church of the cross issue 259 he ross fire 2019...church of the cross issue 259 february 2019...
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Church of the cross Issue 259
February 2019
Special Dates in January
• Communion Sunday, Feb. 3 • 55 & Over @ Feb. 20 at 11:30
am at Chili’s Restaurant • Women’s Retreat, Feb. 23 • Cardio Worship, Tuesday,
@6:30p.m. • Pantry Day, Feb.12 & 26
“Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World”
ON THE INSIDE 2. Pastor’s message 3. A Way Forward 3. Loss in our church 3. Birthdays 4. Creation Mtg. 4. Chili Cook-off 5. Crossover Youth 6. CrossKidz 7. Finances 9. Congregational Notes
THE CROSS FIRE
Saturday, February 23, 2019 8:30 am—3:00 pm
Sharing our God Stories!
Join us for a Women’s Retreat here at Church of the Cross—”Sharing Our God Stories”. I believe each of us has a story we need to share and a story we need to hear. Escape the cold by joining us for a day long experience of sharing and caring from 9:00 am—3:00 pm.
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P A S T O R ’ S M E S S A G E
In Ministry with you… Joel Schutte, Interim Pastor [email protected] Lisa Gleason, Administrative Assistant [email protected] Kristin Miklovic, Director of Children’s Discipleship [email protected] Barb Maniak, Creative & Technical Coordinator [email protected] Lisa Wagoner, Connections Coordinator [email protected] Debbie Corpe Director of Adult Discipleship [email protected] Scott Zaborowski Director of Student Ministries ([email protected] Rich Dubler Traditional/Blended Worship Director [email protected] Aaron Keaster Bell Choir Director [email protected] Joanne Born & Tita Wood Custodians
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Dear Friends,
I hope you are all staying warm in this cold weather!
Over the past week we have been grieving the loss of Donna Myers, our beloved church organist and pianist. Many of you also know that our dear friend Howard Leffel also passed away in the last week. My thoughts go to Hebrews 12:1c-2a which says, “And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” (NIV) It is in times of grieving like this that looking to Jesus helps us to understand that life is truly a race to be run. In order to run well, we must “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.” (Hebrews 12:1b, NIV)
When we imagine that our loved ones have arrived at the end of their race, we see more clearly that life is simply an introduction to an eternity with no end. We race hard for an eternal prize that simply lasts forever. We all suffer with grief and loss in this life. With Holy Spirit present, and our friends and family near us, we can run with determination and dedication to Jesus who, “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2b, NIV) Thank you for running so hard…your effort and commitment will be rewarded when your race is complete.
I wanted to bring a few things to your attention as we begin this new year. First off, my time at COTC as the interim pastor has been extended several months. We are going to take advantage of this time to work through the following objectives at Church of the Cross:
Restoring the Priesthood of the Believers through teaching and training on Sundays
Create a Family Discipleship Team, focusing on whole-church discipleship in 2019
Re-establish Confirmation and Membership classes at Church of the Cross in 2019
Over the next few weeks on Sunday mornings, I will be preaching through the book of John, looking at how Jesus loved the lost, the least, and the lonely. We will be looking for the Biblical principles, gleaned from Jesus, that we can put into practice in our lives. Please see the below chart for your review. If you choose you can add a little extra study before the services too.
For those of you interested in taking a deeper dive into the Sunday morning sermon scriptures, I am teaching a Sunday School class, covering the material each week from 9-10 am. We will meet in the choir room and, with your participation, will have a great time.
Many blessings and we hope you will join with us soon,
Pastor Joel Schutte
Interim Pastor, Church of the Cross
Date Theme Sermon Title Scripture
Sunday, February 3 Who You Love, I Love
Jesus Loves...Those Who are Disabled John 5:1-10
Sunday, February 10 Who You Love, I Love
Jesus Loves...Those Who are Hungry John 6:1-12
Sunday, February 17 Who You Love, I Love
Jesus Loves...Those Who are Homeless John 7:14-24
Sunday, February 24 Who You Love, I Love Jesus Loves...Those Who are Condemned John 8:1-11
CHURCH OF THE CROSS, UNITED METHODIST
A WAY FORWARD – THE FUTURE OF THE UNITED METHODIST
CHURCH You are invited to attend an educational meeting at COTC on Monday, February 4 at 7:00 pm. This session will provide an updated report of the Commission on A Way Forward. As most of you know the Commission’s report consisting of information on three main plans has been submitted to the Council of Bishops. The COB has recommended one of the plans to be adopted by the Special
A WAY F O R WA R D — T H E F U T U R E O F T H E U M C
Issue 259 Page 3
Session of the General Conference which will be convened in St. Louis from February 23 to February 26, 2019. We will review all three plans as well as look at some of the petitions that have been submitted to the General Conference. A scriptural analysis will be included in the presentation. This event will be led by Chris Steiner, a lay delegate to the General Conference from the Maumee Watershed District and Pastor Joel Schutte.
Our hearts are saddened at the sudden and unexpected loss of church member, friend and church Keyboard Musician, Donna Myers. Donna passed away on Monday, January 21st. at St. Luke’s Hospital. Donna has been a member since 1988 and on staff as the Keyboard musician/Organist since 1995. Donna served the church in many other ways also. She served as food pantry volunteer, Lead Team member, Coordinator of email prayer chain for many years among many other ways. Donna is survived by a brother, Curt, daughters Jennifer and Stephanie and two grandsons. Please remember Donna’s family in your prayers as they grieve the loss of their loved one. We offer our sincere sympathy, love and prayers to the family and grieve as a church family with them.
A L O S S I N O U R C H U R C H F A M I L Y
David Zimmerman 2/1
Gratta Lohr 2/2
Julie Zaborowski 2/3
Barbara Duraine 2/4
Sandra Suter 2/5
Jenna Solether 2/6
Rebecca McDonagh
2/9
Alexis Schieman 2/11
Elizabeth Maniak 2/12
Carl Warner 2/12
Jan Albright 2/14
Patty Crots 2/21
Ann Steiner 2/24
Joshua Maniak 2/26
Rebecca Maniak 2/26
Chuck Corpe 2/27
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CREATION - Digging up the Sin Cities of Sodom and Gomorrah
Who has the best chili at COTC?
Mark your calendars for Sunday, March 10th for a Chili Cook-Off! Proceeds to benefit the COTC Community Food Pantry. If you would like to participate by bringing chili, see Christy Zaborowski. More details to come. Watch the bulletin for sign ups!
Creation Meeting: Monday evening February 25 at 7 PM in the Gathering Area. Sodom and Gomorrah are two of five “Cities of the Plain” described in the Bible (Genesis 18-19). Their fame as places of wickedness is legendary. Scholars, however, have dismissed the Biblical accounts
that describe their evil ways and the destruction of these cities as mythological. That is, until their ruins were discovered and excavated by archaeologists. Dr. Bryant Wood will present evidence from the excavations at Sodom and Gomorrah and compare the archaeological
findings with the Biblical descriptions. You will be amazed by the evidence that has been uncovered.
S AV E T H E D A T E ! S U N D A Y , M A R C H 1 0
February Events
3 6-8 pm Youth Group Meeting
10 6-8 pm No Youth Group– Faith & Family Night at the Walleye Game. Meet at the event. If you need a ride call Julie Zab.
17 6-8 pm Youth Group Meeting
24 6-8 pm Youth Group Meeting
9:00 am Youth Sunday School Class
C RO S S OV E R Y O U T H
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Youth Winter Lock In January 2019
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“From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.” Psalm 113:3 NIV
Many thanks for husband’s recovery/healing from heart issues.
Praises to God for so many family blessings.
Praises for all the many praying people in our church.
Praises our Interim Pastor has been extended through March 31, 2019
Appointment for biopsy has been scheduled. Praise God.
Humbled and thankful for sender of Christmas card.
Praise there is not a need for chemo.
Very thankful for recuperation. Glory to God in the highest.
Thankful for God’s care of mother in recent illness and passing.
Thankful for God’s showering us with the blessings of Pastor Joel during the season of transition.
Praises for daughter’s successful in-vitro process.
The Lord answers prayers. I do not need to move.
Praises for 67 years of marriage.
Praise the Lord for 55 years of marriage.
Praises for the love and leadership of our Children’s Ministry Director.
Praises that member’s biopsy was negative.
Thanking God for healing. He is good all of the time.
Thanking God for our daughter and for our veterans.
Member’s eye is better and mother’s doing ok after a fall.
Thanking God for twenty years of marriage.!
Praises that brother’s cancer was removed.
Praise for God’s love and goodness.
Praises and thanks for our COTC’s bountiful harvest from our garden!
Thanking God for the power of prayer.
Praise for a great week of prayer and for the prayer retreat.
Praise God for all the blessings He provided this past week when caring for my four lively grandchildren. The above praises were taken from requests, from e-mails or Sunday connect cards.
G O D ’ S A N W S E R S T O O U R P R A Y E R S
We are also sad to announce the passing of Howard Leffel on Friday, January 25. Howard was 89 and a member here since 1988. He is survived by his wife of 67 years Pat, son Kevin, daughter Tracey, nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren We offer our sincere sympathy and prayers to the entire family. The funeral service was held on Thursday, January 31 at Church of the Cross with Pastor Joe Schutte officiating.
55 & Over Luncheon
The February 55 & Over Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, February 20 at 11:30 a.m. Chili’s Restaurant (6505 Centers Dr. Holland). Sign up at the adult ministry corner or on the connect card.
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F I N A N C E S A T A G L A N C E D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 8 & Y E A R T O D A T E
C O N G R E G A T I O N A L N O T E S
Issue 259
Crossfire Deadline
The deadline for the March Crossfire is February 15. Please submit articles via email to [email protected] or drop off at the church office.
Consider Online Giving Life is busy! That means you may not be at church every Sunday. We hope you won’t forget Church of the Cross even if you are not here every Sunday.
Online giving is a great way to continue your financial support of the mission and ministry programs at COTC, even though you may not be able to be here every week for worship.
To donate electronically using your debit or credit card or checking account transfer, please visit our website at www.cotcumc.com and click on the link that says “give.”
Ugly Quilts Ugly Quilts will meet on Saturday, February16 from 10:00-2:00. A light lunch will be provided. Please contact Dolly Ryan at 419-878-0447 if you are able to attend and for any questions.
Our sincere sympathy is extended to Tita Wood,
(one of our custodians) who’s father passed away in the Dominican Republic. Remember Tita in your prayers as she and her family grieve the loss of their loved one.
Church Library
Please note the Library is no longer accepting donations of books.
Lost Dishes?
Are you missing some kitchen items? Bowls, trays, casserole dishes? We have several items left in the kitchen. Check them out and see if any belong to you! Also, we have a missing Tupperware pie taker (large round). Check to see if you have an extra one.
Church of the Cross Lead Team 2019
Class of 2019
*Ray Sudheimer……………..Trustees Rep Heather Norris………………..SPRC Rep Brad Cox………………………...At Large Member *Keith Lewis ………….……….Finance Rep
Class of 2020 ________ ……………………..Secretary, Lead Team Jerry Metz……...….…………At Large Member Jon Klohn…………..…………At Large Member *Jeff Breymaier.……………At Large Member
Class of 2021 *Jim Norris ………………....At Large Member *Sandy Suter……...………..At Large Member *Warren Leow……………...At Large Member *Chris Steiner ……………..Chair, Lead Team
Other Non-Lead Team key lay positions Lay Member to A/C – Keith Lewis Membership Secretary – Lisa Gleason Lay Leader – Ray Sudheimer
(*New)
2019 Teams FINANCE: Lead Team Liaisons (2): TBD and Keith Lewis Financial Sec.: Dick Coulter & Jon Strole At Large Members: Keith Lewis (Chair) Treasurers: Lynn Siler & Lisa Gleason TRUSTEES: Lead Team Liaisons (2): Ray Sudheimer and TBD Marty Fritts Larry Moore Corky Suter Terry Michel Ray Sudheimer STAFF/PARISH RELATIONS: Lead Team Liaisons (2): Heather Norris and TBD Heather Norris Bill Huber Betsy White CHILDREN’S MINISTRY: Team Leader, Kristen Miklovic Susan Breymaier, Brad Cox, Dorianne Cox, Joe Scribner, Vicki Scribner, Jay Miklovic and Jenna Solether CONGREGATIONAL CARE: Team Leader: Sandy Suter Dinah Henderson Doris Metz Lynn Siler Dorianne Cox Judy Strole Sandy Suter HOSPITALITY: Co-Team Leaders, Cindy Seiple / Vicki Warner Cindy Seiple Doris Coutcher Dolly Ryan Gratta Lohr Dorothy Fritts Vicki Warner Patty Crots Diane Gianino Earlene Joseph Lisa Wagoner Kitchen Coordinator – Joanne Born MISSIONS: Team Leaders: Warren Leow and Deb Corpe Warren Leow Jodi McClain Jeff Breymaier Odella Leow Jon Stole PRAYER: Team Leader Beve Schaefer Warren Leow Betsy White Sara Norris Jean Guernsey YOUTH MINISTRY: Team Leader: Scott Zaborowski Julie Zaborowski Jennifer Strole Brad & Dorianne Cox Jay Miklovic
Phone: 419-382-6722 Fax: 419-382-8712 Email: [email protected]
Church of the Cross
We’re on the Web: Www.cotcumc.com
Church of the Cross, UM
1750 East gate Rd.
Toledo, OH 43614
Address Service Requested Prepared Especially For:
Sunday Schedule: 9:00 AM Sunday School
10:00 AM Coffee Time 10:30AM Worship
Community Food Pantry Every 2nd & 4th Tuesday 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Community Meal - 4th Tuesday
Prayer Line Number# 419.382.6722 M-TH 8:30am-4:30pm
Deadline for copy: 15th of each month. Editor reserves the right to edit for content and space.
1750 Eastgate Rd. Toledo, OH 43614
Church of the Cross
Phone: 419-382-6722 Fax: 419-382-8712
Email: [email protected]
We’re on the Web! www.cotcumc.com