GRAPEVINE

The Grapevine is a monthly publication of Mount Cross Lutheran Church, 102 Camino Esplendido, Camarillo, CA 93010 • 805.482.3847 website: www.mountcross.com • email: office@mountcross.com • Pastor: Julie Morris • Editor: Carina McVeigh

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September 2019 No. 327

All Summer Worship Service at 9:30 AM through September 29, 2019

Blended music with our Mount Cross Praise Band, mixed with traditional hymns and organ music. Children’s Church (located in the nursery) is available for all children every Sunday during worship

after the children’s message. Patio Fellowship for all following the worship service.

Joe Zimmerly is joining us at Mount Cross as the new

Children, Youth and Family Ministry Director! He is cur-rently in his final semester

as a student at Cal Lutheran and will be graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Com-munications with an empha-

sis in Public Relations and Advertising along with a

Minor in Theology & Chris-tian Leadership. Make sure

to introduce yourself!

Carina McVeigh started as our Office Manager in Au-

gust! You may recognize her as our Praise Band Director. She graduated from Califor-nia Lutheran University in December of 2017 with a double major in Theatre

Arts and Theology & Chris-tian Leadership. Be sure to

stop by the office during the week to say hello!

Jessica Easter will be joining the Mount Cross Children, Youth, and Family Ministry Team as our Children and Youth Assistant! Jessica has been attending Mount Cross for the past few years and assisted Katie with Children’s Church regularly. She re-cently graduated from Cama-rillo High School and is look-ing forward to her first year at Cal Lutheran.

Sunday Afternoon Adult Education

Adult Education resumes Sunday, September 8, 2019 from

11am-12pm with a three-part series called “The Heart of

the Matter.” Long-time church members as well as new

members, visitors and seekers are welcome.

Session 1, September 8: The Heart of Christianity Session 2, September 15: The Heart of Lutheranism Session 3, September 22: The Heart of Mount Cross

Men’s Bible Study

All Mount Cross men and their friends are invited to Men’s Bible Study every other Thursday at Denny’s (1659 E Daily

Dr, Camarillo, CA 93010) at 7:30 a.m. In September we will meet Sept 5 and 19.

Women’s Bible Study

A new women’s Bible Study will begin Tuesday, Sep-tember 17 from 8:30-10am for Mount Cross women

and their friends and Child Development Center moms. We will gather informally for coffee and tea and conversation and then study and pray with sto-ries of women in the Bible as we share some of our

Wednesday Nights

Fun with Faith, Adult Education, Confirmation Class, and weekly dinners will resume Wednesday

September 18, 2019 at 5:00pm.

5:00pm: Fun with Faith and Adult Education 6:00pm: Family Dinner - All are welcome!

6:30pm: Confirmation Class

Dear Mount Cross Community, Beginning with the Vacation Bible School show and ending with Worship in the Park, my first month as your

Pastor has been filled with vibrant and joyful events. Thank you for the hot dog BBQ welcoming me and my family to your church and for the countless other gestures of greeting and care you have shown us. I appreciate everyone’s effort to help acclimate me to your congregational systems and your patience with the learning curves involved for me, our new Office Manager (and Praise Band Director), Carina McVeigh, and our new Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries, Joe Zimmerly. I look forward to working with this skilled and energetic team, along with your Church Council and other staff members, to serve God’s purposes for Mount Cross.

I said at our “Worship in the Park” on August 25 that it is good to bring our services outside sometimes, not only to experience God’s presence in the beauty of the earth, but also to remind ourselves that church is not primarily a building; it is people, the People of God. Getting to know the People of God is one of my favorite parts of my job as Pastor. I consider it a sacred privilege to learn your stories and hear about the ways you encounter God, as well as the questions you wrestle with and your hopes for your life and for our church community. In other words, I really want to get to know you. My goal is to meet with every Mount Cross member who wants to take me up on it by Pentecost next year (May 31, 2020). I can come to your home or you can meet me at the church office. I know schedules can be formida-ble, so I’m looking to technology to help us out. I’m setting aside several meeting times each month. You can sign up online for a meeting time at https://signup.com/go/KozGZOP or talk to Carina in the church office. These are “getting to know you” conversations. Of course, if you have need for pastoral care at anytime, please call the church office or email me at pastorjulie@mountcross.com.

As we move forward in ministry together, please know of my prayers for you and I thank you for holding me and Mount Cross in your prayers. May we grow closer to Jesus together and live into our calling to be his hands and heart in the world.

Yours in Christ, Pastor Julie

MANY MEALS ANNUAL FUNDRAISING DINNER

This year the dinner and auction to raise

funds for the fixed costs of operating the

weekly Many Meals program in Camarillo will

be held on November 2nd. Held at Padre Serra

Center, this event raises money to support both

the Monday and Thursday evening meals.

Mount Cross volunteers have been a part of the

Thursday meal since inception 10 years ago in

September. If you have an interest in attend-

ing, talk with Susan Prosser who will have tick-

ets closer to the date. Prosser1@sbcglobal.net

or 805-657-6222.

We have some busy bees working on Make, Bake, Celebrate projects! Check out these gorgeous handmade bird houses from Marlys Waldron’s husband, Steve. Save the date and invite your friends. $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Reserve your tickets at www.mountcross.com or look for us on the patio between services. We will start collecting non parishable items in the office anytime in Sep-tember. All baked goods will have to arrive before noon on September 28th. Questions? Contact Patti Stouch MtCrossMBC@gmail.com or call 805-358-3095.

In the afternoon on October 27, 2019 (Reformation Sunday!) we will be officially installing our new Pastor, The Rev. Julie H. Morris. We are expecting several special guests, in-cluding Bishop Guy Erwin! We hope to see you there!

Pastor Julie’s Official Installation

Shine A Light – Prayer Garden

About ten years ago Ross Crocket (son of Paul and Luanne Crocket) envisioned the Prayer Garden west of the Sanctuary as his Eagle Scout project. He raised money and then brought together friends and family to install the garden on what had been barren ground. It matured into a beautiful little sanctuary in itself. Inconspicuous helping hands have cared for the gar-den ever since. Those caring hands belong to Marilyn Gardner and Jan Mann. They weed, trim, hand water,

and nurture the garden to keep it as a special place. We encourage you to spend a little time there for a prayer or peaceful contemplation. Beyond the Prayer Garden, Marilyn

and Jan created and maintain the lush succulent gar-den on the south side of the office as well as the gar-den around the barbecue. Ross, Jan and Marilyn’s work is another example of quietly and generously giving to our community and to God. `

Treasurer’s Report YTD Income: 94.6% of budget—$13,759 short due

primarily to significant under-performance in the Envelope-Non-Pledge” category

Pledge Income: 101% of budget Total expenses: 95.9% of budget—$10,532 under

budget Net income: short $3,227 Calculated reserves: $41,231—up slightly from

last month

CAMARILLO SENIOR RESOURCE GUIDE 2018-2020

Copies of this Resource Guide have been available to

the church by the Camarillo Health Care District. You

may take one from the Kiosk or the church office.

Contact information is provided for many valuable

services and resources in our community.

Food Basket in September I Peter 1:22 Love one another earnestly from the heart! Sept 1 Pasta and/or Sauce Sept 8 Cereal Sept 15 Canned Meat Sept 22 Cereal Sept 29 Pasta Sauce

Service for Betsy Lee-Myers The service will be Saturday, September 7, 2019 at 2:00 PM here at Mount Cross.

Service for Ann Williamsen The service will be Saturday, September 21, 2019. The time will be determined and published soon. We extend sympathy to Joan Brundage on the death of her father, Bob Spring. We extend sympathy to Lisa Saner and family on the death Lisa’s cousin, Sylvia Miller.

Thank You

Thank you to the Mount Cross Congregation for the out-pouring of love for Meredith and Scott’s farewell and up-coming arrival of Luke Neil Smith, our grandson. A special thank you to Jan & Rick Mann, Tracy & Craig Blois, Jan Gerk, Susan Prosser, Luanne Crockett, Allison John-son, Carol Broderick, and Carlos & Emily Ornelaz for all your help and support with the celebration. It was greatly appreciated! Sincerely, Rick & Marilyn Gardner Mike & Melissa Smith To the wonderful congregation of Mount Cross, Thank you for the fun send off on August 18. I loved the big card and the delicious fruit and angel food cake (my favorite). The monetary gift was overwhelming and is appreciated by a Mom and Dad who have a child in col-lege right now! I have learned so much over the last six year at Mount Cross and most of all I have learned that you love and take care of each other. I know that your future is bright and you will continue taking care of each other and being the feet of Jesus in the world. Peace, Sheri Groenveld

“There can be no happiness if the things we believe in are different from the things we do.” - Freya Stark, The Lycian Shore

Mission of the Month for September: Coastal Cleanup Day, September 21

After the showing of "Blue: The Movie" some of us have become even more aware of the risks our trash creates in our oceans. Join us as we spend a morning working to clean up trash BEFORE it reaches the beach. We were meant to care for the creation God so lovingly made for us... and this gives you an opportunity to do so. We'll work from 9 am till noon, and then share a meal together. Please let Gordon Henry know if you are interested in joining so we have the right numbers for lunch and you get the location of our work (ghenry33@hotmail.com or 805-279-9250).

Monthly Fair Trade Sale: Empowering Farmers

When you choose to buy fairly traded foods, you join a network that empowers farmers in around the world to: * Stay on their land

* Care for the environment * Farm organically * Support their family * Plan for the future!

Available for purchase on the patio the first Sunday of every month,

September 1st this month, Labor Day Weekend.

Collection of the Month for September: Lutheran World Relief Personal Care Kits

Lutheran World Relief goes out on our behalf to help our neighbors when they need it the most. In the last year, they served in Trona, CA (near Ridgecrest) that was hit so badly by the earthquakes... neighbors in our STATE! After food and water, one of the most requested items is the personal care kit. Allowing a person who has suffered a trauma to clean themselves and brush their teeth goes a long way toward restoring their HOPE! For the entire month of September, we will be collecting items to build Personal Care Kits for LWR. We have a goal of 50 kits again this year. Please put all items you donate into the blue box at the back of the sanctuary. We will be as-sembling the kits together during a Wednesday evening meal in early October. Here's what we need:

light-weight bath-sized towels (between 20"x40" and 27"x52" dark color recommended)

bath-size bars of soap, any brand, in original wrapping

sturdy combs

metal nail clippers (attached file optional)

toothbrushes (adult size only, may be in bulk packaging)

These items are very specific and should be new. They cannot have any religious symbols or messages, any patriotic or military symbols, including camouflage or the U.S. flag. If you prefer to let someone else do the shopping, give your donation to Melissa Henry and she will happily take care of it for you!

We will be doing a few different projects with those hands - reaching out in ways to share God's love with our neighbor. Stop by our tables on the patio after church to help. We'll be prepping materials for the LWR kits. We'll be stringing rope straps into backpacks. We'll be writing letters to our government officials to help advance the common good. Come use your hands (and your hearts) to help make the lives of our neighbors a little better!

Serve Together on Labor Day to Harvest Joy, Unity and Interfaith Appreciation!

Volunteers are needed for the 4th Annual Interfaith Labor Day Harvest Monday, Sept. 2nd from 9am - 1pm at the Abundant Table Farm in Camarillo (1012 W. Ventura Blvd off the 101 at Central). Now more than ever we need to gather as a united community and serve alongside one another. This Labor Day, serve with people who are committed to strengthening the fabric of our community. We will help tend a non-profit, organic farm and harvest produce for local food pantries while also growing our appreciation for each other and farm workers who help feed our families every day. Service hours are available for students.

Registration is free and easy at http://labordayharvest.com/ Our work together concludes with lunch and live music. Suggested $10 donation for lunch. Bring sun protection, garden-ing gloves, WATER and a folding chair or blanket for lunch-time. Please contact labordayharvest@gmail.com or talk to Pastor Julie for more information.

CAT Dial-A-Ride Passes Available in the Church Office

Camarillo Area Transit Dial-A-Ride senior bus passes are available in the Church Office for members and others who need alternative

transportation. These passes provide for 10 rides at a value of $1.50 each and have been acquired by the CARE TEAM. This is of-

fered as a convenience for those who may find it difficult to get to City Hall to purchase passes during business hours. Reimburse

the church as you are able. If you are new to this service, there is a brochure with instructions at the church and a member of the

CARE TEAM can assist you in making your first reservation and planning your first ride if desired. Please let the church office know if

you would like assistance and a member of the CARE TEAM will contact you.

ELCA Day of Service

Sunday September 8

RING & SING!

Sanctuary Choir and English Handbell Choir will be resuming on Wednesday September 4, 2019! English Handbell Choir 6:20 p.m. Upstairs balcony Sanctuary Choir 7:30 p.m. Downstairs sanctuary We are looking for a permanent bell ringer on two of the smaller bells. Ringing bells can be a wonderful source of relaxation from the busy pace of weekly life...give it a try! This would be a great time to join the Sanctuary Choir. It is an hour of fun and learning as we prepare to sing the Lord's praises. We’re looking forward to a very rewarding year! Please contact Jayne Pompey at 805-479-6619 or email at tjpompey@gmail.com for more information.

PRAYER CONCERNS Marlene Beveridge (sister of Lisa Saner), Lana (friend of Melissa Henry), Marge (friend of Evonne Kuchera), Stephanie and Bob (friends of Gail Baird), Bonnie Brundage, Gail Cline, Janet Colby, Laura Gramacki (mother of Jim Gramacki), Ronie Hilley (wife of Charles Hilley), Torie Hilley (daughter of Charles Hilley), Jo Hol-ler, Rosa Hubbard (sister of Nils Ruekert), Aaron Mar-roquin (cousin of Nanette Phipps), Janet Padron (friend of Kim Schmeichel), Alan Scott, Pat Springer, Scott Switzler (husband of Pastor Nancy Switzler), and Jean Tillotson, The Williamsen Family, and Russ Yer-masek (friend of Barbara Burke), If you would like to add someone to the prayer list, please e-mail the church office at office@mountcross.com or call 805-482-3847.

Special Thanks! Charlene Sakioka donated her Make, Bake, Celebrate auction win, "Dinner Under the Stars” hosted by Kevin & Rhonda Chur-chill, Anne & Gill Valencia, and Darryl Priest to the Confirma-tion leads this year. We had nothing but top notch hosts that treated us all to amazing fellowship & a dinner menu that would make anyone’s mouth water. And nothing could have been sweeter than "Sharyl’s Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies" that Darryl Priest made. Mt.Cross has a legacy of amazing dinners and fellowship hosted by members. We absolutely appreciate each and eve-ryone one of you that make these happen. Oh and look for the “Dinner Under the Stars” auction item to bid on again this September 28th at Make, Bake, Celebrate!! Thank You Hosts!! With Gratitude, 2018-2019 Confirmation Leads Patti & Brian Stouch (Pastor Jim, Meredith & Scott Smith, John Colby IV, Kate & Brian Fisher)

Mount Cross Lutheran Church

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

102 Camino Esplendido

Camarillo, CA 93010-1717

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PERMIT NO. 43

The next newsletter deadline is Thursday, September 19, 2019.

Please send all articles to office@mountcross.com.

Happy Birthday to… 4 Bill Fanner 6 Sonja Demeter Alan Scott 7 Annalyssa Niedens 9 Holly Ebright Cade Kenz Holly Ebright 10 Sedona Brickley Jessica Easter Darryl Priest 11 Madison Davis Scott Fajnor 12 Lori Baker 13 Rae Russell 15 Todd Ebright 16 Anna Chen Karen Diehl

17 Jim Gramacki Megan Pitsch 18 Sarah Lu 21 Karen Gramacki Jayne Pompey 23 John Riley 24 David Smith 25 Jean Bricker Kennedy Burke Ivan Fernandez 26 Scott Stevens 27 Kira Guzman 28 Katrina Karazissis 29 Tim Schneider

Happy Anniversary to…

13 Gordon & Rae Russell 15 John & Tina Riley 20 Craig & Tracy Blois Tom & Robin Carr 21 Julie Morris & Paul DeBusschere 22 Kost & Jenny Karazissis 27 Rick & Jan Mann 28 Joseph & Stephanie McCormick