CROSS OF CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH24155 Griswold Road, South Lyon, MI 48178

248-437-8810Fax: 248-437-7708

www.crossofchristlutheran.org Email: cross-christ@att.net Like us on FACEBOOK at: www.facebook.com/crossofchristsouthlyon

M A Y , 2 0 1 8

Sunday Worship: 10 a.m.Holy Communion is celebrated on the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Sundays of the month.

Sunday School classes held during the school year.Sunday School: 10 a.m. – 3 years old through fifth grade

Adult Bible Study: Sundays 9:00 a.m.Youth Bible Study: 10 a.m. (1st & 3rd Sundays)

Dear Beloved Members and Friends,

Pentecost Day is celebrated on May 20 this year. Pentecost is an important day in the Christian Church. It has been called the birthday of the Christian Church. What happened on Pentecost Day and what does it mean for Christians in 2018?

In Acts, chapter 2, St. Luke reveals what happened on Pentecost Day. God poured out His Holy Spirit on Jesus’ disciples in Jerusalem. The Spirit’s arrival was accompanied by the sound of a violent wind, tongues of fire, and the disciples speaking in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Jews from many other nations heard the disciples speaking the wonders of God in their own tongues. The Counselor’s coming fulfilled a prophecy of the prophet Joel. Because the Comforter came, everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

You were filled with the Holy Spirit when you were baptized. In his Pentecost message, the Apostle Paul said, “repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off – for all whom the Lord our God will call.” You received the forgiveness of sins that Jesus won for you on the cross on Good Friday. You also received the gift of the Holy Spirit. Parents, your children received the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit when they were baptized.

PASTOR’S LETTER Continued

The Holy Spirit has helped you since your Baptism. The Spirit has given you words to say to people when you speak about God. The Comforter has comforted and encouraged you with His presence and Word. The Counselor has enabled you to encourage and to comfort others. The Holy Spirit has helped you to tell people that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior. The Spirit has enabled you to bear the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. The Spirit of truth has led you into truth in the Bible. The Counselor has helped you to remember Jesus’ teachings. The Comforter daily and richly forgives all your sins. The Holy Spirit has called you by the Gospel, enlightened you with His gifts, sanctified and kept you in the true faith. The Spirit has helped you to memorize and remember God’s Word. The Holy Spirit helps you to speak the wonders of God to people. The Spirit enables you to tell others that God poured Him out on Jesus’ disciples on Pentecost.

The Counselor encourages you to share with folks that God pouring Him on people on Pentecost fulfilled a prophecy of the prophet Joel. The Comforter helps you to speak to people that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord Jesus will be saved. The Holy Spirit enables you to tell others that Jesus did miracles, wonders, and signs during His public ministry. The Spirit encourages you to share with folks that wicked men put Christ to death by nailing Him to the cross. The Counselor helps you to tell people that God raised Jesus from the dead. The Holy Spirit encourages you to share with folks that Jesus ascended into heaven. The Spirit helps you to encourage people to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins and that they will receive Him as a gift. The Counselor encourages you to urge people to save themselves from this corrupt generation.

May our risen Lord bless you and your family during this month of May and always!

Sincerely Yours in Christ,Pastor Terry Nelson

CONGREGATION MEETING

All members are encouraged to attend our next Congregational meeting, on Sunday, May 6, after worship. CONFIRMATION SUNDAY

On Sunday, May 13, Elena Wood will be confirmed in our Christian Lutheran faith. May our risen Lord bless and strengthen Elena to fulfill her Confirmation promises.

C H R I S T I A N E D U C A T I O N

“Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Proverbs 22:6

SUNDAY SCHOOL classes are held Sundays at 10 a.m. for children three years old through fifth grade during the school year. Children are dismissed to their classes from the worship service after the opening hymn.

A Year-End Sunday School party will be held on Sunday, May 20, during the Sunday School class time. This will be the final session for this school year. Hope all of your children can attend!

THANK YOU to all of our Sunday School teachers for their dedication to teaching the Word of God to our children: Rob & Diana Hindley, Becky Kreipke (Superintendent), Carrie McShane, Kindsey Nelson, Rae Nims, Lisa Sterling, and Lynda Whitcher. We thank Dom Eldridge for his faithful teaching of God’s Word to our Youth! Thank you also to Jeff Kreipke for his representation on the Church Council.

YOUTH in grades 6-12 meet for Bible Study the first and third Sundays of the month during worship, September through May.

SUNDAY ADULT BIBLE CLASS

ADULT BIBLE STUDY is viewing a DVD Bible study, entitled Jesus: Legend or Lord.Dr. Paul Maier takes you on a three lane journey of Archaeology, History and Geography showing Jesus through the world of His time as he moved toward the cross.  All are welcome to join in at any time.

CONFIRMATION instruction, for young people in 7th and 8th grades, is held Wednesdays from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. during the school year. They will resume classes again in the fall.CROSS OF CHRISTCHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL

Registration for fall classes is under way and classes are filling quickly. If you are new to our congregation and would like information about our preschool, please call the church office. We offer a Christian, play-based program for three and four year olds, with age appropriate academics and kindergarten readiness. There are presently openings in both three year old classes, and there are a few spots open in the afternoon four year old class. Our school year will end with picnics on May 23 and 24.VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

JULY 30 – AUGUST 3, 2018

Children going into Kindergarten, or 5 by November 1st, through going into Sixth grade are invited to register for Cross of Christ’s summer Vacation Bible School, which will be held July 30 – August 3, from 9 a.m. to noon. Registration forms will be available soon. A $15 materials fee is due at the time of registration. We are looking for volunteers to help escort children from one station to another. Contact Chris if you can help. The $15 fee is waived for the children of those adults who help out VBS week. This year’s theme is “Shipwrecked – Rescued by Jesus.” The children will learn:

When you’re lonely . . . . . .Jesus rescues!When you worry . . . . . . . Jesus rescues!When you struggle . . . . . .Jesus rescues!When you do wrong . . . . .Jesus rescues!When you’re powerless . . Jesus rescues!

Many helpers will be needed to provide this outreach. Contact Chris at cross-christ@att.net or fill out the “Help Form” at end of newsletter.

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP

Our women’s group has had a busy month! On April 19, Rose Hall’s Thrivent Action Team joined us in delivering many baby items and diapers to Another Way Pregnancy Center in Farmington Hills. Lunch was enjoyed at a nearby restaurant afterwards. On Saturday, April 21, some of us attended the LWML Rally at Living Water in Whitmore Lake. Inspirational presentations were made by a hospital chaplain and by Joel Maier, a C.S. Mott Hospital Child Life Specialist, accompanied by Denver the Therapy Dog. Our next meeting will be Thursday, May 3, at 11 a.m. All women are invited to join us! Lunch will follow at a local restaurant.

Continue to fill your Mite boxes. Our offerings are given to many LCMS approved organizations, making a difference throughout the world. Boxes are available on the entryway table.

We thank Brian Bower, our congregation’s Thrivent representative, for hosting the lunch on Sunday, April 22, after worship. So far in 2018, Cross of Christ has received $1,306 through the Thrivent Choice® program, and our Action Teams have utilized $500 for others! We thank Thrivent for providing $250 for Rose Hall’s Action Team for Another Way Pregnancy Center. For information about Thrivent products, contact Brian at:

Brian.Bower@thrivent.com or call 734-531-8423

FUNERAL LUNCHEONS

Thank you to all who have donated food and helped at the Funeral Luncheons. Not all on our Helper List are called for each funeral. The number of guests at a luncheon determines how many helpers and dishes are needed. However, if you want to help, please call or email Annie Nichols at 248-437-9599 or annie5cents@yahoo.com. Many hands make light work.

Thank you for your donations of non-perishable food items for Active Faith throughout the year. Donations are welcome in the box provided as you enter church. Your monetary donations are also invited.STEWARDSHIPCORNER

Stewards Led by the Holy Spirit

Because we are uplifted and sustained by the Holy Spirit, we can be faithful stewards. Without the Holy Spirit, we could not acknowledge Jesus as the Lord of our lives or live our lives as God-pleasing stewards. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says ‘Jesus is accursed!’ and no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except in the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:3). By grace, then, as called and equipped believers, empowered by the Holy Spirit to be stewards, we can willingly serve as Sunday school teachers, sing in the choir, serve as ushers, give generously, and spend time with the lonely and sick. By our own reason or strength, we can’t be the stewards God wants us to be. In Christ, we are new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). We may look the same on the outside, but inside we are different. The Holy Spirit continually reminds us that God initiates all things; our stewardship is a response to what God has already done.

As faithful stewards, we are guided by the Holy Spirit. Our faithful stewardship begins when the Holy Spirit indwells us, and we respond with a personal commitment to consecrate ourselves to Christ. In Christ, we can become faithful stewards. Our stewardship goes beyond adherence to laws and traditions. We delight in serving our Lord. We do not see our stewardship as being compulsory; rather we see it as a privilege. Because the Holy Spirit transforms us, we respond in a spontaneous manner. We do not have to be coerced into giving our time, talents, and treasures. We give our gifts and ourselves cheerfully. As God’s stewards, our eyes are opened to see opportunities to serve. We no longer see what we have as belonging to us but as tools to be used to extend God’s kingdom. As we spend time in Word and receive the Sacrament, God fills our hearts with His Spirit, and we stop putting ourselves first. God is now in control, and we become faithful stewards.

MEMORIALS

+ + In memory of Grant Neiswinter, a gift has been given by Jim & Patty Wadkins

+ + In memory of Grant Neiswinter, a gift has been given to Debt Reduction Principal by Charlie & Rose Eldridge.

+ + In memory of Grant Neiswinter, a gift has been given by Annie Nichols.

+ + In memory of Robert Walrath, a gift has been given by Annie Nichols.

+ + In memory of Grant Neiswinter, gifts have been given by S. Morgan & M. Forte, Mr. & Mrs. Gilmore, and T. David.

+ + In memory of Grant Neiswinter, a gift has been given by Harold & Phil Capion.

+ + In memory of Grant Neiswinter, gifts have been given by Gary & Edda Albin and Kathy Sulisz.

+ + In memory of Bob Walrath, a gift has been given to the Tractor Fund by Charley & Rose Hall.

+ + In memory of Grant Neiswinter, a gift has been given by Douglas & Marlene Gregerson.

+ + In memory of Lucille Martin, a gift has been given by Shelley & Jennie Besler.

+ + In memory of Bob Walrath, a gift has been given to Debt Reduction by Charlie & Rose Eldridge.MEMORIALS

+ + In memory of Bob Walrath, gifts have been given by Denny & Ann Arbenowske, Debbie Hoover, Ray & Kim Kahowski, Kim Elsesser & Family, Bob & Donna Yambasky, Jim Henri & Family, Bob & Nancy Mullins, Gary & Bonnie Moore, Frances & Beulah Bartus, and Chip & Irene Sliwinski.

MAY BIRTHDAYS

2 Carol Walrath 6 Michelle Conrad 9 Charley Hall

Bruce Mach10 Ron Miller Christina Nelson11 Andrew Mattison14 Carol Hermann

Westin LeslieShari Stevenson

15 Chandler Lach18 Janet Gorman

Scott LanamLyne Nelson

19 Jeff Hantz21 Zachary Wasilko22 Carol Nelson23 Nicole Hermann25 Helen Perttunen27 Karen Neiswinter29 Shealyn Lach

Shelby MartinEvelyn Mayer

30 Blake Evans

MAY ANNIVERSARIES 10 Jim & Sue Zimmerman11 Charles & Amy Deeds21 Bill & Ettie Ann Hirth29 Alan & Janelle Lach

EMAIL ADDRESSES

If you’d like to be added to our email list, contact cross-christ@att.net. If you’d prefer to receive the newsletter via email, please indicate that. To check out upcoming events, go to our web site at www.crossofchristlutheran.org.The monthly calendar and newsletter are available each month online.

ALTAR FLOWERS

Thank you for signing up to purchase Altar Flowers in celebration of birthdays, anniversaries, and in memory of loved ones. The cost of a vase is $30 and may be taken home and enjoyed after worship. Sign up in the hallway near the kitchen. Dates are open and sign up is needed in the coming months.

WHAT REALLY COUNTS IN LIFECAN’T BE COUNTED IN MERE

DOLLARS AND CENTS.

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27).

PAROCHIAL LCMS

SCHOOL REGISTRATIONS

Our Savior Lutheran School in Hartland is registering for the 2018-19 school year. Call 248-887-4300 or go to:

www.oursaviorhartland.org.to get information about their tuition-free school. Students excel in top-tier achievement testing and are taught Biblical world views in a small class size setting.

St. Paul Lutheran School, Northville, is registering for the 2018-19 school year.Call (248) 349-3146, or visit the school website at: www.stpaulnorthville.org.St. Paul offers member tuition rates for all LCMS sister congregation members.

Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran School provides an accredited, Christian education to students in preschool through eighth grade. SOTL is located at 2101 S. Hacker Rd., Brighton, MI 48114. Visit sotlschool.com for more information. 

St. Matthew Lutheran School, 2040 S. Commerce, Walled Lake, 48390; Phone: (248) 624 – 7677St. Matthew also offers member tuition rates to sister LCMS congregations.

YOU ARE INVITED:

Trinity Lutheran Church in Pinckney invites our congregation to join them as they celebrate the Dedication of their new building on Sunday, May 20, at 3 p.m. Reverend Rob Kasper will preach. The service will be followed by a strolling buffet reception. (Trinity is located at 5758 West M-36, Pinckney 48137.)

M A Y 2 0 1 8C R O S S O F C H R I S T L U T H E R A N C H U R C H

Email: cross-christ@att.net Office: 248-437-8810/ Fax: 248-437-7708/ Home: 248-486-4335 Web:www.crossofchristlutheran.orgLike us on FACEBOOK at: www.facebook.com/crossofchristsouthlyon

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday + Indicates Holy Communion

1

24:00pm Confirmation Party

311:00am Women’s Fellowship 7:00pm Girl Scouts

4 5

6 9:00 am Adult Bible Class10:00am Worship (Jillian Hudson Baptism)10:00am Sunday School10:00am Youth Bible Study11:00am Congregation Meeting

7 8Pastor attendsS & E Conference& Circuit Visitors’Conference 8th-10th

9

No Confirmation

10 11 129am-7pmGirl Scout Event

13 Mother’s Day &Confirmation Sunday

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

14 157:00pm Church Council

16 17 18 19

20 9:00 am Adult Bible Class10:00am Worship 10:00am Sunday School Year end Party10:00am Youth Bible Study

21 22 10:15am Evangelism/ Stewardship mtg.

23

PreschoolYear-End Picnic 4’s

243:00pm Abbey Park Service

PreschoolYear-End Picnic 3’s

25 26

27 9:00am Adult Bible Class10:00am Worship + 4:00pm Rehab Center Service

29

MemorialDay

Observed

30 31

Vacation Bible SchoolJuly 30 – August 3, 2018

9 a.m. – NoonFor children going into Kindergarten

through going into Sixth Grade$15 materials fee per child

____ I can help prepare crafts at home before VBS. (The limited amount of help needed for this varies from year to year.)

______ I can help the children with Crafts the week of VBS.

______ I can be a Class Assistant the week of VBS. - - MOST NEEDED

Days available VBS week: ________________________________

______ I can help at the Registration Table on Monday, July 30 – (about an hour)

______ I can help Decorate before VBS.

Name_________________________________________________________________

Phone Number ________________________________________________________

It may be early, but we need commitments to plan for VBS!Any questions, contact the church office.

Drop off, email, or mail to the church office.

FILL OUT A REGISTRATION FORM FOR YOUR CHILD (even if you’re a Helper)Registration Forms available soon.

Children of Adult Helpers who help out the full week of VBS do not have to pay the $15 materials fee for their children.