in Thee.”

All of us are burdened and weary. We are always burdened with our sinful natures while we’re on earth. We are burdened with the guilt we feel because of our sins of commission and omission. We misused God’s Name instead of praising Him. Sometimes we neglected to take our burdens to the Lord in prayer. We felt too burdened and weary to do any mission work for Jesus. We felt burdened by our responsibilities in our vocations. We felt like we needed a vacation. We felt burdened in our duties as worker, child, spouse, parent, grandparent, church member, citizen, friend, and neighbor. Some days we had tasks to do in all our vocations. We were over-committed. We felt overwhelmed. We felt weary during and at the end of some days.

PASTOR’S LETTER Continued

Jesus promises you, “I will give you rest.” Christ accomplished the forgiveness of your sins on the cross. Our Lord gives you the forgiveness of sins in His Supper. Jesus gives you the spiritual rest of forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. Our Lord leads and empowers you to do works of faith and labors of love in your vocations. At the end of each day, Jesus gives you physical and spiritual rest. Christ gives you the rest of His presence. Our Lord will refresh you when you are weary and satisfy you when you are faint.

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

Sincerely Yours in Christ,

Pastor Terry NelsonMidweek Lenten Worship Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

Beginning Ash Wednesday, February 13thSUNDAY SCHOOL classes are held at 10 a.m. for children three years old through fifth grade. Children are dismissed to their classes from the worship service after the opening hymn.YOUTH in grades 6-12 are meeting periodically for fun events. Watch your bulletin for updates. Bible Study is held at 11 a.m. the first and third Sundays of the month.

CONFIRMATION SUNDAY is scheduled for Sunday, April 14th, 2013. Mark your calendars.

SUNDAY ADULT BIBLE CLASS

The Adult BIBLE CLASS meets Sundays at 9 a.m. We just began a study of the Book of Philippians . All are invited to join in.

In this Epistle, Paul characterizes the Christian life in this way: joy no matter what the circumstances; an eagerness to suffer for Christ; humility that follows Christ in putting others first; trust in Christ alone for righteousness.

The study of Philippians seeks to enable God’s people today to: Live in a way worthy of the Gospel;

Put all their anxieties in the hands of their Lord, trusting Him to supply them with His peace;

Trust God to meet all of their physical and spiritual needs according to His glorious riches in Christ.

FRIDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY

On Friday evenings once a month at 7 p.m. we are continuing the video series “The Truth Project” by Focus on the Family. The video and discussion are followed by refreshments and fellowship. The next study will be held February 8, at 7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. We look forward to having you join us! OFFERING ENVELOPES

Members, your 2013 Offering Envelopes can be picked up in the church Gathering Hall.

2013 CALENDARS

We thank Phillips Funeral Home for providing 2013 Calendars for our congregation. Your calendar is available on the Gathering Hall table.

“MEET THE MEMBERS”

My second writing was to be the history of Cross of Christ. The first person I called was Marie Smith, a charter member, and she shared her memories of the first beginnings. I then talked to Carol Erb, and Carol had attended the first meeting that was the beginning of Cross of Christ. I went to church and found albums and newspaper articles in the library (in the conference room). It was then I decided I needed more time. History will have to wait until next month.

I decided this would be a good time to "Meet Marie." Marie was the greeter every Sunday morning and what a warm welcome as we entered the church that Jan 1998 morning. And she didn't stop there, as within the week we received a lovely hand written note welcoming us to return. And I will always remember that warm welcome and note.

Marie Smith was a charter member and is celebrating her 90th birthday. So how appropriate that we celebrate Marie. Marie was born Feb. 7, 1923 in Bay City. She graduated from Petoskey High School while living there for 1 year as a nanny. She returned to Bay City and in 1945 received her degree in nursing and began her career at Highland Park General Hospital. She married Harold Smith (Smitty) October 8, 1949, and they had 3 children, Sue and John Nykamp, Bob and Tammy, and Scott. They lived in Redford, moving to South Lyon in 1971. She has three granddaughters.

Marie worked for a State of Michigan program for blood types, also at The Plymouth Center for disadvantaged children, and the Northville State Hospital as afternoon supervisor for a short time. She retired from the Medical Department at Chrysler (the Scio Township Plant) in 1981. After Smitty retired in 1986, they opened a Travel Agency near Pinckney, operating it for 5 years before their final retirement. Smitty passed away May 30, 2000.

The first committee meeting for Cross of Christ was in 1973 in a home in New Hudson and because Marie worked afternoons was proud that her 16 year old son Bob attended. On October 5, 1973, 40 members attended the first worship service in the Kiwanis Hall with Pastor Kinne as the Mission Pastor, and Marie was there. The Altar Guild was formed May 1975, and Marie was there. The first VBS began July 1975, and Marie was there. Ground Breaking for the new church facility was Sept 1975, and Marie was there.

February 2013 sitting in a back pew or a front pew for communion, Marie now 90 is there. Marie has two accompanying her these days, her oxygen and her walker, and Marie is always there. Marie is a lovely lady with beautiful white hair and still wearing that warm smile. She has a beautiful, loving and caring family, a wonderful blessing. Marie is a true inspiration to me and I'm sure to many who know her. If you don't know Marie, take a few minutes to introduce yourself and to wish her a Happy 90th Birthday. . . . . . . Ettie Ann Hirth

See Smith Family Invitation on the following page . . . . .

The Family of Marie Smith cordially invites you

To stay after church to celebrateMarie’s 90th Birthday!

We would love for you to join us Sunday, February 3, 2013

In the Fellowship Hall.Your presence would be the best present.

Cake and punch will be served.We look forward to you joining us!

CROSS OF CHRISTCHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL

Our annual Morley Candy fund raiser will be available to our congregation on Sundays, February 3 and 10. An order form and brochures will be available on the table in the Gathering Hall. We appreciate your support of the Preschool. About 40% of the sales goes to the preschool. Other items, in addition to the delicious Morley candy, will be available for purchase, including frozen cookie dough and food items, spring gift items, and magazines. Orders will be delivered in time for Easter.

REGISTRATION for Fall classes will take place according to the following schedule:

Church Family Sunday, March 10 After WorshipCurrent Preschool Families Monday, March 11 9 a.m.Past Preschool Families Wednesday, March 13 9 a.m.Open to Community Thursday, March 14

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.

Cross of Christ Preschool will be closed for mid-winter break February 18-22.

COFFEE HOUR will be hosted on Sunday, February 17, by the Altar Guild.

2013 COFFEE HOUR SCHEDULE - 3rd Sunday of the MonthFebruary Altar GuildMarch Women’s Outreach – St. Patrick’s Day DinnerApril Church CouncilMay Stewardship & Evangelism

You are invited to sign up on the Information Board to contribute items for the Coffee Hour. This helps spread the responsibility among our members. The hosting Board sets up and cleans up after Coffee Hour.WOMEN’SOUTREACH

Claudia Abrash opened the meeting with a devotion, "God is our Sure Foundation.”

Discussion of Events:

The Progressive Dinner in December was enjoyed by 27 people and will be on the calendar for next December.

Berry Home Gifts: There are 6 ladies in a South Lyon Adult Care home and every year we ask for 6 gifts (all alike). We wrap them, and each lady gets a bag of Christmas gifts. This was the year of lotions, so next year we will have to come up with a plan for a variety of gifts. We have been doing this for many years making Christmas a little more special for them.

Operation Shoebox: Next year we will supply the plastic shoeboxes for people to fill.

Cards for Shut-ins: Thanks to Linda Schroeder for making the beautiful cards and to Claudia Abrash for setting them up for people to sign. We have 15 shut-ins receiving cards, so please take time to sign the cards. Linda and Claudia are doing all the work, so we just need to sign our names and the shut-ins will know they are not forgotten.

The Easter Breakfast will be served 8:30-9:45 a.m. (between services). Sausages, pancakes, cheesepuff soufflé, fruit cup, sweet rolls, orange juice, and coffee and tea are on the menu. Plan to join us for breakfast on Easter Sunday.

Rummage Sale: Nancy Ulrich is our special Rummage Sale Leader. She sets up a very neat and organized sale and likes lots of "stuff!” So as you spring clean your closets and storage areas, remember NANCY WANTS YOUR STUFF!! The sale will be in June, and the date will be announced later.

Watch the bulletin for meetings as we will set them up as needed.

We hope everyone will support our events and money making projects as these are the things that help us purchase things for our church that are not in our budget. . . . . . . Ettie AnnFUNERAL LUNCHES

Thank you to all who help with our Funeral Lunches. We appreciate all of you for sending in food, helping set up, shop, serve, and clean up! It is such an important ministry and help to grieving families. Annie Nichols and Louise Rucker call for helpers when there is a funeral. Please call the church office if you would like to be added to our current list to bring in a food item or to set up, shop, serve, or clean up. ADULT CHOIR

People of all voices are needed -(soprano, alto, tenor, and bass). If you enjoy singing praises to God, please prayerfully consider singing in the Choir. Speak with Pastor Nelson if interested. Our Choir plans on singing once a month at the 10 a.m. worship service.

STEWARDSHIP CORNER

How Much Is Too Much?

Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So they gave a dinner for Him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with Him at table. Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples (he who was about to betray Him), said, ‘Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?’” (John 12:1-5)

Can you picture this scene in your mind? It’s about a week before the Crucifixion (although only Jesus knows that), and Christ is visiting at the home of His good friends, Lazarus and his sisters. Lazarus is there at the table with Jesus, being served by Martha, who has prepared and now sets before them one of her feasts for which she was undoubtedly famous. But where is Mary? She should be helping her sister! Instead she is kneeling before Jesus with a pint of expensive perfume, and she pours the whole bottle on His feet.

The Bible says, “The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” You can imagine it was! You can see the heads swivel. “Where is that aroma coming from?” And then the gasps as they realize what she’s done. This is not a wealthy family, after all. “Isn’t this a little excessive,” they wonder. But it’s Judas who speaks – and not at all favorably: “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?”

Judas and Mary were not on the same wavelength at all. For Mary, nothing was enough for her Lord. This extravagant act could only hint at the depth of devotion in her heart. Judas, on the other hand, was devoted only to Judas. Verse 6 enlightens us: He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it.”

Would it be too offensive to say that we, too, are thieves? Have we ever withheld from the Lord what was His – for isn’t it all His? Aren’t we also deceivers at times, pretending to have concern for others when we really have only our own interests at heart? Mary loved and worshiped her Lord even before she knew He would give His life to save her from her sins. We who are on the other side of Calvary must have an even greater sense of gratitude. Let us ask the Lord’s forgiveness for our selfish and cold hearts and His enablement to give of ourselves and our resources without restraint. STEWARDSHIP IS EVERYTHINGWE DO IN CHRIST’S NAME.

“Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy” (1 Corinthians 4:2).

EMAIL ADDRESSES

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

The Calendar and Newsletter are available each month on this web site. Also, if you would prefer this newsletter be emailed to you, email us: cross-christ@att.net.

If you would like to receive periodic announcements through email, contact us. Indicate whether you would still prefer a hard copy for the newsletter. MEMORIALS

+ + In memory of Florence Hall, gifts have been given to Debt Reduction by Marie Smith and to the Choir Fund by Robert & Lydia Vedder.

+ + In memory of Florence Hall, gifts have been given by David & Sheryl Webber, Patricia Galloway, Virginia Gutknecht, Peggy Perry, Haskiel & Barbara Brown, and Carol Neylon.

2013 ALTAR FLOWERS

Month of March is open!

Sign 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.) Checks are made out to “Cross of Christ” – designated “Altar Flowers.”THANK YOU

To Bonnie Reichert, and our Trustees, for organizing the painting of the Fellowship Hall, Conference Room, Kitchen, and Hallway. We also thank Master Corporate Cleaning for donating the waxing of the Fellowship Hall floors. We thank Scott Lanam and Brent Sterling for putting up the chair rail in the Fellowship Hall. It all looks great!! To our Church Family,

I just want to say thank you so much to all of you for helping me and my family out through a very tough time in our lives.

The money you gave to us really helped us out tremendously. We are finally getting back on our feet, and things are really looking good financially. So again, thanks and with all my heart. I am so grateful!

From a Family in Need+++++++

The family of Florence Hall would like to thank those that helped prepare for her funeral service and lunch. We appreciate your thoughtfulness and kindness.

Charley & Rose Hall

F E B R U A R Y, 2 0 1 3 CROSS OF CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH

New Email: cross-christ@att.net Office: 248-437-8810/ Fax: 248-437-7708 Web: www.crossofchristlutheran.org________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

+ Indicates Holy Communion

1 2

12 Noon – 2pmSmith Open House

3 9:00am Adult Bible Class10:00am WORSHIP10:00am Sunday School11:00am Youth Bible Study11:00am Marie Smith Reception

4Preschool: 9:15am-2:45pm

5:30 & 6:30pmWeight Watchers

5Preschool: 9:30am-11:30am

6Preschool: 9:15am-2:45pm

4:00-5:30pm Confirmation

7Preschool: 9:30am-2:45pm

6:30-8:30pm Girl Scouts

8Preschool: 9:15am-11:45pm

7:00pm Truth Project Bible Study

9

10 9:00 am Adult Bible Class10:00am WORSHIP + 10:00am Sunday School

11Preschool: 9:15am-2:45pm

5:30 & 6:30pmWeight Watchers

12Preschool: 9:30am-11:30am

13 Ash WednesdayPreschool: 9:15am-2:45pm4:00-5:30pm Confirmation7:00pm WORSHIP +

14Preschool: 9:30am-2:45pm

6:30-8:30pm Girl Scouts

15Preschool: 9:15am-11:45pm

16

17 9:00am Adult Bible Class10:00am WORSHIP10:00am Sunday School11:00am Youth Bible Study11:00am Board of Elders11:00am Coffee Hour (Altar Guild)

18

5:30 & 6:30pmWeight Watchers

PreschoolWinter Break(Feb.18-22)

197:00pm Church Council

204:00-5:30pm Confirmation

7:00pm WORSHIP

21

______________________

22 23

24 9:00am Adult Bible Class10:00am WORSHIP +10:00am Sunday School

______________________

25 Preschool: 9:15am-2:45pm5:30 & 6:30pm W. Watchers7:00pm Trustees

26Preschool: 9:30am-11:30am

27 Preschool: 9:15am-2:45pm4:00-5:30pm Confirmation7:00pm WORSHIP

28Preschool: 9:30am-2:45pm

Steward BuilderA newsletter to help you grow as a

steward.

The purpose of this newsletter is to share God’s Word so that our members will better understand who we are to be and what we are to do in the light of the Scriptures. It is our hope that this monthly publication will help you grow in your relationship with the Lord and as a Christian steward.

God’s Money PrinciplesMoney is an integral part of our lives. With so much of life revolving around money and with the challenges that Christians have in managing money faithfully and responsibly, we can be thankful that there are hundreds or even thousands of verses in Scripture which give us insight about money and possessions. The number of references in the Bible on the subject speaks to its significance. It is important for us to spend the necessary amount of time to comprehend how money affects our material and spiritual lives.

The following are some of Jesus’ teachings regarding money and possessions:

1. Jesus told His followers not to be anxious about material things. He directed His followers to seek first the kingdom of God and then everything we need would be given to us (Matthew 6:33).

2. Money is not to be hoarded. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth …But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” (Matthew 6:19-20).

3. We can’t serve both God and Money. God needs to be sovereign. (Matthew 6:24).

4. We are expected to faithfully invest and manage the money entrusted to us. Faithful management receives God’s praises, whereas unfaithful use of money receives His wrath (Matthew 25:14-30).

5. Jesus wants us to share our money with the poor (Luke 19:1-10).

6. Jesus tells us that, if we can be trusted with small amounts of money, we can be trusted with larger amounts (Luke 16:10).

7. Jesus warns us about our need to be trustworthy with money so we can be trusted with things of highest value (Luke 16:11).

8. He said that it is difficult for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:23-24).

9. Jesus was concerned and looked to see what people gave (Luke 21:1-4).

10. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). He wants us to give freely (Matthew 10:8).

11. Jesus calls those who are greedy and place their security in money a fool (Luke 12:13-21).

12. Our giving to the needy should be in private (Matthew 6:3).

13. Jesus encourages tithing (Matthew 23:23).

“Jesus Christ said more about money than any other single thing because money is of first importance when it comes to a person’s real nature. Money is an exact index to our true character. Throughout Scripture we find an intimate correlation between the develop-

ment of a person’s character and how he or she handles money” (Richard Halverson).

Money Cannot Buy…Stewardship of money relates

to every phase of life. How we manage, use, and give our money indicates our

spiritual maturity. Money cannot buy character, but it

is a strong determining factor in the development of character.

1. Money cannot save lost souls, but it can help send the saving message of the Gospel to them.

2. Money cannot buy happiness, but the right use of it brings joy.

3. Money cannot buy contentment, but the right attitude toward it provides contentment.

4. Money cannot buy wisdom, but the wise person will save and invest money to make it grow.

5. Money cannot create a generous spirit, but a faithful person will give generously.

6. Money cannot bring riches, but it can be used to help people find true riches in their Savior.

7. Money cannot buy love, but the giving of money can express love.

8. Money cannot buy faith, but the wise use of and the giving of money demonstrates faith.

9. Money cannot buy an abundant life, but the giving of money causes abundant living.

Five Biblical Concerns about Money:1. How we view money: “The silver is Mine, and

the gold is Mine,’ declares the Lord of hosts” (Haggai 2:8).

2. How we feel about money: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10).

3. How we receive money: “In all toil there is a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty” (Proverbs 14:23).

4. How we spend money: “Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it” (Proverbs 21:20).

5. How we give money: “On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up as he may prosper” (1 Corinthians 16:2).

Blessings on your Journey as a Steward!

Looking to donate to a special need?Consider the following funds:

Painting Fund; Cement Work FundParking Lot Fund

New Roof Fund; Debt Fund

Garage Fund

FEBRUARYBIRTHDAYS

1 Trenton LachClarke Schroeder

2 Zachary LanczkiChristopher Stevenson

3 Mike Conrad 4 Rosalynne Lockard 6 Charles Hamlet II 7 Marjorie Saner

Marie SmithMarci Wasilko

9 Alexandra Hackbardt15 Lauren Lanczki16 Nancy Ulrich17 Myra Prueter18 Michael Faust20 Elise Parrish21 Dominick Eldridge22 Patricia Wadkins23 Denise Gerke

Tammy Wyman26 William Reinwand

Andrew Schrom28 Paige Conrad

Kelli HackbardtTheodore LockardDustin Wyman

FEBRUARYANNIVERSARIES

10 Warner & Arlene Krause14 Mike & Sherry Bugar

Charles & Rose Eldridge

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

MEMBERSHIP

Called Home:

+ + Florence M. HallJanuary 12, 2013