Electronic Newsletter – July, 2020

A Word from the Vicar In the Episcopal Church, we have a book called ‘Lesser Feasts and Fasts’ which gives the scripture readings, collects (prayers), and brief introductions for the

focus of the day. In the Church, one such Feast Day is July 4th, Independence Day and the collect we use on this day leads us to pray this:

Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won

liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations

then unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace

to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ

our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,

for ever and ever. Amen.

As Christian Americans, we enjoy the freedom to worship as we choose and the freedom to govern ourselves. With this in mind, it is important to remember that these liberties came at a great cost and come with great responsibilities. It is a sad fact but the teachings and practices of our faith are slowly but surely being removed from our schools and other governmental institutions. So, the duty of passing on ‘the faith once received’ (Jude 1:3) is falling on us, the Church. Are we living our lives and proclaiming our faith so that this nation can see God at work? Are we setting an example of who and what our great country was founded on in Christ?

During this very difficult time of the COVID-19 pandemic and all the racial tension that has reignited we cannot and should not retreat or remain silent. But what can we do? First and foremost, we must be a people of prayer. Are you praying daily for God’s guidance for how we can serve Him in this time? The second is being willing to reach out to people who are ‘high risk’ of being really sick if they catch the Coronavirus. Simply making phone calls, sending cards, and even distant visiting can make a huge impact on someone who is self-isolating. Are you wearing a mask in public places? You know… it really is for the protection of others more than it is for yourself.

As far as racial tensions reigniting. Systemic racism has been a part of America’s darker side of history. How much do we really know about what minorities and women have suffered? Have we really researched what is happening to our brothers and sisters of Christ who are minorities? Are we willing to take a stand when called on? This is a sensitive and volatile subject for many… how can we be the light of Christ in the face of racism? While there are a lot of things going on in our country that are…. well…. not in line with the faith we still have a lot to be very thankful for. Our liberties have come at a great price. We live in the greatest country in the world where we have the freedom to worship and govern. God bless America! I pray that you are having a blessed and safe summer. Happy 4th of July! +Fr. Deke

Our Ministry Spotlight for July Is

Silly Sock Saturdays Our own Zach Kirkland has a great ministry going to kids who are in the hospital. He gathers silly socks (no, seriously, literally silly, fun socks) and other materials and distributes them to kids who have to be in the hospital. Want to help while having some fun? Here is a great way to do so:

In other News…

We are finally open for public Worship!! We have been given the green light by the National Church and the Diocese to

reopen for public worship and gatherings. We are able to do so safely because of

well thought-out guidelines. Here is what you need to know:

Services are only at 9:00 a.m. – We can only have a max of fifty people at a time in

the buildings. And we are not able to have coffee hour…. at least for now. Here

are some important things to remember:

Masks are mandatory. They must cover your mouth and nose. There is

also a sign-up sheet in the Narthex for each service. Please only one name to a

line. (The sign-up sheet is in case someone becomes sick, we can tell who was in a

service with them and if you may have been exposed.) From signing in, please use

the hand sanitizer (dispenser on the wall to the left as you enter the Nave).

There is no passing of the offering plate. This will be located at the rear of the

church and you may drop your offering there (without touching the plate, please!)

either before you enter, or on your way out.

Speaking of on your way out, this is when the communion wafer will

be offered. No wine – especially no common cup. Also, we will still have the ten

o’clock service being broadcast over Facebook Live, and will have “drive up

communion” for a half hour after each service. We are also recording the ten

o’clock service for YouTube.

We want to encourage all that can to come and be a part of the family as we gather

to worship. If this is just not possible for you to do, please join us on Facebook

live and/ or YouTube.

Check out our New Website

The new website is now live! Computer Man (Richard Howell and his team) have been busy bringing this to life. It’s a lively document and all the back-end stuff (updated program, accessibility stuff, etc.) allows for a greater ease of getting information out to you – our congregation – and to the public. Go check it out! The web address is: holycrosswinterhaven.com

We are in Need of Lay Eucharistic Ministers

You’ve seen them wearing the white albs serving at the altar. They

have a variety of roles within our services. LEM one may be seen carrying the

cross in the processional and recessional (if we are lacking an acolyte). They may

also be called on to light the candles at the beginning of each service and

extinguish them at the end. LEM one also reads the New Testament reading and

rings the Sanctus bells during the Eucharistic prayer and serves at the distribution

of Communion by administering the chalice.

LEM two assists the Deacon at the altar by carrying the Gospel book in

processions and at the time of the reading of the Gospel. They also assist the

Deacon in setting the table for the Holy Eucharist and administering the Chalice.

LEM stands for Lay Eucharistic Minister and it is a Diocesan licensed, Lay position

in the Church. There is a brief training that is required but there is also the clergy

and other LEM’s to help guide you. This is a great ministry for those who are

feeling called to serve at the altar of our Lord. If you are feeling called to this or if

you are thinking you might be called to this, please contact Fr. Deke at the Church

office or Deacon Betty.

Other Ministries, Fellowship, and Service Opportunities…

Women’s Night Out This is a great social event for women to come and be with other women!

This month Women’s Night Out will be:

Thursday, July 16, at 5:30 p.m. Olive Garden Restaurant

405 Cypress Gardens Blvd. Winter Haven

Come, enjoy, and get to know those with whom we worship!

You must call and make reservations with Barbara Legee at the church office (863-324-4021) or Michelle Cobb (863-289-0357). Also – Please remember to wear a mask except when eating. If you are feeling ill, please don’t come, but let the church know so we can pray for your health!

Jesus was a Carpenter Ministry

A new ministry has begun at Holy Cross! This ministry seeks to help those who are not able, for whatever reason, with their outside house work. We have a group that can help with yard work, pressure cleaning, and other around the house things. If you wish to help with this ministry or donate toward the cost, please let us know in the Church office!

Bible Study – The Gospel according to Matthew

We will be meeting in the Parish Hall at 8:00 a.m., prior to the 9:00 a.m. service.

Members may read a portion of the Scripture, then some background is given, and

then there is discussion about how this relates to us today. Come join the

discussion! Please do not forget your masks.

Our Prayer Ministry

This ministry has come to life! We have several people who have signed

up to pray. Our prayer list consists of those names you see on the screens

on Sunday mornings and mentioned in the Prayers of the People, led by

the Deacons during the service(s).

If you have people you wish added to the list, removed from the list, or

just prayed for, please contact the office.

… pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a

righteous man availeth much. James 5:16b

Live, Love, and be Happy!

Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away they were

meant to be there, to serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson, or to help you

figure out who you are or who you want to become. You never know who these

people may be (possibly your roommate, neighbor, co-worker, long-lost friend, or

even a complete stranger) but when you lock eyes with them, you know at that

very moment that they will affect your life in some profound way.

And sometimes things happen to you that may seem horrible, painful, and

unfair (whoever said life was fair?) at first, but in reflection you find that without

overcoming those obstacles you would have never realized your potential, strength,

willpower, or heart.

Everything normally happens for a reason. Illness, injury, love, lost

moments of true greatness, and sheer stupidity can all occur to test the limits of

your soul. Without these small tests, whatever they may be, life would be like a

smoothly paved, straight, flat road to nowhere. It would be safe and comfortable,

but dull and utterly pointless.

The people you meet who affect your life, and the success and downfalls

you experience help to create who you become. Even the bad experiences can be

learned from. In fact, they are probably the most poignant and important ones. If

someone hurts you, betrays you, or breaks your heart, forgive them, for they have

helped you learn about trust and the importance of being cautious when you open

your heart. If someone loves you, love them back – unconditionally – not only

because they love you, but because, in a way, they are teaching you to love and

how to open your heart and eyes to things.

Make every day count!!! Appreciate every moment and take from those moments

everything that you possibly can for you may never be able to experience it again.

Talk to people that you have never talked to before – and actually listen. Love –

unconditionally. AGAPE love.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your

enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute

you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his

sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the

unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even

the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are

you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must

be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:43 – 48)

Schedule of Servers for July…

Didn’t See Something You Thought Should be Here?

If you did not see your information here, that means we did not hear from you or receive your article. Please contact the Church office with your article and we will update this Newsletter and resend it. Thank you to everyone for all your love and support for Holy Cross Church and we pray that you will have a great summer!!