HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN CHURCH NEWSLETTER Longest Night
HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN CHURCH NEWSLETTER December Issue 2016
RREEFFLLEECCTTIIO ON NSS O OFF CCH HRRIISSTTM MAASS:: N Neeiigghhbboouurrhhoooodd CChhrriissttm maass CCoonncceerrtt & & CCaarrooll SSiinngg Sunday, December 11 at 2:00 p.m.
SSuunnddaayy SScchhooooll CChhiillddrreenn’’ss W Woorrsshhiipp SSeerrvviiccee Sunday, December 18 at 10:00 a.m.
LLoonnggeesstt N Niigghhtt SSeerrvviiccee Monday, December 19 at 7:00 p.m.
CChhrriissttm maass EEvvee CCaannddlleelliigghhtt SSeerrvviicceess Saturday, December 24 at 4:30 & 7:00 p.m.
CChhrriissttm maass D Daayy H Hoollyy CCoom mm muunniioonn SSeerrvviiccee Sunday, December 25 at 10:00 a.m.
N Neew w YYeeaarr’’ss EEvvee H Hoollyy CCoom mm muunniioonn SSeerrvviiccee Saturday, December 31 at 7:00 p.m.
By God’s Grace, we will be a caring, vibrant, diverse community of blessed believers, lovingly reaching out with the message of Jesus Christ. Vision Statement 2010
“Good News of Great Joy that will be for all the people.” Luke 2:10
THE EVENT!
by Rev. Roland Syens, Pastor
Have you ever asked those whom you go to school with or work with, friends and neighbors, what Christmas is all about? Try it and see what answers you will get. It can be a great opportunity to find out, and perhaps be a great opportunity, to share this good news of great joy that is for everyone. The reason for the season? This might seem like a trivial slogan, yet it reminds us of a single event, unequalled since the creation: God, who is beyond all dimensions including time and space broke into time and space and became one of us, a human. He did not just become a human with age, but the One who is timeless and uncontainable, humbled Himself and placed Himself into the womb of a woman, was born as a baby, and went through life as all of us do. The Incarnation – “God in the flesh” is when God entered into our reality, became one of us, and became oh so vulnerable. As a baby He became a refugee because His family had to flee to Egypt for fear of death. He was bullied, He struggled with cold and heat, sorrow and suffering, and even died a horrific death, as He was crucified on the cross, died and was buried. This could be seen as the greatest of human tragedies, yet God used this as the greatest opportunity for all of humanity to be redeemed, rescued and saved. We live in a world that is full of hurt, heartache, pain and problems. We all have been born sinful, fallen, broken and therefore it is not a shock to see how much evil is in our world, and how much confusion can be created. There can often be times when we feel total despair and hopelessness, and left to our own that is how many feel. Yet everything changed with “The Event!” God provided a way to bring forgiveness, healing and hope to a broken, hurting, confused world. He did it through the life of a vulnerable, innocent baby. It is amazing how God can take the little things in life, things that we would overlook, things that might seem insignificant and use them to bring about miraculous change. In 1 Samuel 17 the world, for God’s chosen people, was thrown in chaos. They were at war with the Philistines and everything came to a head in the Valley of Elah. Every advantage, including size, strength, and equipment, seemed to be on the Philistines’ side. It looked hopeless and they felt helpless. But appearances often deceive. In reality, the giant Goliath was badly overmatched. Bethlehem’s David, although just a teen who loved the Lord and carried a sling and stones, had God on his side. David said: “You come to me with a sword, with a spear and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts” (v.45). We know the results – God was with David and even though it looked impossible as he was small, God takes what is impossible to us and what we think is small and insignificant and works His wonders. A young man who saw God was in it all, was able to destroy the giant and mobilize an entire army of men who were paralyzed with hopelessness and fear, for they saw the giant, but David saw the LORD. And so it is today, no matter what valley of conflict our world is in, or that you find yourself in today, God has come to us. God sent His son to be born in Bethlehem in Judea, what seemed to be just another baby boy – one more hungry mouth to feed, to be the Saviour of the world. Small, insignificant, weak and unnoticed – but appearances often deceive, for this baby boy was God in flesh – God to the rescue. In a world where things might seem hopeless, where there are giants like despair, hurts, losses, disappointments and tragedy – God comes. The Event! It is when God broke into time and space and became a human baby to live the life we could not live, and to die the death we should have died. This gives us hope, comfort, peace, forgiveness, love, joy and eternal life. That’s the reason for the season! Whatever your struggle, hurt, disappointment, whatever giant you might be facing, remember that the giant is badly overmatched, for God is with you in Christ Jesus – Immanuel. He changed everything, He changes everything, He has come to change you, give you hope, fill you with His peace. He specializes in taking small things, insignificant things and making them very significant and powerful – water in baptism to bring forgiveness and faith, bread and wine in the Lord’s Supper to convey His presence and His forgiveness, His Word to empower our lives with His presence. That changes everything and that is Good News of Great Joy and it is for all people! As we journey toward Christmas and after, it gives us great opportunity to share the Reason for the Season all because of The Event. Page 2 | www.holycrosskitchener.org
With love, laughter, thanksgiving and joy from Jesus and me...
Update from the Special Voters’ Meeting – November 22, 2017 On Tuesday, November 22 the Voters of Holy Cross gave unanimous approval to the proposed plans for renovation of the balcony and installation of the Casavant Organ, purchased earlier this year from a church in Montreal. The total cost is not to exceed $195,200.00. Work on the balcony will focus on reinforcing the current wooden floor joists with additional wood supports to hold the additional weight of the new organ. They will also ensure the balcony meets all current building code and safety requirements. This work will begin immediately after Vacation Bible School in July 2017. In the meantime, Dodington & Dodington (the suppliers of the organ) will be preparing the organ, which is currently stored at their facility in Aylmer, ON, for installation here at Holy Cross. Their work will include a complete cleaning of the organ, refinishing the console (keyboard) and installing solid state circuitry so the organ is in good as new condition. They will begin work on installation immediately after the balcony renovations are completed in late July next year. If all goes according to plan, the organ will be ready for services in early September next year. Funding for this project will come from 3 sources: Balcony renovations will be funded by dedicated reserve funds already held by the congregation Organ installation will be funded by gifts to the organ fund. Currently there is $43,700 in the Organ Fund. Another $26,300 will be needed before the contract is signed to begin work on the preparation of the organ. A loan is being arranged with the East District Church Extension Fund for up to $80,000 to ensure we can meet our obligations under the contract. This loan will be paid off as soon as possible through ongoing donations to the organ fund. We have been very blessed to have this organ be made available to us at this time. There are not many organs available in the first place, and even fewer that would fit in our balcony. We praise God for leading us to this instrument and ask Him to bless us as we complete this project. If you are moved to consider a donation to the organ fund can do so through your regular offering envelope, noting that it is a gift to the organ fund. To God all Praise and Glory!
www.holycrosskitchener.org | Page 3
Page 4 | www.holycrosskitchener.org
Teens, Young, Middle and Mature Women HERE IS YOUR RENEWAL WEEKEND
“GOD IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK!” Lori Schultz B.A. DPS - Guest Speaker
April 21-22, 2017 GUELPH BIBLE CONFERENCE CENTRE
Visit our Libraries this Advent & Christmas UPSTAIRS LIBRARY: The Christmas season is full of Jesus’ Joy. You can study this joy, by reading “Jesus, Man of Joy” by Sherwood Eliot Wirt; it is in the large book shelf beside the windows. Share this joy with your family and friends by reading, “Lord, I wish My Family would get Saved” by Larry Keefauver; look for this book in the Christian Living Section under the windows. Youth and everyone, we can live this joy by “Daring to be Different”, this book is written by Nicole O’Dell and it’s in the Youth Fiction Section on the long wall. Angels rejoice at Christmas, we can join in and read “A Time for Angels” by Sandra Petit and Gail Sattler; this is in the fiction section. DOWNSTAIRS LIBRARY- “Jesus, the Reason for the Christmas Season”. Take out the DVDs, “In the Footsteps of Jesus” and “The Roots of Jesus” to watch with your family. Review our many DVDs, VHSs and CDs to watch and listen to. Younger children will enjoy “The Jesus Tree” book by Annetta E. Dellinger, in the Fiction and Picture book wall. To help you find Christmas books, a tree sticker is on the book’s spine. On the long wall, find the Christmas Customs section and the “What is Christmas” book by Michelle Medlock Adams. In the Christmas section, grab “Journey to Bethlehem” book by Akiko Kageyama. Need Crafts and Games books during the Christmas break? Take along “Power Packed Crafts” by Susan L. Lingo. Our Library volunteers, Annie, Delila, Peter, Susan and Donna wish you a Blessed and Merry Christmas. God’s blessings.
See you in the Library! www.holycrosskitchener.org | Page 5
Come Christmas Christmas Caroling! Caroling! Come Sunday, December December 44 Sunday, Carolers are invite
Carolers are invite d to being a bag lunch to eat together after the late service as we meet at 1 p.m. in the basement to organize into teams and set out at 1:30 p.m. for our visits. We plan to return to the church about 4:45 p.m. Please call Marjorie Snyder at 519-745-4698 or email her at [email protected] for more information Carolers of all ages are welcome d to being a bag lunch to eat together after the late service as we meet at 1 p.m. in the basement to organize into teams and set out at 1:30 p.m. for our visits. We plan to return to the church about 4:45 p.m.TREASURER's SUMMARY Unified budget actual results for the eleven months ending October 31, 2016
Please call Marjorie Snyder at 519-745-4698 or email her at [email protected] for more information GIFTS RECEIVED
$
Carolers of all ages are welcome
FUNDS USED FOR GOD'S WORK
543,808.74
Excess (shortall) of Gifts over Funds Used
Wednesday, December 28 $700,000.00
Join us, as we reach out to the community of KW! On Wednesday December 28, we have the great opportunity and privilege of serving a meal at St. John's Kitchen, as we have done for many years. There will be a sign up sheet in the parlour, with times and areas of responsibility, so please sign up! We would love to have you join us on that day. Looking forward to meeting the needs of those in our community... For further information contact Anita Syens at 519-896-7574 Page 6 | www.holycrosskitchener.org
585,396.30
$
41,587.56
Unified budget actual results Board of Stewardship for the 10 months ending October 31, 2016
$600,000.00 $500,000.00 $400,000.00 $300,000.00 $200,000.00 $100,000.00 $-
GIFTS RECEIVED
FUNDS USED FOR GOD'S WORK
Excess (shortall) of Gifts over Funds Used
Early in January a new banner will be hung in the sanctuary here at Holy Cross. It will commemorate the 500 th anniversary of the beginning of the Reformation of the Christian Church which began October 31, 1517. While the actual anniversary is still 11 months away the anniversary is an event we will celebrate in many ways over the next year. Here are some of the things already in the planning stages:
Early in the new year you will begin to see some new posters hung up around the church explaining reformation history. The Lutheran Church Canada – Roman Catholic Church dialog (Pastor Astley participates in this) is planning a reformation event in Kitchener. Lutheran Church—Canada will have its National Convention here in Kitchener next October. The Casavant Organ we have purchased will be installed and dedicated in the fall of 2017.
Doubtless many other events will happen over the next 12 months as we remember and give thanks for the gifts God gave to Martin Luther and others who helped bring the Gospel back into its proper place as the center of all church teaching.
Martin Luther’s famous “Here I Stand” moment at the “Diet of Worms”1 in 1521
If you are wanting to go online and look at some Reformation resources and learn a bit more about this historic time here are some sites you might visit: www.reformation2017.ca -- Lutheran Church—Canada’s website dedicated to the Reformation www.here-i-stand.com/en.-- a website highlighting Reformation History sponsored by museums and universities in Germany and North America. This is a great website with lots of interactive and visual material. http://lutheranreformation.org – the reformation of our partner church in the United States, The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. 1
Just in case you are wondering, the Diet of Worms is not about eating Worms!! It was a meeting of the Holy Roman Empire held in the German city of Worms. The guy in with the big hat on the left is Emperor Charles V.
www.holycrosskitchener.org | Page 7
Caitlin Pritchard
WEEKLY
At a glance
SUNDAY MORNING Worship Service Worship Service
8:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m.
Adult Bible Study Young Adult Bible Study Youth Bible Study Children’s Sunday School
9:45 a.m. 9:45 a.m. 9:45 a.m. 9:45 a.m.
ADULT INFORMATION CLASSES January 29 - April 2, 2017 Sundays, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Nine classes taught between Pastor Astley and Pastor Syens.
MONDAY Griefshare Seminar (Dec 5,12) 6:30 p.m. Longest Night Service (Dec 19) 7:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY LWMLC Quilts (Dec 7)
9:00 a.m.
THURSDAY Beginnings (Dec 1,8,15,22) Prayer Group (Dec 1,8,15) Praise Singers (Dec 1,8,15) Church Choir (Dec 1,8,15)
9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 7:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m.
These special classes are for anyone who would like to learn more about what we teach and believe as a LCC congregation. It is also a way to become a member here at Holy Cross. If you would like to be part of these classes please let one of the Pastor’s know.
FRIDAY Youth Events (Dec 2,9,16,30)
7:00 p.m.
SATURDAY SundaySchool Rehearsals (Dec 10,17) 9:30 a.m.
How to Contact Us! Church Office
519-742-5812
VoiceMail Extensions/Email Pastor Astley – Ext. 223 [email protected]
Friday, December 30, 2016 7 - 10 p.m.
Pastor Syens – Ext. 224 [email protected] Henrietta Schafer – Ext. 226 [email protected] Krysti Beckett – Ext. 227 [email protected] Jennifer Massicotte – Ext. 228 Richard Roth – Ext. 229 Janet Cumby – Ext. 222 [email protected] Debbie Pritchard – Ext. 221 [email protected] Page 8 | www.holycrosskitchener.org
The Pastor’s and staff of Holy Cross extend to each and every one of you our heartfelt wishes for a Christ-filled Christmas and all of God’s richest blessings in the new year 2017!
Deadline for submissions to the January Vision is: Wednesday December 14.
RREEFFLLEECCTTIIO ON NSS O OFF CCH HRRIISSTTM MAASS:: N Neeiigghhbboouurrhhoooodd CChhrriissttm maass CCoonncceerrtt & & CCaarrooll SSiinngg Sunday, December 11 at 2:00 p.m.
SSuunnddaayy SScchhooooll CChhiillddrreenn’’ss W Woorrsshhiipp SSeerrvviiccee Sunday, December 18 at 10:00 a.m.
LLoonnggeesstt N Niigghhtt SSeerrvviiccee Monday, December 19 at 7:00 p.m.
CChhrriissttm maass EEvvee CCaannddlleelliigghhtt SSeerrvviicceess Saturday, December 24 at 4:30 & 7:00 p.m.
CChhrriissttm maass D Daayy H Hoollyy CCoom mm muunniioonn SSeerrvviiccee Sunday, December 25 at 10:00 a.m.
N Neew w YYeeaarr’’ss EEvvee H Hoollyy CCoom mm muunniioonn SSeerrvviiccee Saturday, December 31 at 7:00 p.m.
By God’s Grace, we will be a caring, vibrant, diverse community of blessed believers, lovingly reaching out with the message of Jesus Christ. Vision Statement 2010
“Good News of Great Joy that will be for all the people.” Luke 2:10
THE EVENT!
by Rev. Roland Syens, Pastor
Have you ever asked those whom you go to school with or work with, friends and neighbors, what Christmas is all about? Try it and see what answers you will get. It can be a great opportunity to find out, and perhaps be a great opportunity, to share this good news of great joy that is for everyone. The reason for the season? This might seem like a trivial slogan, yet it reminds us of a single event, unequalled since the creation: God, who is beyond all dimensions including time and space broke into time and space and became one of us, a human. He did not just become a human with age, but the One who is timeless and uncontainable, humbled Himself and placed Himself into the womb of a woman, was born as a baby, and went through life as all of us do. The Incarnation – “God in the flesh” is when God entered into our reality, became one of us, and became oh so vulnerable. As a baby He became a refugee because His family had to flee to Egypt for fear of death. He was bullied, He struggled with cold and heat, sorrow and suffering, and even died a horrific death, as He was crucified on the cross, died and was buried. This could be seen as the greatest of human tragedies, yet God used this as the greatest opportunity for all of humanity to be redeemed, rescued and saved. We live in a world that is full of hurt, heartache, pain and problems. We all have been born sinful, fallen, broken and therefore it is not a shock to see how much evil is in our world, and how much confusion can be created. There can often be times when we feel total despair and hopelessness, and left to our own that is how many feel. Yet everything changed with “The Event!” God provided a way to bring forgiveness, healing and hope to a broken, hurting, confused world. He did it through the life of a vulnerable, innocent baby. It is amazing how God can take the little things in life, things that we would overlook, things that might seem insignificant and use them to bring about miraculous change. In 1 Samuel 17 the world, for God’s chosen people, was thrown in chaos. They were at war with the Philistines and everything came to a head in the Valley of Elah. Every advantage, including size, strength, and equipment, seemed to be on the Philistines’ side. It looked hopeless and they felt helpless. But appearances often deceive. In reality, the giant Goliath was badly overmatched. Bethlehem’s David, although just a teen who loved the Lord and carried a sling and stones, had God on his side. David said: “You come to me with a sword, with a spear and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts” (v.45). We know the results – God was with David and even though it looked impossible as he was small, God takes what is impossible to us and what we think is small and insignificant and works His wonders. A young man who saw God was in it all, was able to destroy the giant and mobilize an entire army of men who were paralyzed with hopelessness and fear, for they saw the giant, but David saw the LORD. And so it is today, no matter what valley of conflict our world is in, or that you find yourself in today, God has come to us. God sent His son to be born in Bethlehem in Judea, what seemed to be just another baby boy – one more hungry mouth to feed, to be the Saviour of the world. Small, insignificant, weak and unnoticed – but appearances often deceive, for this baby boy was God in flesh – God to the rescue. In a world where things might seem hopeless, where there are giants like despair, hurts, losses, disappointments and tragedy – God comes. The Event! It is when God broke into time and space and became a human baby to live the life we could not live, and to die the death we should have died. This gives us hope, comfort, peace, forgiveness, love, joy and eternal life. That’s the reason for the season! Whatever your struggle, hurt, disappointment, whatever giant you might be facing, remember that the giant is badly overmatched, for God is with you in Christ Jesus – Immanuel. He changed everything, He changes everything, He has come to change you, give you hope, fill you with His peace. He specializes in taking small things, insignificant things and making them very significant and powerful – water in baptism to bring forgiveness and faith, bread and wine in the Lord’s Supper to convey His presence and His forgiveness, His Word to empower our lives with His presence. That changes everything and that is Good News of Great Joy and it is for all people! As we journey toward Christmas and after, it gives us great opportunity to share the Reason for the Season all because of The Event. Page 2 | www.holycrosskitchener.org
With love, laughter, thanksgiving and joy from Jesus and me...
Update from the Special Voters’ Meeting – November 22, 2017 On Tuesday, November 22 the Voters of Holy Cross gave unanimous approval to the proposed plans for renovation of the balcony and installation of the Casavant Organ, purchased earlier this year from a church in Montreal. The total cost is not to exceed $195,200.00. Work on the balcony will focus on reinforcing the current wooden floor joists with additional wood supports to hold the additional weight of the new organ. They will also ensure the balcony meets all current building code and safety requirements. This work will begin immediately after Vacation Bible School in July 2017. In the meantime, Dodington & Dodington (the suppliers of the organ) will be preparing the organ, which is currently stored at their facility in Aylmer, ON, for installation here at Holy Cross. Their work will include a complete cleaning of the organ, refinishing the console (keyboard) and installing solid state circuitry so the organ is in good as new condition. They will begin work on installation immediately after the balcony renovations are completed in late July next year. If all goes according to plan, the organ will be ready for services in early September next year. Funding for this project will come from 3 sources: Balcony renovations will be funded by dedicated reserve funds already held by the congregation Organ installation will be funded by gifts to the organ fund. Currently there is $43,700 in the Organ Fund. Another $26,300 will be needed before the contract is signed to begin work on the preparation of the organ. A loan is being arranged with the East District Church Extension Fund for up to $80,000 to ensure we can meet our obligations under the contract. This loan will be paid off as soon as possible through ongoing donations to the organ fund. We have been very blessed to have this organ be made available to us at this time. There are not many organs available in the first place, and even fewer that would fit in our balcony. We praise God for leading us to this instrument and ask Him to bless us as we complete this project. If you are moved to consider a donation to the organ fund can do so through your regular offering envelope, noting that it is a gift to the organ fund. To God all Praise and Glory!
www.holycrosskitchener.org | Page 3
Page 4 | www.holycrosskitchener.org
Teens, Young, Middle and Mature Women HERE IS YOUR RENEWAL WEEKEND
“GOD IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK!” Lori Schultz B.A. DPS - Guest Speaker
April 21-22, 2017 GUELPH BIBLE CONFERENCE CENTRE
Visit our Libraries this Advent & Christmas UPSTAIRS LIBRARY: The Christmas season is full of Jesus’ Joy. You can study this joy, by reading “Jesus, Man of Joy” by Sherwood Eliot Wirt; it is in the large book shelf beside the windows. Share this joy with your family and friends by reading, “Lord, I wish My Family would get Saved” by Larry Keefauver; look for this book in the Christian Living Section under the windows. Youth and everyone, we can live this joy by “Daring to be Different”, this book is written by Nicole O’Dell and it’s in the Youth Fiction Section on the long wall. Angels rejoice at Christmas, we can join in and read “A Time for Angels” by Sandra Petit and Gail Sattler; this is in the fiction section. DOWNSTAIRS LIBRARY- “Jesus, the Reason for the Christmas Season”. Take out the DVDs, “In the Footsteps of Jesus” and “The Roots of Jesus” to watch with your family. Review our many DVDs, VHSs and CDs to watch and listen to. Younger children will enjoy “The Jesus Tree” book by Annetta E. Dellinger, in the Fiction and Picture book wall. To help you find Christmas books, a tree sticker is on the book’s spine. On the long wall, find the Christmas Customs section and the “What is Christmas” book by Michelle Medlock Adams. In the Christmas section, grab “Journey to Bethlehem” book by Akiko Kageyama. Need Crafts and Games books during the Christmas break? Take along “Power Packed Crafts” by Susan L. Lingo. Our Library volunteers, Annie, Delila, Peter, Susan and Donna wish you a Blessed and Merry Christmas. God’s blessings.
See you in the Library! www.holycrosskitchener.org | Page 5
Come Christmas Christmas Caroling! Caroling! Come Sunday, December December 44 Sunday, Carolers are invite
Carolers are invite d to being a bag lunch to eat together after the late service as we meet at 1 p.m. in the basement to organize into teams and set out at 1:30 p.m. for our visits. We plan to return to the church about 4:45 p.m. Please call Marjorie Snyder at 519-745-4698 or email her at [email protected] for more information Carolers of all ages are welcome d to being a bag lunch to eat together after the late service as we meet at 1 p.m. in the basement to organize into teams and set out at 1:30 p.m. for our visits. We plan to return to the church about 4:45 p.m.TREASURER's SUMMARY Unified budget actual results for the eleven months ending October 31, 2016
Please call Marjorie Snyder at 519-745-4698 or email her at [email protected] for more information GIFTS RECEIVED
$
Carolers of all ages are welcome
FUNDS USED FOR GOD'S WORK
543,808.74
Excess (shortall) of Gifts over Funds Used
Wednesday, December 28 $700,000.00
Join us, as we reach out to the community of KW! On Wednesday December 28, we have the great opportunity and privilege of serving a meal at St. John's Kitchen, as we have done for many years. There will be a sign up sheet in the parlour, with times and areas of responsibility, so please sign up! We would love to have you join us on that day. Looking forward to meeting the needs of those in our community... For further information contact Anita Syens at 519-896-7574 Page 6 | www.holycrosskitchener.org
585,396.30
$
41,587.56
Unified budget actual results Board of Stewardship for the 10 months ending October 31, 2016
$600,000.00 $500,000.00 $400,000.00 $300,000.00 $200,000.00 $100,000.00 $-
GIFTS RECEIVED
FUNDS USED FOR GOD'S WORK
Excess (shortall) of Gifts over Funds Used
Early in January a new banner will be hung in the sanctuary here at Holy Cross. It will commemorate the 500 th anniversary of the beginning of the Reformation of the Christian Church which began October 31, 1517. While the actual anniversary is still 11 months away the anniversary is an event we will celebrate in many ways over the next year. Here are some of the things already in the planning stages:
Early in the new year you will begin to see some new posters hung up around the church explaining reformation history. The Lutheran Church Canada – Roman Catholic Church dialog (Pastor Astley participates in this) is planning a reformation event in Kitchener. Lutheran Church—Canada will have its National Convention here in Kitchener next October. The Casavant Organ we have purchased will be installed and dedicated in the fall of 2017.
Doubtless many other events will happen over the next 12 months as we remember and give thanks for the gifts God gave to Martin Luther and others who helped bring the Gospel back into its proper place as the center of all church teaching.
Martin Luther’s famous “Here I Stand” moment at the “Diet of Worms”1 in 1521
If you are wanting to go online and look at some Reformation resources and learn a bit more about this historic time here are some sites you might visit: www.reformation2017.ca -- Lutheran Church—Canada’s website dedicated to the Reformation www.here-i-stand.com/en.-- a website highlighting Reformation History sponsored by museums and universities in Germany and North America. This is a great website with lots of interactive and visual material. http://lutheranreformation.org – the reformation of our partner church in the United States, The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. 1
Just in case you are wondering, the Diet of Worms is not about eating Worms!! It was a meeting of the Holy Roman Empire held in the German city of Worms. The guy in with the big hat on the left is Emperor Charles V.
www.holycrosskitchener.org | Page 7
Caitlin Pritchard
WEEKLY
At a glance
SUNDAY MORNING Worship Service Worship Service
8:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m.
Adult Bible Study Young Adult Bible Study Youth Bible Study Children’s Sunday School
9:45 a.m. 9:45 a.m. 9:45 a.m. 9:45 a.m.
ADULT INFORMATION CLASSES January 29 - April 2, 2017 Sundays, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Nine classes taught between Pastor Astley and Pastor Syens.
MONDAY Griefshare Seminar (Dec 5,12) 6:30 p.m. Longest Night Service (Dec 19) 7:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY LWMLC Quilts (Dec 7)
9:00 a.m.
THURSDAY Beginnings (Dec 1,8,15,22) Prayer Group (Dec 1,8,15) Praise Singers (Dec 1,8,15) Church Choir (Dec 1,8,15)
9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 7:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m.
These special classes are for anyone who would like to learn more about what we teach and believe as a LCC congregation. It is also a way to become a member here at Holy Cross. If you would like to be part of these classes please let one of the Pastor’s know.
FRIDAY Youth Events (Dec 2,9,16,30)
7:00 p.m.
SATURDAY SundaySchool Rehearsals (Dec 10,17) 9:30 a.m.
How to Contact Us! Church Office
519-742-5812
VoiceMail Extensions/Email Pastor Astley – Ext. 223 [email protected]
Friday, December 30, 2016 7 - 10 p.m.
Pastor Syens – Ext. 224 [email protected] Henrietta Schafer – Ext. 226 [email protected] Krysti Beckett – Ext. 227 [email protected] Jennifer Massicotte – Ext. 228 Richard Roth – Ext. 229 Janet Cumby – Ext. 222 [email protected] Debbie Pritchard – Ext. 221 [email protected] Page 8 | www.holycrosskitchener.org
The Pastor’s and staff of Holy Cross extend to each and every one of you our heartfelt wishes for a Christ-filled Christmas and all of God’s richest blessings in the new year 2017!
Deadline for submissions to the January Vision is: Wednesday December 14.
