Church of the cross Issue 252

July 2018

Special Dates in July

• Communion Sunday, July 1 • Independence Day, July 4,

Office Closed • Playdate, & Popsicles, July 10

& 24 • Vacation Bible School, July 11

& 12 • 55 & Over Luncheon @ Mail

Pouch, Swanton, July 18 • Free Ride, July 21 • Cardio Worship, Monday,

Tuesday@6:30p.m., Saturday 9:00 am

• Pantry Days, July 10& 24

“Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World”

ON THE INSIDE 2. A note from Pastor Keith 3. Men’s Cookout 3. Migrant Camp Ministry 4. Lead Team Notes 4. Creation Mtg. 5 Crossover Youth 6 Praises 6 CrossRoads Discipleship 7 Finances 7 Congregational Notes CrossKidz-Insert

THE CROSS FIRE

Vacation Bible School

FREE!!

Wednesday & Thursday, July 11-12th, 2018

6:00-8:30 p.m. For Preschoolers & Elementary Kids!

(Pick up a registration form in the Gathering Area or online.)

Why Come to VBS?!?

*It’s a place to meet new friends! *Music & Skits! *Play Games and Projects! *And more…

Page 2 Issue 252

A N O T E F R O M T H E P A S T O R K E I T H

In Ministry with you… Keith Luke, Lead Pastor keith@cotcumc.com Lisa Gleason, Administrative Assistant office@cotcumc.com Kristin Miklovic, Director of Children’s Discipleship kristinm@cotcumc.com Barb Maniak, Creative & Technical Coordinator bamaniak@cotcumc.com Lisa Wagoner, Connections Coordinator lisaw@cotcumc.com Debbie Corpe Director of Adult Discipleship corson.dj@gmail.com Scott Zaborowski Director of Student Ministries (Interim) scottz@cotcumc.com Rich Dubler Traditional/Blended Worship Director office@cotcumc.com Donna Myers, Keyboard Musician office@cotcumc.com Aaron Keaster Bell Choir Director office@cotcumc.com Joanne Born & Tita Wood Custodians

Chu

rch

Staf

f A Story to Tell

In the current sermon series, “God Stories” we began by seeing in Acts 1 that Jesus says that those who follow him will tell of the world about him, taking the Gospel to “Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) Sharing our "God Story" is not for limited to certain people, but it is for all who follow Jesus. We have a story to tell to the world. Each day we encounter people who do not know the hope of being in a relationship with God through Jesus. What is it about your relationship with Jesus that might help others encounter that hope as well? Maybe you have found Jesus to be your hope, your guide, your friend, or your new beginning; this is your “God Story.” We all have “God Stories” to share. Sometimes we place an over-emphasis on the “testimonies” in the church of those who have had the most dramatic transformations. Such accounts are indeed essential to share, however when elevated too much; others can be left feeling that their God Story is not as significant. In reality, when we encounter and enter a relationship with God through Christ, we all have a story to share. In the first sermon of the series, I challenged us to all answer this question: “What is it about the story of your relationship with Jesus that could help your neighbor draw closer to God?” Then taking that, we create a two minute “God Story” to share with others when moments are right. These prompts can be very helpful in shaping your story: 1. Before Jesus, I… 2. How I Met Jesus… 3. After Jesus, I… If you complete each of these prompts with a sentence or two, they would then tie together to form your God Story. Then I would challenge you to pray for God to show you natural places in conversations to share it. We live in a world where people are desperate for something ‘more’ in their lives. However, they do not want to be lectured to or have scripture quoted to them. When they hear in authentic ways what it has meant to you personally to know Jesus, then they will often be much more able to understand. What is your God Story? In Christ, Pastor Keith

Gentlemen, it's time again to prepare for the annual Men's Cookout and 57th Annual Retreat at Church of the Cross! The Men's Cookout will be at COTC on August 16, with dinner starting at 6:30 pm. Dinner will include hamburgers, cheeseburgers, brats, baked beans, potato salad, and all the fixin's. We have had a great time with this fellowship opportunity, and this year should be no exception! Pastor David Stephens, the leader for the 57th Men's Retreat, will give us a short preview of the theme of the Retreat. The Cookout is free, but we do need a count on how many to cook for. Guys, we encourage you to bring any friends who would enjoy an evening of great food and fellowship, just sign up at the Adult Ministries kiosk or call or email the Office at COTC. You can use the office email address above to reply. And don't forget that we have the 57th Annual Retreat coming up soon. The Retreat will be held at Camp Storer in

S AV E T H E D A T E ! M E N ’ S C O O K O U T — A U G U S T 1 6

Issue 252 Page 3

Sharon Horrigan 7/1 Ruth Ann Martin 7/1 Jodi* McClain 7/1 Scott Zaborowski 7/2 Scott Hahnlen 7/8 Lynn Siler 7/9 April Roth 7/12 Jeremiah Luke 7/14 Heather Norris 7/14 Larry Johnson 7/15 Dinah Henderson 7/16 Elizabeth Huber 7/16 Rob LaGreca 7/17 Kimberly Huber 7/18 Alec Seiple 7/20 Don White 7/20 Richard Dubler 7/22 Donna Myers 7/22 Lisa Wagoner 7/22 Richard Zaborowski 7/22 Kyle Metz 7/23 Emily Cox 7/24 Peter Maxwell Sr. 7/24 Bradley Cox 7/25 Caleb Roth 7/26 Eli Roth 7/26 Isaac Roth 7/26 Simon Roth 7/26 Doris Metz 7/28 Linda Welsheimer 7/31

Napoleon, MI starting the evening of October 5 and winding up on Sunday morning October 7. We are planning a weekend of great food, fun and fellowship, with Rev. David Stephens, former pastor of Church of the Cross, presenting the spiritual study material for the weekend. We are able to hold the cost for the weekend once again to $81. We are planning a weekend full of great food, fellowship, learning, and fun! If you can't come for the whole weekend, come for Saturday or for one night. The camp has been very flexible with us on charging for people who only are there for part of the weekend. We will have sign-up sheets available for the Retreat at the Adult Ministries Kiosk, or you can call or email the Office. Any questions, email or call me or Keith Lewis. Blessings, Ray Sudheimer 419-410-6615

M I G R A N T C A M P M I N I S T R I E S

Migrant Camp Ministries will begin July 17 and minister Tues-day evenings through August 14 at various camps in the Norwalk/Willard area. We are in need of do-nations of clothing, especially men's jeans and t-shirts. If you are inter-ested in participating this summer (you do not need to available for every camp), please contact Debbie Corpe (419-215-2247 or corson.dj@gmail.com) or the

church office. Thank you for all of your support for this ministry over the years! May God's Grace Be With You! Debbie Corpe

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L E A D T E A M N O T E S – M A Y 2 0 1 8

The meeting was opened with devotion and prayer from Pastor Keith based upon The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence.

Ray Sudheimer reported for the Trustees to Lead Team: Plans for the Sanctuary Upgrade are in progress with the McKnight Group. They are looking at economical ways to improve the exterior landscaping and drainage. Lights in the gym have been replaced. Entrance and exit signs will be replaced soon. A little “Little Library” will be established to have books available for exchange with neighbors, to be administered by Julie Zaborowski. They are looking at a new sign directing people to the Zone area

L E A D T E A M M I N U T E S

and other Sunday School classes. Handicapped and guest parking signs are being reinstalled. An old altar, two prayer rails, a podium, and the old worship sound board were donated to the Widewater Retreat Center for use by Emmaus Walk groups.

Finance Reports: were discussed and accepted. Income continues to outpace expenses. There has been a request for more funds for the Food Pantry. Finance will handle this by monitoring the current budget and applying funds as needed, then adjusting the budget accordingly for next year. We will resume putting reminders in the Crossfire and weekly bulletins asking for help with specific needs.

Pastor’s Report: He is

working on yearly reviews of staff and possible adjustments of job descriptions due to changes in the worship schedule and other factors affecting the scope of the positions, such as personal preferences and ongoing needs of the church. There was a long discussion of the new worship schedule with many positives and possible areas for improvement. Triad outreach meetings will resume with Heather Norris assisting in leadership. Pastor Keith requested Lead Team members to each give him 3 suggestions for possible new Lead Team members for the upcoming year.

Pastor Keith ended the meeting with prayer.

C R E A T I O N M E E T I N G

The Heavens Declare!

Creation Meeting: Monday even-ing July 23 at 7 PM in the Gather-ing Area. Psalmist David wrote “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day ut-ters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge.” This DVD documentary examines the origin of the universe with five experts in

astrophysics. Learn how one’s worldview shapes your ideas about the data, and the big challenges for the Big Bang. Bonus video with cosmologist Dr. Russ Humphreys exploring Einstein’s general theory of relativity and the scientifically documented phenomenon of gravitational time dilation – Light-Years? No Problem!

July Schedule (Please note the youth leaders were on the mission trip at press time and we did not get all the July information.)

1 No Youth Group

8 6:00 Youth Group, Human clue, pies for dessert and a great message!

15 Youth Group

22 Youth Group

29 Youth Group

C R O S S O V E R Y O U T H

Issue 252 Page 5

Youth Outdoor Baptism

August 12, 6:30-8 pm Olander Park, 6930 Sylvania Ave "at the beach". If you have never been baptized or you just want to reaffirm your baptism, join us down by the water. A dessert reception will follow. If you want to come support the youth, all are welcome! We also will be having a moment of prayer for our annual senior send off. Please RSVP to Scott or Julie if you want to be baptized.

Crossover Youth Homelessness Awareness Event

Saturday, August 4th 4pm-7am.

The youth will be sleeping in cardboard boxes on Molly's blankets and with Ugly quilts. This will be an all- night event! We will have a police officer in the parking lot for security. The night will be filled with praise and worship, skits, fasting. The Cherry Street Mission will be there to speak along with a Pastor from TENT city. WE ARE HOPING THE CHURCH WILL Fast FOR THE EVENT FROM 10AM-6 PM. The money raised will go to CHERRY STREET MISSION.

The Cross f i re Page 6

G O D ’ S A N W S E R S T O O U R P R A Y E R S

“Everyday I will bless You, And I will praise Your name forever and ever”

Praise for birth of grandson.

Thank God for devoted loving mothers.

Thankful for all God’s blessings bestowed upon family.

Praises for mother who is now home after 3 hospital stays and rehab for five weeks.

Praise that uncle has asked Jesus into his life and also received baptism-a real celebration.

Praises for friends’ 40th birthday and for a new job and a raise.

Praises that the new house goes well.

Praises that daughter’s surgery went well and is now home!

Praise for the baptism of three grandsons.

Thankful for son’s recent job interview.

Praises for son and wife’s new adventure in planting a campus church.

Praises for mother’s 90th birthday.

PTL for mower and trimmer for garden and for harvest God will provided.

Praises son has a car to use during his time back home in US.

Husband is grateful for new medication.

Praises for birth of a third great granddaughter.

Praises that nephew is being discharged from the hospital. The above praises/answers were taken from requests at the altar from emails or Sunday connect cards.

CROSS ROADS You are welcome to attend any class on any Sunday at 9AM. The Road to Practical Christianity – What does the Bible say to us today? Join us any Sunday for a lively discussion of how and why scripture matters today. The only homework is applying what we learn day by day out in the world. Led by Bill Krody in the Library. Road Map: Ed Lybarger will be leading a Bible in A Year (BiYA)

C R O S S R O A D S D I S C I P L E S H I P

starting July 8 beginning with scriptures from Psalms and Proverbs. Learn more about the Bible, how it all fits together, and what it says to us today in this chronological study. Don’t worry if you cannot come every Sunday; please join Ed whenever you are able. (Classroom 2)

On the Road with Jesus – Galatians In this Book of the Bible series on RightNow Media, Kyle Idleman dives into the book of Galatians, one that

contains some of the clearest explanations of the gospel in the New Testament. Through biblical study and engaging lessons, Kyle shows that true freedom is found in surrender, not self-dependence. Because our gospel is not one based on our works, but faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Led by Sandy Suter in the Connect Room (Classroom 4).

55 & Over Luncheon

The 55 & Over Luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, July 18 at Mail Pouch (14260 Airport Hwy., Swanton,) Sign up at the Adult Ministry Corner or on the Connections Card.

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F I N A N C E S A T A G L A N C E M A Y 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 252

Crossfire Deadline

The deadline for the August Crossfire in July 15. Please submit articles via email at office@cotcumc.com or drop them off at the church office. Thank you for meeting this deadline.

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.”

Congratulations to Dave & Elizabeth Olin on the birth of twin grandchildren, a boy and girl on June 18th! Proud parents are Darron & Miranda Olin.

Directory Changes New Address: Miklovic Family 2249 Glenrose Maumee, OH 43537

Free Ride July 21, 2018

Antique Motorcycle Swap Meet

Fulton County Fairgrounds

Meeting at Church of the Cross at 10:00 a.m.

From antique bicycles and mini bikes to vintage Harley’s, this is a great meet for motorcycle enthusiasts!

Phone: 419-382-6722 Fax: 419-382-8712 Email: office@cotcumc.com

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 Hour | 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

Editor: Lisa Gleason

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: office@cotcumc.com

We’re on the Web! www.cotcumc.com

We have fresh dill available for pickling. First come, first serve. Come check out the True Vine community gar-den and see all that is going on. Volunteers always needed! Our vegetable garden is based on latest information on organic growing, care, and companion planting. Your TVCG is a scientific adventure with a lot of faith. For us it is an adventure God has placed on us No time frame for work required. No experience needed. And you get to eat the best vegetables ever!

Larry & Agneta

Our Food Pantry needs are: Toilet paper, dish soap ,laundry soap and toiletries. Also, plas c grocery bags. Bring

items to the church any me. There is a basket in the Gathering Area for the items. Thank you for suppor ng the

COTC Community Food Pantry.

  

  

  

Communion Servers 

July

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Altar Prayer Schedule 

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Coffee Hour 

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Welcome Center/Greeter 

Front Door 

Side Door 

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Assis

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