September 2011 Newsletter
A NOTE FROM THE PASTOR
Anyone who has stood at the top of the ski hill, poised for take-off, or stood waist deep in a cold lake wondering if they really want to freeze the top half of their bodies or hum and haw for weeks before blurting out those fateful words “would you like to get married” will understand that life is full of big, scary decisions. For the past several months Lesley and I have been peering into the abyss of retirement. This summer we finally decided to do it. On August 1 I gave Sue Erickson my letter of resignation, asking that I be released from my pastoral responsibilities at Holy Cross at the end of October.
There are several reasons for this decision. Principally, Holy Cross and Good Shepherd are on the brink of a new start as they plan on coming together as a two-point pastoral charge on a trial basis. If, after the trial period is over, the arrangement remains satisfactory to all, it may extend for a longer period. It seems reasonable to me that the person who piloted the church through the initial trial period should stay at the helm in the months and years that follow. I don't see myself as that person.
So, there it is. There will be lots to do in the next months. As always, I thank you for your participation in the life and work of the church and invite your ongoing participation in the future.
Pastor Rod
August 18, 2011
Dear Members and Friends of Holy Cross,
I am writing you today to regrettably inform you that Pastor Rod McLeish has given notice of his resignation from his call with Holy Cross Lutheran Church dated August 1st, 2011. His last official day will be October 31st, 2011. Pastor Rod and Lesley have served our congregation faithfully over the past few years and we wish them God’s blessings as they begin a new chapter of “retirement life” on the west coast of B.C.
We are facing some challenging times ahead as we also begin a new chapter in our life as the congregation of Holy Cross. I would encourage each of us to pray and contemplate how we can use our gifts to further God’s kingdom here on earth. We are blessed with many talents that can be used to His glory.
On behalf of Church Council, I would also ask for your support and prayers as we continue building our relationship with Good Shepherd, High River and look ahead to the call process for a shared pastor to lead us as we seek to fulfill The Great Commission (Matt: 19-20).
We continue to put our trust in God’s provision for Holy Cross.
The Lord be with You,
Sue Erickson
Council Chair
19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28: 19-20
Upcoming Events and Services
Thurs, Sept 1 – Coffee Klatch resumes for fall at 10 am (If not this week, then next week)
Thurs, Sept 8 – Ladies’ Fellowship Group: 2 – 4 pm (Notice change to afternoon)
Location this month only: Meeting will be in the dining room of D’Arcy Ranch Golf Clubhouse.
Program: Discuss what you read over the summer, or plan to read this fall.
Programs for upcoming 4 months listed further on. Remember, 2nd Thurs, 2 pm.
Call Esther, Maureen, or Rita if you have questions.
(Please Note: Ladies unavailable for afternoon meetings are more than welcome to form an evening group to suit their schedules.)
Sunday School resumes Sept 11 – during part of worship service
Guidance for Sermon Development -- on Sept 11, meet to plan a date
(from Pastor Rod) - PREACHING WORKSHOP
Well, not exactly a workshop..... In the months ahead the church will need a pool of willing volunteers to occasionally prepare and deliver Sunday sermons. If you don't know where to start, you are invited to meet with Pastor Rod after church on September 11. We will then look for a time when we can talk about models of preaching, styles of presentation and general guidelines. So come with your questions, comments and suggestions.
Choir Practice Resumes – Thurs, Sept 15, 7-8 pm
ph Joanne Olson 938-5043 for information
Atonemen Practice – Thurs, Sept 15, 8-9 pm
ph Philip Pack regarding this men’s musical group 933-7991
Appeal for Funds for Campus Pastors: DRIVE FOR 5 SUNDAY: SEPTEMBER 18
We will participate in a synod-wide annual “drive for 5”. Churches are asked to donate loose or specified offerings to the 5 campus ministries supported by synod. These ministries are at Camrose, Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat. Offerings received by synod will be shared equally between the 5 campus ministries, unless designated by donor for a specific local ministry.
BACK TO CHURCH SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
“Back to Church Sunday” is the largest local-church invitational initiative in the world. This year Holy Cross invites you and anyone you care to invite, to come to church on September 25. Because September 25 is the last Sunday of the month the Standing Stones will be performing and there will be lunch and fellowship following the service. A new feature has been added: come early for a time to sing your favourite songs.
Standing Stones new CD Release Party Fri, Sept 23 at 7 pm.
from The Stones - We are so excited to share this new project with you. We are going to play some of the music from the new CD, a couple of old favorites, and then take the opportunity to visit with you. This will be part of Holy Cross’ weekend of “Welcome Back to Church”. Let’s start it with a bang! We would appreciate if our Holy Cross friends would please bring plates of finger foods, goodies, and veggies or fruit to share
Alpha Program Begins – Tues, Sept 27, 6:30 pm at Holy Cross – details to follow
Ladies’ Fellowship Oct – Dec Programs
All at church 2nd Thurs, 2 – 4 pm
Oct – Cards: bridge, whist, cribbage; also Scrabble (or others)
Nov – Ideas for creative handicrafts will be displayed and demonstrated.
Dec - Many hands needed to make small gift parcels for our own congregation.
Thank you to the team of volunteers who worked and donated for funerals over the summer. There was very positive response regarding the food from funeral guests
Dear Members and Friends of Holy Cross,
I am writing this letter to give you a FINANCIAL UPDATE as provided to Council by our Treasurer at our meeting on August 17th.
You will recall that Council has been in discussion with the Council of Good Shepherd Church of High River to work out the details of a 2-point Parish. At the last congregational meeting in June, our Treasurer Philip Pack indicated to us the financial benefit to us of recouping 50% of the Pastor’s salary costs from Good Shepherd for the 4 months commencing September 1. The numbers suggested that we should be able to end the year without too serious an impact on our borrowing from the Royal Bank.
However, you are now aware that Pr Rod has submitted his resignation effective October 31, 2011. This circumstance has delayed the 2-point Parish start date and has required our Treasurer to revise his financial forecast, which Council has now received.
The new numbers tell us that we will have difficulty paying our bills including the mortgage payments from September to December.
At the same time, we are concerned as to how much of the Royal Bank loan we want to carry. Eventually this loan needs to be paid back.
The mortgage is our primary concern as we receive a significant rebate annually provided the monthly payments (currently $6,060) are made on time, namely on the 1st of each month. For our 2011 payments, we estimate that the rebate would be approximately $40,000, which will be used to reduce the principal balance on which future interest is calculated.
From 2006 to 2010, we have received $172,000 of interest rebates from the National Church because we kept our payments up-to-date in those years.
Consequently, Council has decided to immediately initiate a SPECIAL FUNDRAISING EFFORT to raise $24,000 (4 months mortgage payments). We would ask you to prayerfully consider this request in addition to regular giving. If you are able to help to keep the doors of Holy Cross open and continue our ministry in Okotoks, please use the “Other” line on the offering envelopes and describe your donation as “Special Gift for Mortgage payments”. As always your gifts will be received with our heartfelt thanks.
If you have any questions concerning this matter, please feel free to speak to a member of Council or our Treasurer.
Yours in Christ,
Sue Erickson - Council Chair
God doesn’t call the qualified. He qualifies the called.
