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 6

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, We live in a world that specializes in doublespeak. Doublespeak happens when words are changed to make a negative situation sound not as awful. Some examples of doublespeak we hear often: “downsizing” instead of firing people, “reducing costs” instead of cutting salaries, “pre-owned” as opposed to used, “preemptive strike” instead of unprovoked attack, “enhanced interrogation” in place of torture, and “passed away” instead of died.

Jesus and His disciples were on the verge of some very unpleasant events. His earthly ministry is drawing to a close. Judas made His plan and brought soldiers to arrest Jesus. Our Lord was charged, tried, and convicted all in a night. By nine o’clock the next morning Jesus was hanging on a cross; by 3:00 p.m. He was dead. Though Christ’s disciples would see Him again in just three days, His return to the Father was also just weeks away. Jesus spoke plainly to His disciples to give them peace in Him.

Jesus gives plain talk about our peace in the Gospel of John. “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). You are in Christ by Baptism and by faith in Him. You have the peace of our risen Lord in every circumstance in your life. In Jesus, you have peace in your relationships, health, and finances. In Christ, you have peace with your family members, friends, co-workers, and fellow Christians. In our Lord, you have peace during physical afflictions. In Jesus, you have peace with your personal, governmental, and congregational finances. continued . . . .

PASTOR’S LETTER Continued

Christ left the world not in defeat and death, but in victory. Jesus victoriously ascended into heaven. Christ overcame the world’s temptations of Him to sin. Jesus lived a sinless life of love for you. Jesus saved you by His sinless life, death, and resurrection.

Christ’s victory is given to us in His Word, in our Baptism, and at His Table, that we might have peace in Him. Our Lord tells us in His Word that He has overcome the world. In our Baptism, Jesus gives us power to live a new life in Him. At His Table, Christ gives us His body and blood in and with the bread and the fruit of the vine.

The Means of Grace renew this victory to us every day. When I speak the absolution to you in Divine Services, God forgives your sins also. When you were baptized, you received the forgiveness of sins. Every time you partake of the Lord’s Supper, you receive the forgiveness of sins.

Reconciled, at peace with us, God hears our every prayer. Our Father in heaven helps us to love our family, friends, fellow Christians, classmates, co-workers, and neighbors. Our heavenly Father gives us good health and healing according to His will.

We can speak clearly to the Father in Jesus’ name. Jesus aid, “whatever you ask of the Father in My name, He will give it to you. (John 16:23). Asking in Jesus’ name means that we pray in agreement with His teachings. Christ, teaches us to pray the Lord’s Prayer. Our Father in heaven answers all the petitions we pray in the Lord’s Prayer. Our heavenly Father helps us to keep His name holy. God gives us His Holy Spirit so that we believe His Word and lead Godly lives. Our Father in heaven does His will among us. Our heavenly Father gives us today our daily bread. God forgives us our trespasses. Our Father in heaven guards and keeps us so that the devil, the world, and our sinful nature may not deceive us or mislead us into false belief and despair. God delivers us from the devil and from every evil of body and soul.

God be praised for hearing and answering our prayers. Praise God for the joy, love and peace He has given us.

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

Sincerely Yours in Christ,Pastor Terry Nelson

CONGREGATION MEETING

A Congregational meeting will be held on Sunday, May 22, after worship. All members are invited and encouraged to attend!

CONFIRMATION SUNDAY/ NEW MEMBER WELCOME

On Sunday, May 8, we will celebrate with Matthew Wood as he is confirmed in his Lutheran Christian faith. We will also welcome his family into membership that day. Parents and siblings: Adam & Jessica Wood, Elena, Julia, and Dylan (Dylan attends Cross of Christ Preschool.) Grandparents: Robert & Beverly Beyer

May God abundantly bless Matthew and his family!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.YOUTH in grades 6-12 meet for Bible Study the first and third Sundays of the month during worship. SUNDAY ADULT BIBLE CLASS

“Stuff They Didn’t Teach me in Sunday School”Ready to get behind the scenes on those great stories in Genesis you heard as a kid but wondered about as an adult? Well, wonder no longer. Join us for this DVD Bible study on the book of Genesis.

“For where two or three come together in My Name, there am I with them.”(Matthew 18:20)

CONFIRMATION instruction, for young people in 7th and 8th grades, is held Wednesdays from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. during the school year. The final class for this school year is May 4 th. Confirmation Sunday is May 8th.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. Our morning three and four year old classes have begun waiting lists. There are presently openings in both afternoon classes.

The Preschool children will sing in worship on Sunday, May 15, and Preschool will host a Coffee Hour after the service.

V A C A T I O N B I B L E S C H O O L 2 0 1 6

We are planning this year’s VBS for JULY 25-29, 2016. Plan your summer commitments as able around VBS. This year’s theme is “Cave Quest” – Following Jesus, the Light of the World! We will learn that Jesus gives us hope, courage, direction, love, and His power. VBS is held for children going into kindergarten through going into sixth grade. A $15 materials fee is due at the time of registration. (If you help out VBS week, there is no registration fee for your child.)

Many helpers will be needed to provide this outreach. Please fill out the “help” form included at the end of this newsletter

if you can lend a hand this summer, or speak with Chris.

WITH SPECIAL THANKS

Dearest brothers and sisters of Cross of Christ,Once again we have been humbled and deeply moved by the love and generosity shown to us by our family here at Cross of Christ. We are so thankful to have such a wonderful church family who loves us and supports us through this difficult time. In the midst of what should be the darkest part of our lives, we are clearly seeing the love of Christ shining through all of you and brightening our days. We cannot thank you enough for everything that you have done for us and pray that God will shower each and every one of you with blessings, peace and love every day.  With great humility and in Christ’s name, Tom, Kelli, Amanda, Abigail, Lexie and Annabelle Hackbardt

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. Our church has a monthly commitment of $250 to Active Faith. Your monetary donations are also invited.

COINS FOR CROSS OF CHRIST Dream Catchers Save your “spare” change for Cross of Christ ministry in our Dream Catcher containers. Take home a labeled can, available on the entryway table. Change will go to the Mercy Fund.

STEWARDSHIPCORNER

Developing a Thankful Heart

God’s Word encourages us to give thanks. Giving thanks is a major theme of Scripture. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, giving thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Jesus Christ for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). We are told to give thanks in good times and in bad times for we have many reasons to give God thanks. By grace, God’s blessings never cease. God is our maker and our redeemer. He has created life and sustains it. How can we not give thanks for the abundant life that we have been given in Jesus? When we give thanks to God for our church, family, work, friends, etc., we honor and praise Him for all that He does and has done for us.

While in prison, Paul wrote four or more of his epistles. In prison, he was cold, slept on the floor, was placed in chains, and was aware that he could be facing imminent death. In spite of his circumstances, he continued to thank and praise God. He urged his readers to be thankful each and every day. In writing to the believers in Colossae, Paul wrote, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17). Again and again Paul encouraged us to be thankful because being thankful helps us enjoy whatever blessings come our way.

Research on thankfulness or gratitude has confirmed the importance of gratitude as it affects behaviors and attitudes toward life. The research study by Dr. Robert Emmons, a professor at the University of California, Davis, found that gratitude elevates, energizes, transforms, inspires, and gives meaning to life. The study found that grateful people have greater vitality and optimism. Ungrateful people tend to be more psychotic and depressed. Dr. Emmons’ research study is titled “Dimensions and Perspectives on Gratitude,” and it found that gratitude caused:

greater happiness more success better health stronger emotional and psychological well-being more restful sleep better relationships

We believers don’t need research to tell us about the benefits of gratitude, but it does confirm the importance of being thankful to God for Who He is and what He does for us. In the words of Rev. Billy Graham, “Gratitude is one of the greatest Christian graces; ingratitude, one of the most vicious sins.”

MAY BIRTHDAYS

2 Carol Walrath 6 Michelle Conrad 9 Charley Hall

Bruce Mach10 Ron Miller Christina Nelson11 Andrew Mattison14 Carol Hermann

Shari Stevenson15 Chandler Lach18 Janet Gorman

Scott LanamLyne Nelson

19 Jeff Hantz20 Matthew Lauer21 Zachary Wasilko22 Carol Nelson23 Nicole Hermann25 Helen Perttunen26 Kelli Lauer27 Karen Neiswinter29 Shealyn Lach

Shelby MartinEvelyn Mayer

30 Blake Evans

MAY ANNIVERSARIES 3 Ben & Kathy Sulisz10 Jim & Sue Zimmerman11 Charles & Amy Deeds21 Bill & Ettie Ann Hirth29 Alan & Janelle Lach

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

MEMBERSHIP

BAPTISM:+ + Zeke Smith Hudson Child of Joel & Samantha Hudson April 17, 2016

TRANSFER IN:+ + Robert & Beverly Beyer All Saints Lutheran, Hartland, MI

+ + Adam & Jessica Wood, Matthew, Elena, Julia, Dylan St. Paul Lutheran, Northville, MI

MEMORIALS

+ + In memory of Doreen Echols, a gift has been given by JoAnne & Monica Jahner, and the O’Haras.

+ + In memory of Frank Huber, a gift has been given by Elsie Huber.

+ + In memory of Doreen Echols, gifts have been given by Ken & Lyne Nelson and Myron & JoAnn Nims.

+ + In memory of Doreen Echols, a gift has been given by Elaine Hickey.

EMAIL ADDRESSESIf 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. Like us on FACEBOOK at:

www.facebook.com/crossofchristsouthlyonALTAR 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.

PAROCHIAL LCMSSCHOOL REGISTRATIONSSt. Paul Lutheran School, Northville, is registering for the 2016-17 school year.Call (248) 349-3146, or visit the school website at: www.stpaulnorthville.org.St. Paul offers member tuition rates for all LC-MS sister congregation members.

*******************************Our Savior Lutheran School in Hartland is

registering for the 2016-17 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.

THRIVENT CHOICE DOLLARS:Thank you for choosing Cross of Christ Lutheran Church or Preschool as your designation for choice dollars! If you have Thrivent products and would like to designate dollars, go to:

Thrivent.com/thriventchoiceLearn more about Thrivent products by calling our congregation’s representative,

Cathy Gateman, CLU, FIC, at734-432-7777 or online at

catherine.gateman@thrivent.com.

Sharing the GospelPrior to Jesus’ ascension, He told His disciples, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all

Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Filled with that power, the disciples began the task that every generation of Christians since then has continued. We

are to share the Gospel in our homes, neighborhoods, at our places of work, and beyond. Being a witness for Jesus is more than attending church or being busy in church work. We share the Gospel so others will come to know Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).

We have been given the privilege, honor, and responsibility to tell others of the greatest miracle that has ever occurred. The Son of God condescended to come to earth to live as one of us, to be humiliated for the sake of those He loves, and then to rise victoriously, the “first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20). This miracle is one to be shouted from the housetops, for it is meant not just for you and me, but for all humankind. That’s what the “Therefore” in the Great Commission means. Christ has died for our sins and risen again so that we might live forever with Him (Matthew 28:18-20). He has authority to issue this command: “THEREFORE GO!” Don’t keep this miracle a secret. Take time to tell it to your family, friends, neighbors and coworkers. Use your talents to build up your church so that its mission and ministry might be enhanced. Spend your resources so that others (if not

you yourself) are enabled to be His witnesses to “all nations.”

M A Y 2 0 1 6C 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.org Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 9:00am Adult Bible Study10:00am Worship Praise Team10:00am Sunday School10:00am Youth Bible Study

2 3

44:00-5:30pm Confirmation

56:00-8:00pm Brownie Troop

6 7

9am-7pmGirl Scout Event

8 Mother’s DayConfirmation Sunday

New Member Welcome

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

9 10 11 12 13 14

15 9:00am Adult Bible Class10:00am Worship Preschool Sings10:00am Sunday School10:00am Youth Bible Study11:00am Coffee Hr: Preschool

16 17

7:00pm Church Council

18 19 20 21

2210:00am Worship + (Ruohonen Baptism)10:00am Sunday School11:00am Congregation Meeting 4:00pm Rehab Center Worship

23 24

25 263:00pm Abbey Park Service

Last Day of Preschool

27 28

29 9:00am Adult Bible Class10:00am Worship +10:00am Sunday School

30

Memorial Day

31+ Indicates Holy Communion

Vacation Bible SchoolJuly 25-29, 2016

9 a.m. – NoonFor children going into Kindergarten (or 5 years old by Nov. 1)

through going into Sixth Grade$15 materials fee per child

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

______ 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 25 – (about an hour)

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

______ I can assist with serving Snack.

______ I can help Decorate before VBS.

Name_________________________________________________________________

Phone Number ________________________________________________________

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

Drop off 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.

CROSS OF CHRIST CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL

24155 Griswold Road, South Lyon, MI 48178248-437-0871 or 248-437-8810

REGISTRATION FORM 2016-17 School Year

_________________________________________ ____________________________________Child’s Full Name Name Preferred for Class

_________________________________________ ____________________________________Name of Parents/Guardians Birth Date

Circle your class choice4 AM Monday/Wednesday/Friday

_________________________________________ 9:15am - 11:45am 2 day 3 dayAddress (Street)

4 PM Monday/Wednesday/Friday_________________________________________ 12:15pm - 2:45pm 2 day 3 day(City, Zip)

3 AM Tuesday/Thursday 9:30am-11:30am____________________/____________________ Home Phone Cell Phone 3 PM Tuesday/Thursday 12:15pm- 2:15pm

____________________ ____________________________________ Cell Phone ALLERGIES

_________________________________________Preferred # for Preschool Parent Directory (Let office know if you don’t want to be included.) Church Membership at:

_________________________________________ ____________________________________Email – please print clearly Name City

___________________________________________________________________________________Names & Birthdates of Siblings

TUITION & FEESREGISTRATION FEE: $70 non-refundable fee per child, required at the time of

registration and must accompany this form.

TUITION: Tuition is a yearly figure divided into 9 payments, Sept. – May.3 year olds (2 days per week) $ 95 per month4 year olds (2 days per week) $120 per month4 year olds (3 days per week) $160 per month(The second child in a family receives a $20 per month discount.)

ACTIVITY/MATERIALS FEE: $30 one-time non-refundable fee per child, due the first session in September. This fee covers the cost of field trips for your child and one adult for the year, plus supplies and materials.

_____________________________________________________ __________________Signature of Parent/Guardian Date