CROSS OF CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH24155 Griswold Road, South Lyon, MI 48178

248-437-8810Fax: 248-437-708

www.crossofchristlutheran.org Email: cross-christ@att.net S E P T E M B E R, 2 0 1 5

Sunday Worship: 10 a.m.Holy Communion is celebrated on the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Sundays of the month.

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,

September is a month when school and activities begin again. That is true at church too. Activities and classes that resume after Labor Day include meetings, Confirmation class, Adult Bible Class, Sunday School, and Preschool. Some of us get busier leading, teaching, or participating in these classes or activities.

How do we feel about our busier schedules? We may feel excited and look forward to the fuller schedule. We enjoy the classes and activities. We also might feel anxious and overwhelmed. We became accustomed to the lighter summer schedule. It is a challenge for us to adjust to the more demanding fall schedule.

Our hearts are anxious and fearful at times. You may have identified yourself as an “anxious person.” What causes us to feel anxious? We live in a fallen world that sometimes includes anxiety and fear.

There are uncertainties in life. Disease afflicts our bodies at times. Even in the summer and fall we can catch colds and flu. Cancer or heart disease afflict some of you. We could lose hearing, eyesight, and mobility to accident, disease, or old age. I have needed glasses for 53 years. Some of you are afflicted with cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration. Those eye afflictions have impaired your eye sight. Aging or afflictions have impaired our ability to walk, jump and run. I am thankful I was still able to jump during some of the songs at Vacation Bible School in July. Cold viruses, laryngitis, or strep throat made it difficult for us to speak.

Into this world Jesus comes to save. Jesus Christ is God. Jesus came into the world to save you from your sins and from hell. Jesus saved you by His life, death, and resurrection. You are saved by believing in Jesus and by being baptized.

Our Lord’s worlds set troubled hearts at peace: “be strong, fear not!” Rejoice in the Lord. The joy of the Lord is your strength. Put on the full armor of God. Put on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, gospel of peace shoes, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Trust in our Lord. Hear and read God’s Word. Pray to God. God will give you His strength and peace.

When God says “fear not,” pay attention, for this is far different from an empty platitude. They are words that cast out our fears for God is acting. God works through His peaceful words to pull the weeds of fear out of our hearts and minds. God plants the flowers of His peace.

God said to His people Israel, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” Fear not, for Jesus has redeemed you. Jesus redeemed you on Good Friday when He shed His precious blood for you on the cross. Our Lord called you by name when you were baptized. You are Christ’s child and disciple.

May God bless you and your family during this month of September and always!

Sincerely Yours in Christ,Pastor Terry Nelson

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

SUNDAY SCHOOL classes are held at 10 a.m. for children three years old through fifth grade. Children are dismissed to their classes from the worship service after the opening hymn. Classes resume on Sunday, September 13th.

YOUTH BIBLE STUDY for grades 6-12 will begin meeting for a new school year on Sunday, September 20. The Youth Bible Study typically meets the first and third Sundays of the month during the worship service. Young people are dismissed to their class after the opening hymn.

Youth activities are held throughout the year. The next activity will tentatively be planned for October. Watch your bulletin and sign up board for more information.

SUNDAY ADULT BIBLE CLASS

Sunday mornings at 9 a.m. We will begin on September 13th with the dvd study of “Martin Luther and the Events of the Reformation,” sponsored by Lutheran Hour Ministries. It was Martin Luther, born in 1483, whom God would use mightily to declare unequivocally to the world that it is by grace – and grace alone – we are saved. All are welcome to join us!

CONFIRMATION

Confirmation class is held Wednesdays from 4:00-5:30pm during the school year. If you would like your child to attend Confirmation instruction, speak with Pastor Nelson.

All are invited . . . .Ice Cream Social

Sunday, September 20th

after worship

The Board of Evangelism/Stewardship will host the ANNUAL ICE CREAM SOCIAL on Sunday, September 20th. A delicious lunch will be served, as well as Ice Cream with lots of toppings! A free-will donation will be received.

CROSS OF CHRISTCHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL

Following are the upcoming schedules for September:

Open House/Orientation Dates for Children Registered:

4’s am (M, W & F morning) Class: Monday, September 14, from 9:30am – 10:30am4’s pm (M, W & F afternoon) Class: Monday, September 14, from 11:00am – Noon3’s am (T & Th morning) Class: Tuesday, September 15, from 9:30am – 10:30am3-4’s pm (T & Th afternoon) Class: Tuesday, September 15, from 11:00am – Noon

The FIRST DAYS OF SCHOOL are:

Wednesday, September 16 4 am Class 9:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.Wednesday, September 16 4 pm Class 12:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.Thursday, September 17 3 am Class 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.Thursday , September 17 3 pm Class 12:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.

We currently have limited openings in our afternoon 3 and 4 year old fall classes. We are a play-based program for three and four year olds with age-appropriate academics and kindergarten readiness. Call the office for more information.

Consider a gift to the Preschool Scholarship Fund to provide tuition help for families with need.

ADULT CHOIR

People of all voices are needed -(soprano, alto, tenor, and bass). If you enjoy singing praises to God, please prayerfully consider singing in the Choir. Speak with Pastor Nelson if interested. Our Choir plans on singing once a month at the 10 a.m. worship service.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2015 VBS TEAM!

SPECIAL THANKS to our VBS Director, Bonnie Reichert, Ron Reichert, and our teachers and helpers for their works of faith before, during, and after VBS! Also, thank you to Janet Kaiser for teaching the Bible Lessons, Amy Deeds for coordinating VBS Snacks, Lisa Sterling for leading Music, and Onnalee Lach for leading Recreation. We also thank Marci Wasilko, Patty Wadkins, Diana & Olivia Hindley, Shealyn & Trenton Lach, Shelby Martin, Emily Olsen, Doreen Echols, Abbi & Amanda Hackbardt, Emily Deeds, Joe Hughes, Deanna Pirrie, Hannah Tucker, and Trevor Mitchell! THANK YOU to Ettie Ann & Bill Hirth and Carole Bedard for organizing the church potluck!

We thank St. Joseph Catholic Church for letting us use some of their VBS decorations again this year.

Thank you to all!

Our Vacation Bible School mission offering this year went to the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod’s Disaster Response for the people of Nepal recovering from the devastating earthquake.

FUNERAL LUNCHES

THANK YOU to all who provide food and help at our funeral lunches. We appreciate all of the help given! We need people to prepare a dish, i.e. a pasta salad, dessert, etc., when called for a church funeral luncheon. To be added to the list, please contact Annie Nichols at 248-437-9599 or call the church office.

EMAIL ADDRESSES

If you’d like to be added to our email list, contact cross-christ@att.net. 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/crossofchristsouthlyon

BOARD OF TRUSTEES UPDATE

A lot has been accomplished in upkeep and repair of the church building and parsonage during the spring and summer months. One of the parsonage bathrooms has been updated; the leaking church steeple has been repaired; the narthex and gathering hallway has been painted; and the entire parsonage outside has been painted. In the near future, the parsonage tub and shower will be replaced. Thank you to all who have donated to these special projects!Any questions or suggestions, give me a call. . . . . Bonnie Reichert (248-349-1555)

ALTAR FLOWERS

Dates are open in October and November.

Sign up for those important dates in celebration of birthdays, anniversaries, etc. or in memory of loved ones. Vases are available for $30 each and may be taken home after worship. Two vases are available each Sunday. (You do not need to sign up for both.) Checks are made out to “Cross of Christ” – designated “Altar Flowers.”

COINS FOR CROSS OF CHRIST

Dream Catchers Needed: Empty 11 oz. Coffee Cans

Grant Neiswinter has inspired and challenged us to save our “spare” change for Cross of Christ ministry in our Dream Catcher containers. Take home a labeled can, available on the entryway table.LWML MITE BOXES

2015-2017 Biennium LWML Mission Goal: $2,000,000THANK YOU to all who participate in the Mite Box collection. $105.82 has been sent to LWML from our recent collection. Individual MITE BOXES are available on one of the tables as you enter the church. The purpose of the large mite box, also on the table, is to collect your mites when your individual box is full. This money is then sent to the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League who distributes it, along with other mites collected, to projects dedicated to spreading the Gospel around the world. If you prefer to leave your full mite box in the large one, please make sure your name is on it so we can return it to you. The box is yours to refill as often as you are able.

RUMMAGE SALE UPDATE

THANK YOU to Nancy Ulrich for organizing and giving of her time and talent at our RUMMAGE SALE in June. We appreciate all of the helpers who gave of their time and for the many donations. Special thanks also to Nancy’s friend, Vicky Labby, for giving many hours of her time. The profit from this year’s sale was $1272.50. Thank you!

THANK YOU

We thank the Board of Evangelism/Stewardship for hosting the June luncheon. All in attendance enjoyed the delicious lunch and the magician’s special entertainment!

Thrivent Choice®.

Cross Of Christ Lutheran Church has received $13,002 in Choice Dollars® grant funds since enrolling in the program five years ago. If you are a Thrivent policy holder and have not selected Cross of Christ Lutheran Church or Preschool as your designated choice, do so at Thrivent.com/thrivent choice. For information about Thrivent products, contact:

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

catherine.gateman@thrivent.com.Each year you need to renew your Choice designation.

AREA NEWS

Partnering with Parents in providing a Christian Education for our Children:ST. PAUL LUTHERAN SCHOOL, Northville, www.stpaulnorthville.org, offers a K through 8th

grade educational program, “Where Education and the Love of Christ Come Together.” Contact the school principal, Jared Weiss at principal@st.paulnorthville.org or call the school office today at 248-349-3146 to schedule an appointment and for additional information. St. Paul offers member tuition rates for all LCMS sister congregation members.

GOLFING IN THE DARK? Goodlife Community Partnership is hosting a GLOW GOLF outing at Hampton Golf Club, Rochester Hills, Saturday, Oct. 24th, beginning at 6 pm. This is a 9 hole "Glow Golf" scramble, beginning with a BBQ and featuring prizes and silent auction. Proceeds go to "make life better" in our community. The donation/cost is $55 per golfer. 

The Detroit Lutheran Singers will begin their 2015-2016 season on Monday, Sept. 14 th. Auditions will be open for all voices this year. They will occur on the evening of our first rehearsal. Interested singers who can read music should request an audition time by emailing or phoning Norma Sander at bethnorma@aol.com, (248) 895-0018. Auditions will last approximately 10 minutes.

STEWARDSHIP CORNER

Abiding Produces Fruit

God calls us to live lives of abundant fruitfulness (good works— thoughts, attitudes, or actions that glorify God). The key to bearing fruit is found in the 15 th chapter of John’s Gospel where Jesus tells us that He is the Vine and we the branches. As the Vine provides nourishment to its branches, Jesus fills, sustains, and empowers us. It is the connection we have with Jesus, the Vine, that makes our fruit possible. Jesus said, “I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in Him, he it is that bears much fruit…” (verse 5). By God’s grace, we understand that, through our own power, we are unable to bear fruit. Because it is Jesus Who enables us to be fruitful, we can bear fruit, more fruit, and much fruit in our lives, thus bringing glory to our Heavenly Father (verse 8).

God’s Word refers to the connection between the vine and branches and our connection with Jesus as “abiding.” Through His holy Word and Sacraments, Jesus abides in us, stays with us, and makes Himself at home with us. Through His holy Word and Sacraments, we stay in touch with Him, remain attached to Him, and receive life and power from Him. His life-giving Word abides in us, making us fruitful, like healthy branches on a good vine. If our connection with Jesus is severed, it is because we have caused the separation. Jesus will “never leave [us] nor forsake [us]” (Hebrews 13:5).

The fruit that we bear is not only made possible by our abiding in Jesus, it indicates that we have been and are in union and communion with Jesus. Our fruit is Jesus working in and through us. Our fruit is seen as we share the Gospel with others and introduce neighbors, friends, and co-workers to Jesus. Through faith we understand that our efforts to advance the Gospel are both a responsibility and privilege. The more we “abide” in Jesus, the more we will share our time, talents, and money with God by serving and witnessing and giving to others. Each and every day we are given opportunities to bear fruit. Some acts of service may be as small as opening the door for others or they may be as big as spending the entire day or several days helping someone in need. It may be giving money sacrificially to help others in need. Through faith, by God’s grace, we can be ready and willing to bear fruit, bringing glory to God through our faithful and fruitful lives.

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WE ARE GOD’S INSTRUMENTS THROUGH WHICH OTHERS HEAR AND LEARN ABOUT JESUS. “You will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

4 Myron Nims 5 Ryan Gates 7 David Gerke

Karin Wolski 8 Jacquelyn Zimmerman 9 Emma Rancour10 Steven Petsch11 Neil Allan Nichols Judy Nimer12 Lea Faust

Aidan Lockard14 Christopher Lauer15 Steve Gorman17 Earl Baldwin19 Matthew Deeds22 Tom Flook26 Evelyn Oliver27 Kirsten Lanam

Ryan Stevenson

SEPTEMBERANNIVERSARIES

2 Brent & Lisa Sterling 6 Jeffrey & Rebecca Kreipke10 Myron & JoAnn Nims17 Keith & Beverly Pixley25 Mike & Marci Wasilko28 Robert & Diana Hindley

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

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

BAPTISMS:+ + Eliana Catherine Gerlach Maximilian Joseph Gerlach Children of Adam & Rebecca Gerlach August 9, 2015

ADULT CONFIRMATION:+ + David Owen Nelson

TRANSFER IN:+ + Lynda Whitcher From Holy Trinity, Livonia, MI

TRANSFER OUT:+ + Harold & JoAnn Zoller To Faith, New Port Richey, FL

Chosen for God’s PurposesNo matter who we are or where we come from, God can use us. God often uses people whom the world would not choose to influence others. Moses was “slow of speech and of tongue” (Exodus 4:10); Jeremiah was “only a youth” (Jeremiah 1:6); the woman at the well was a social outcast (John 4:1-30); Rahab was a prostitute (Joshua 6:17). God chooses such people to show us that, no matter where we begin, if we allow God to form us and mold us, we can make a difference in the world for God.

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 5 CROSS OF CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH

Email: cross-christ@att.net Office: 248-437-8810 Fax: 248-437-7708 Web:www.crossofchristlutheran.org www.facebook.com/crossofchristsouthlyon

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

+ Indicates Holy Communion

1 2 3 4 5

6

10:00am Worship

7

Labor Day

8

9:00am-1:00pm Circuit Pastors’ Meeting

9

4:00-5:30pm Confirmation

10 11 12

13 9:00am Adult Bible Study10:00am Worship +10:00am Sunday School

14

9:30-Noon Preschool Orientation

15

9:30am-Noon Preschool Orientation

7:00pm Church Council

16

9:15am-2:45pm1st day of Preschool

4:00-5:30pm Confirmation

17

9:30am – 2:15pm1st day of Preschool

7:00pm Girl Scouts

18 19

20 9:00am Adult Bible Study10:00am Worship 10:00am Sunday School10:00amYouth Bible Study11:00am Ice Cream Social11:00am Board of Elders

21 22 23

4:00-5:30pm Confirmation

243:00pm Abbey Park Service

25 26

27 9:00am Adult Bible Study10:00am Worship +10:00am Sunday School 4:00pm Rehab Center Service

28 29 30

4:00-5:30pm Confirmation