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9:30AM SERVICE ON FACEBOOK LIVE: CROSS OF CHRIST LUTHERAN, PETOSKEY MI View sermon and songs on our YouTube channel Cross of Christ Petoskey “Empowered by the grace of God to love, lead, and serve.” BIRTHDAYS for AUGUST & SEPTEMBER
Sept 4: Grace Marshall; Sept. 5: Bill Heise, Lois Ulrich; Sept. 8: Vira Heise; Sept. 9 Jana Tahtinen; Sept. 12: Marla Hofmann; Sept. 16: Yvonne Danker; Sept19: Carolyn Norton; Sept 21: Paul Weaver; Sept 22: Joy Long; Sept 23: Jack Warnemeunde. ANNIVERSARIES for AUGUST & SEPTEMBER Sept. 9: David & Kasi Meckstroth; Sept. 10: Gordy and Lynn Engdahl; September 23: Gary & Bev Engel PASTOR SHERRY MCGUFFIN Thank you for the kind cards at the death of my grandmother and cousin. They are beautiful to read and reread. Also thank you for the get well cards and notes after my rotator cuff surgery and then two weeks later during a quick hospital stay. I am mending slowly and will continue to work from church and home intermittently so if you need to find me just call my cell phone at 231-881-1212. USING THE CHURCH BUILDING: We are asking that each of us take extra care of keeping the assembly healthy! You can do the following things for helping us with that according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control):
As we look at reopening church slowly, please make sure that you do not have a temperature, wash your hands with the hand sanitizer or soap and water and sanitize tables and other things that you may use. Groups 10 people and under can meet in the church according to the state, but you will need to register to use the building. Please call the office at 231-347-5448 or text or call Pastor Sherry at 231-881-1212 to reserve the building. YOU HAVE TO RESERVE THE BUILDING!!! THANK YOU TO PRISCILLA MEYER who worked the Adopt-A-Highway for all of us last week. We give thanks to God for her stewardship! CALLING ALL CRAFTERS!!! Karen Lewis has come up with a fabulous idea! Everyone craft! Craft a lot and then we can have a fundraising sale for the church in November for folks looking for presents. If we cannot open at that time, then we will have the sale on line. Think about the possibilities, art, crochet, knit, cross stitch, painting, clay, cards, scrapbooking kits, candles…anything is a possibility…make one item or two or one hundred and we can sell it!! We will also be doing some classes on line for cardmaking for the church. Everyone who would like to learn or to make a blank card we would appreciate it! We need to restock our birthday, sympathy, get well, and thinking of you cards. COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING DINNER As you know with the pandemic, we will most likely not be able to serve a community sit down dinner…so I am asking for you to be really creative here! How about Thanksgiving to go? We can take orders and then have them ready to be picked up at a certain time on a certain day. If you are interested in working on a team that will help continue to share food in our community and thanksgiving, please let the church office (2347-5448) know or Pastor Sherry at 231-881-1212. FIRES AND FLOODS AND OTHER DEVESTATIONS Lutheran Disaster Relief gives 100 percent of your donation to causes in need in the United States…the California fires, the floods in the south and in Michigan, and other tornado disasters. If you would like to donate to them for relief, just make your check out to Cross of Christ Lutheran and then in the memo write LDR. We will send it to them at the end of the month. LOAN SURVEY/VOTE THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMITMENT! An update on the load process: The loan has been secured and so the replacement of the windows can happen so that we can move forward and open for worship when we are able! NOW….we really want to pay this loan off as soon as possible so if you would like to do a special gift for a window just let us know…adopt a window with another family. Each window is about $1,200. Make your check out to Cross of Christ Lutheran Church and write “Windows” in the memo. Mail it to Cross of Christ 1450 E. Mitchell Petoskey, MI 49770. Thank you in advance. The quicker that we pay this down the better we will be! RETURN TO WORSHIP AND HOLY COMMUNION AT 10:15/10:30AM!!!!!: We will continually offer virtual worship as of now. We will also be adding another aspect to worship…Holy Communion!!! On Sunday, October 11th after our virtual service we will host holy communion for everyone in your car in the church parking lot. Pastor Sherry McGuffin will offer the words of institution and prayer following our virtual coffee hour and then hand you your Holy Communion. Please do not get out of your cars!!! We can do this together…We will see how this works and then reevaluate. Thank you so much for your patience, your creativity, your willingness to adapt to what “church” means and your faithfulness to the Gospel message in our community. EVANGELISM….DO YOU KNOW ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE OUR ANNOUNCEMENTS? If you know someone who would like to receive our announcements, please let our church office know. We are more than happy to share what we do in the name of the Trinity! OR, if you know someone who would like to receive information about the church, please let the church office know or have them call at 231-881-1212 HOSPITALITY takes on a new meaning today! Share hospitality by inviting your family and friends to join us for worship each Sunday on Facebook Live. We are trying our best to post them to YouTube as well and will update you on the new address to find the videos, right now you can find the services under Cross of Christ Petoskey. We can welcome more people in to worship than ever before! We are averaging about 200 views of over 8 minutes for our worship. So invitations and sharing the services sure do help share the Word and Ministry of God. THANK YOU TO RON MARSHALL AND MANAGEMENT TEAM FOR ORGANIZING THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF NEW WINDOWS,GUTTERS, DOORS, AND FIXING THE CEILING AND ROOF LEAKS! Ceiling is painted. Carpet in the fellowship area has been removed! We are waiting for the windows to arrive and after they are installed painting and flooring will take place! If you want to volunteer, please contact Ron Marshall! SOUP KITCHEN GOOD NEWS! Salvation Army is going to be distributing lunches on Tuesdays from Salvation Army and NOT First Presbyterian while they are under construction. This means that we are able to serve free meals three times a week: Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday afternoons. If you know someone who needs food or a meal send them to First Presbyterian at 11:30 on those days. CHURCH OFFERINGS You can mail your offering to the church at Cross of Christ Lutheran 1450 East Mitchell St. Petoskey, Michigan 49770. There is also a “Give” app on our facebook page for you to use as a one time giving or you can get automatic giving through VANCO and you will need to contact David Meckstroth at 231-420-4830 or email him at [email protected] Thank you for remembering the church and its ministry and mission every day! We are so very blessed. YOUTUBE CHANNEL: We now host a channel on YouTube. You can subscribe to our channel at Cross of Christ, Petoskey. Pastor Sherry had started her own channel but we have moved everything over to Cross of Christ. When you subscribe you will receive notices when something new is posted to the channel. AND, you can make comments when you subscribe. Thank you to Bryan Young for creating this space for our church. There is special music and all of our services so far since we began. PAPER PANTRY: Due to Coronovirus 19 we are changing plans for the Paper Pantry. We will have one Paper Pantry a month, the 2nd Thursday of the month from 5-6:30PM. Clients will receive 2 bags so that they only need to make one trip a month. We are trying to keep people as safe with the least amount of contact as possible. Our volunteers wear gloves and masks and the clients drive by and receive the supplies in their mode of transportation. So we still take donations and supplies! And we served 36 families at our last paper pantry in April. Please pray for everyone who is vulnerable. SOUP KITCHEN STILL SERVING Soup Kitchen is still serving but we are serving brown bagged lunches. The lunches will be made at the church with volunteers in masks and gloves. Then we will have one or two of the same volunteers serve at First Presbyterian Church in Petoskey right out of the back of your car or near the parking lot. First Presbyterian is going through major construction but they are still serving lunches on Sunday as well in the same manner. Please contact Sue Finley if you would like to help or you can send financial donations to Cross of Christ with soup kitchen in the memo to 1450 E. Mitchell St. Petoskey, MI 49770 You can text Sue Finley at 231-881-0091 or leave her a message. GIFTS TO BE GIVEN!!! When people ask you where you give donations…tell them Cross of Christ. We welcome all financial donations so give in honor of someone or in memory of beloved. And as you prepare for your future planning remember Cross of Christ in your giving! BIBLE STUDIES: 8:15AM #metoo Bible study meets each Monday on Zoom at 857 3071 0097 Password: 895517 Our next study is Holy Envy by Barbara Brown Taylor. You can purchase the book through McLean and Eakin or on line. We will meet again in October for our Tuesday night Bible Studies. ELEMENTARY YOUTH are invited to join us for a t-shirt design for our elementary youth group! The design should show us church and community. Please get the designs to Pastor Sherry by September 15th. You can email them to [email protected] OR you can text them to Pastor at 231-881-1212. We have already received one! SMALL COTTAGE MEETING LEADERS Our small cottage leaders are trying their best to keep in touch with you and then they share with pastor Sherry any prayer concerns or needs. Please know that they are working hard to keep you in prayer as well. Our leaders are Sommer Poquette, Melissa Hansen, Kasi Meckstroth, Bryan Young, Gordy Engdahl, Jean Smith and Svetlana Ottney, and Gary & Bev Engel. Thank you for your leadership and checking in with our congregation! If you do not know or have not received the name of your cottage leader, please contact the church at 231-347-5448 and leave a message so that we can get your information to you. CHILDREN and YOUTH should be receiving a letter with activities every week from Pastor Sherry. Please let me know if you are not receiving one. We have been mailing out 39 each week and so appreciate receiving notes and pictures back! Thank you!!!! Please contact the office at 231-347-5448 or 231-881-1212 if you would like to receive the activities. ANNUAL DIRECTORY We have an additions and changes to your directory: Carolyn and Ron Matzinger change of address and email: New address 810 Howard Street. And dropped email [email protected]. Arlene Good 701 Vogel St. D6 Boyne City, MI 49712 (989) 335-0712 Jean Smith telephone number change: 231-218-1946 Boyd Manges email correction: [email protected] Vicki Morgan cell phone is 231-373-7007 Aileen and Brandan Ryan, Jack and Adam 10514 Burtlake Trail Brutus Michigan 49716 Janelle Warnemeunde cell phone correction: 269-838-7152 Gordy and Lynn Engdahl: 185 Crooked Tree Dr. Petoskey, MI 49770 David and Nancy Klinger: 4957 Cindy Ave. Carlsbad, CA 92008 Sommer Poquette phone contact number: 231-838-6236 FINANCIALS FOR THE MONTH OF August 2020: THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR TREASURES Fund Income 2020 Budget Difference General $14,811.50 $9,417.15 $5,394.35 Benevolence $243 $243 $0 Property $10,997.00 $2,177.75 $8,819.25 Loan $80,000 Totals $26,051.50 $11,594.90 $14,213.60 Fund Status Year to Date: Jan.-August 2020 General Fund Property Fund Opening Balance $400 + income $104,008.97 $18,068.00 -expense $70,068.99 $11,722.31 Loan $80,000.00 2020 Change $33,939.98 $72,177.74 Ending total operating balance year to date: $106,930.21 (This total does not reflect memorials: $20,071.40 or Benevolence total $19,035.37 which includes the Paper pantry and other flow through donations. We now have a loan of $80,000 taken for Property Fund. THANK YOU FOR REMEMBERING US IN YOUR OFFERINGS. If you need a copy of our council minutes or finances please let the church office know. We will get those to you as soon as possible or you can call Pastor Sherry McGuffin at 231-881-1212. We want to be as transparent as possible especially with the public. People are looking for a place to donate that makes a difference. Tell them about our outreach through feeding people and paper pantry. Tell them about adopt a highway and flowers for friends. We have a lot to offer and support and we would appreciate the blessing of offerings. FACEBOOK LIVE ON CROSS OF CHRIST LUTHERAN YOUTH, PETOSKEY MI Pastor Sherry is reading children’s books. Feel free to use or share or have your children watch as they fall asleep! If you want to request a book, let Pastor Sherry know and she will begin ordering them! You can text her at 231-881-1212 HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR NECK OF THE LAKE!! Sunday, September 27: 9:30AM service Facebook Live; ZOOM Coffee hour meeting ID 893 1199 9260; password: 81248 Monday, September 28: 8:15AM Bible Study at the church and on ZOOM meeting ID: 857 3071 0097 Password: 895517; 9:30AM interfaith meeting ZOOM Tuesday, September 29: Bible Study will continue in October Wednesday, September 30: Social distance with a friend! Thursday, October 1: Share our announcements with a friend or family member. Pastor Sherry will be away through Sunday but will be preaching on October 4th. Friday, October 2: Phone a church friend!!! See how they are doing! Saturday, October 3: Sleep in a little later and take a walk! Enjoy the sunshine or rain! Sunday, October 4: 9:30AM service Facebook Live; PRAYER LIST For those in the armed services: Michael Drake, Ryan Finley, Jeremy Hamal, Douglas Dinger, Derik Dinger
READINGS FOR SUNDAY, September 27, 2020 First Reading: Genesis 50:15-21 After Jacob’s death the brothers of Joseph begged for forgiveness for the crime they had done against him. You intended to do me harm, Joseph said, but God used this as an opportunity to do good and save many lives. 15Realizing that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers said, “What if Joseph still bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong that we did to him?” 16So they approached Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this instruction before he died, 17‘Say to Joseph: I beg you, forgive the crime of your brothers and the wrong they did in harming you.’ Now therefore please forgive the crime of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18Then his brothers also wept, fell down before him, and said, “We are here as your slaves.” 19But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid! Am I in the place of God? 20Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today. 21So have no fear; I myself will provide for you and your little ones.” In this way he reassured them, speaking kindly to them. Psalm: Psalm 103:[1-7] 8-13 [ 1Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless God’s holy name. 2Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all God’s benefits-- 3who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases; 4who redeems your life from the grave and crowns you with steadfast love and mercy; 5who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like an eagle’s. 6O Lord, you provide vindication and justice for all who are oppressed. 7You made known your ways to Moses and your works to the children of Israel. ] 8Lord, you are full of compassion and mercy, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love; 9you will not always accuse us, nor will you keep your anger forever. 10You have not dealt with us according to our sins, nor repaid us according to our iniquities. 11For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is your steadfast love for those who fear you. 12As far as the east is from the west, so far have you removed our transgressions from us. 13As a father has compassion for his children, so you have compassion for those who fear you, O Lord. Second Reading: Romans 14:1-12 This Christian community has significant struggles with diversity. Here Paul helps us understand that despite different practices in worship and personal piety, we do not judge one another. All Christians belong to the Lord Jesus Christ who died for all of us and will judge each of us. 1Welcome those who are weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions. 2Some believe in eating anything, while the weak eat only vegetables. 3Those who eat must not despise those who abstain, and those who abstain must not pass judgment on those who eat; for God has welcomed them. 4Who are you to pass judgment on servants of another? It is before their own lord that they stand or fall. And they will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make them stand. 5Some judge one day to be better than another, while others judge all days to be alike. Let all be fully convinced in their own minds. 6Those who observe the day, observe it in honor of the Lord. Also those who eat, eat in honor of the Lord, since they give thanks to God; while those who abstain, abstain in honor of the Lord and give thanks to God. 7We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. 8If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. 9For to this end Christ died and lived again, so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. 10Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. 11For it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God.” 12So then, each of us will be accountable to God. Gospel: Matthew 18:21-35 When Peter asks about the limits of forgiveness, Jesus responds with a parable that suggests human forgiveness should mirror the unlimited mercy of God. 21Peter came and said to [Jesus], “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” 22Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times. 23“For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. 24When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; 25and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. 26So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. 28But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt. 31When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. 32Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?’ 34And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. 35So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” 9:30AM SERVICE ON FACEBOOK LIVE: CROSS OF CHRIST LUTHERAN, PETOSKEY MI
View sermon and songs on our YouTube channel Cross of Christ Petoskey “Empowered by the grace of God to love, lead, and serve.” 9:30AM SERVICE ON FACEBOOK LIVE: CROSS OF CHRIST LUTHERAN, PETOSKEY MI View sermon and songs on our YouTube channel Cross of Christ Petoskey “Empowered by the grace of God to love, lead, and serve" PASTOR SHERRY MCGUFFIN As we continue to work at getting our worship space safe and usable again, please know that we are open for small group meetings. If you need to meet or would like to use the building for a small group please follow the guidelines listed below. Please call Pastor Sherry if you have any questions at 231-881-1212
USING THE CHURCH BUILDING: We are asking that each of us take extra care of keeping the assembly healthy! You can do the following things for helping us with that according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control):
As we look at reopening church slowly, please make sure that you do not have a temperature, wash your hands with the hand sanitizer or soap and water and sanitize tables and other things that you may use. Groups 10 people and under can meet in the church according to the state, but you will need to register to use the building. Please call the office at 231-347-5448 or text or call Pastor Sherry at 231-881-1212 to reserve the building. YOU HAVE TO RESERVE THE BUILDING!!! LOAN SURVEY/VOTE THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMITMENT! An update on the load process: The loan has been secured and so the replacement of the windows can happen so that we can move forward and open for worship when we are able! NOW….we really want to pay this loan off as soon as possible so if you would like to do a special gift for a window just let us know…adopt a window with another family. Each window is about $1,200. Make your check out to Cross of Christ Lutheran Church and write “Windows” in the memo. Mail it to Cross of Christ 1450 E. Mitchell Petoskey, MI 49770. Thank you in advance. The quicker that we pay this down the better we will be! RETURN TO WORSHIP: A new letter has been sent out by Bishop Satterlee concerning worship. He continually asks us to make the best possible decision for worshiping in person. We are not there yet! We have a bit to do to get us safe and up and ready. We are working towards that. Please join us virtually for service, music, Bible Study and coffee hour each week! DO YOU KNOW ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE OUR ANNOUNCEMENTS? If you know someone who would like to receive our announcements, please let our church office know. We are more than happy to share what we do in the name of the Trinity! OR, if you know someone who would like to receive information about the church, please let the church office know or have them call at 231-881-1212 HOSPITALITY takes on a new meaning today! Share hospitality by inviting your family and friends to join us for worship each Sunday on Facebook Live. We are trying our best to post them to YouTube as well and will update you on the new address to find the videos, right now you can find the services under Cross of Christ Petoskey. We can welcome more people in to worship than ever before! We are averaging about 200 views of over 8 minutes for our worship. So invitations and sharing the services sure do help share the Word and Ministry of God. THANK YOU TO RON MARSHALL AND MANAGEMENT TEAM FOR ORGANIZING THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF NEW WINDOWS,GUTTERS, DOORS, AND FIXING THE CEILING AND ROOF LEAKS! Lots of hands make less work…so thank you to Ron, Gary Engel, Tom Olsen, and everyone else whose names escape me who have worked at repairing and fixing our church building! Thank you! SOUP KITCHEN GOOD NEWS! Salvation Army is going to be distributing lunches on Tuesdays from First Presbyterian church in Petoskey. This means that we are able to serve free meals three times a week: Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday afternoons. If you know someone who needs food or a meal send them to First Presbyterian at 11:30 on those days. CHURCH OFFERINGS You can mail your offering to the church at Cross of Christ Lutheran 1450 East Mitchell St. Petoskey, Michigan 49770. There is also a “Give” app on our facebook page for you to use as a one time giving or you can get automatic giving through VANCO and you will need to contact David Meckstroth at 231-420-4830 or email him at [email protected] Thank you for remembering the church and its ministry and mission every day! We are so very blessed. YOUTUBE CHANNEL: We now host a channel on YouTube. You can subscribe to our channel at Cross of Christ, Petoskey. Pastor Sherry had started her own channel but we have moved everything over to Cross of Christ. When you subscribe you will receive notices when something new is posted to the channel. AND, you can make comments when you subscribe. Thank you to Bryan Young for creating this space for our church. There is special music and all of our services so far since we began. PAPER PANTRY: Due to Coronovirus 19 we are changing plans for the Paper Pantry. We will have one Paper Pantry a month, the 2nd Thursday of the month from 5-6:30PM. Clients will receive 2 bags so that they only need to make one trip a month. We are trying to keep people as safe with the least amount of contact as possible. Our volunteers wear gloves and masks and the clients drive by and receive the supplies in their mode of transportation. So we still take donations and supplies! And we served 36 families at our last paper pantry in April. Please pray for everyone who is vulnerable. SOUP KITCHEN STILL SERVING Soup Kitchen is still serving but we are serving brown bagged lunches. The lunches will be made at the church with volunteers in masks and gloves. Then we will have one or two of the same volunteers serve at First Presbyterian Church in Petoskey right out of the back of your car or near the parking lot. First Presbyterian is going through major construction but they are still serving lunches on Sunday as well in the same manner. Please contact Sue Finley if you would like to help or you can send financial donations to Cross of Christ with soup kitchen in the memo to 1450 E. Mitchell St. Petoskey, MI 49770 You can text Sue Finley at 231-881-0091 or leave her a message. GIFTS TO BE GIVEN!!! When people ask you where you give donations…tell them Cross of Christ. We welcome all financial donations so give in honor of someone or in memory of beloved. And as you prepare for your future planning remember Cross of Christ in your giving! BIBLE STUDIES: 8:15AM #Metoo Bible study is meeting on July 27th at the church and on ZOOM but we invite you to join in reading the devotions from “The Virtuous Life (The Holiness Tradition)” in Devotional Classics edited by Richard J. Foster and James Bryan Smith. Please let Pastor Sherry know if you would like to join. We still have books available. SENIOR HIGH YOUTH Sr. High Youth are encouraged to send in a Senior High Youth Group shirt design with a Bible verse! We will take all of the designs and see what we can come up with. Designs are due by August 16th! TUESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY Bible study is the book by Richard Rohr Jesus’ Plan for a New World: The Sermon on the Mount You can buy this for Kindle or you can order it through Amazon or even through McLean and Eakin. We begin on chapter 8 this week! SMALL COTTAGE MEETING LEADERS Our small cottage leaders are trying their best to keep in touch with you and then they share with pastor Sherry any prayer concerns or needs. Please know that they are working hard to keep you in prayer as well. Our leaders are Sommer Poquette, Melissa Hansen, Kasi Meckstroth, Bryan Young, Gordy Engdahl, Jean Smith and Svetlana Ottney, and Gary & Bev Engel. Thank you for your leadership and checking in with our congregation! If you do not know or have not received the name of your cottage leader, please contact the church at 231-347-5448 and leave a message so that we can get your information to you. CHILDREN and YOUTH should be receiving a letter with activities every OTHER week from Pastor Sherry. Please let me know if you are not receiving one. We have been mailing out 23 each week and so appreciate receiving notes and pictures back! Thank you!!!! Please contact the office at 231-347-5448 or 231-881-1212 if you would like to receive the activities. BIRTHDAYS for JULY & AUGUST July 4: Jim Knibbs; July 7: Elliott Drake; July 16: Jack Grosvenor; July 17: Donna Smith: July 19: Jeff Hamal; July 20: Paul Chaveriat; July 21: Ron Marshall; July 25: Grandt Backus, Sue Finley, Wendy Laser; July 28: Tavi Steffel; Aug. 5: Mitchell Tahtinen; Aug. 8: Kirstin Manges; Aug. 11: Heather Engel; Aug. 12: Kris Olsen; Aug. 17: Jean Brown, Mark Manker, Carolyn Matzinger and Sharon Scott; Aug. 18: Don Honaker; Aug. 22: Betony Braddock; Aug. 24: JoAnn Wilder, Shawn Connin; Aug. 25: Diana Tahtinen; Aug. 26: Ernst Rusche; Aug. 28: Bill Lewis; Aug. 30: Boyd Manges ANNIVERSARIES for JULY & AUGUST July 3: Heather & Marty Engel; Aug. 2: Collin & Emily Somerville; Aug. 5: Bill & Marla Hofmann; Aug. 8: Burnell & Karen Roberts; Aug. 15: Jeff& Karen Hamal; Aug. 17: Svetlana & Ron Ottney; Aug. 18: Deb & Mark Manker; Aug 23: John & Nancy Norton; Aug. 28: Bill & Karen Lewis and Stan & Marilynn Smith ANNUAL DIRECTORY We have an additions and changes to your directory: Arlene Good 701 Vogel St. D6 Boyne City, MI 49712 (989) 335-0712 Jean Smith telephone number change: 231-218-1946 Boyd Manges email correction: [email protected] Vicki Morgan cell phone is 231-373-7007 Aileen and Brandan Ryan, Jack and Adam 10514 Burtlake Trail Brutus Michigan 49716 Janelle Warnemeunde cell phone correction: 269-838-7152 Gordy and Lynn Engdahl: 185 Crooked Tree Dr. Petoskey, MI 49770 David and Nancy Klinger: 4957 Cindy Ave. Carlsbad, CA 92008 Sommer Poquette phone contact number: 231-838-6236 FINANCIALS FOR THE MONTH OF July 2020: THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR TREASURES Fund Income Monthly Budget Difference General $8,343.34 $9,417.15 ($1,073.81) Benevolence $520.00 Pass thru $0.00 Property $767.00 $1,345.83 ($578.83) Totals $9,630.34 $10,762.98 ($1,132.64) Fund Status Year to Date: Jan.-July 2020 General Fund Property Fund Opening Balance $0.00 $400.00 + income $8,9197.47 $87,071.00 (includes $80,000 loan) -expense $6,1573.10 $11,722.31 Ending Balance $2,7621.00 $75,748.69 Ending total operating balance year to date: $106,373.06 (This total does not reflect memorials: $20071.40 or Benevolence total $19,035.37 which includes the Paper pantry and other flow through donations. Note that in our benevolence we have over $10,000 as a gift from Women Who Care for the Paper Pantry.!!! We now have a loan of $80,000 taken for Property Fund. THANK YOU FOR REMEMBERING US IN YOUR OFFERINGS. If you need a copy of our council minutes or finances please let the church office know. We will get those to you as soon as possible or you can call Pastor Sherry McGuffin at 231-881-1212. We want to be as transparent as possible especially with the public. People are looking for a place to donate that makes a difference. Tell them about our outreach through feeding people and paper pantry. Tell them about adopt a highway and flowers for friends. We have a lot to offer and support and we would appreciate the blessing of offerings. FACEBOOK LIVE ON CROSS OF CHRIST LUTHERAN YOUTH, PETOSKEY MI Pastor Sherry is reading children’s books. Feel free to use or share or have your children watch as they fall asleep! If you want to request a book, let Pastor Sherry know and she will begin ordering them! You can text her at 231-881-1212 HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR NECK OF THE LAKE!! Sunday, August 16: 9:30AM service Facebook Live; 10:30 ZOOM Coffee hour meeting ID 893 1199 9260; password: 181248 Monday, August 17: 8:15AM Bible Study at the church and on ZOOM meeting ID: 857 3071 0097 Password: 895517; 9:30AM interfaith meeting ZOOM Tuesday, August 18: 5:30PM Bible Study Chapter 8 of Richard Rohr’s book on ZOOM Meeting ID: 882 2532 7788 and password: 018845 Wednesday, August 19: Pray for our community. Thursday, August 20: Send a note to a family member. Friday, August 21: Phone a church friend!!! See how they are doing! Saturday, August 22: Sleep in a little later and take a walk! Enjoy the sunshine Sunday, August 23: 9:30AM service Facebook Live;10:30 ZOOM Coffee hour meeting ID 893 1199 9260; password: 181248; PRAYER LIST For those in the armed services: Michael Drake, Ryan Finley, Jeremy Hamal, Douglas Dinger, Derik Dinger
READINGS FOR SUNDAY, August 16, 2020 First Reading: Isaiah 56:1, 6-8 The prophet calls upon Israel to do justice in view of God’s imminent intervention to save. Righteousness and obedience define who belongs to the Israelite community—not race, nationality, or any other category. 1Thus says the Lord: Maintain justice, and do what is right, for soon my salvation will come, and my deliverance be revealed. 6And the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord, and to be his servants, all who keep the sabbath, and do not profane it, and hold fast my covenant-- 7these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples. 8Thus says the Lord God, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, I will gather others to them besides those already gathered. Psalm: Psalm 67 1May God be merciful to us and bless us; may the light of God’s face shine upon us. 2Let your way be known upon earth, your saving health among all nations. 3Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you. 4Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide all the nations on earth. 5Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you. 6The earth has brought forth its increase; God, our own God, has blessed us. 7May God | give us blessing, and may all the ends of the earth stand in awe. Second Reading: Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 God has not rejected Israel. Rather, the call and gifts of God are irrevocable so that, while all have been disobedient, God has mercy upon all. [Paul writes:] 1I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. 2aGod has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. 29For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30Just as you were once disobedient to God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, 31so they have now been disobedient in order that, by the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. 32For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may be merciful to all. Gospel: Matthew 15:[10-20] 21-28 Jesus teaches his disciples that true purity is a matter of the heart rather than outward religious observances. Almost immediately, this teaching is tested when a woman considered to be a religious outsider approaches him for help. [10[Jesus] called the crowd to him and said to them, “Listen and understand:11it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles.” 12Then the disciples approached and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard what you said?” 13He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. 14Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if one blind person guides another, both will fall into a pit.” 15But Peter said to him, “Explain this parable to us.” 16Then he said, “Are you also still without understanding? 17Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth enters the stomach, and goes out into the sewer? 18But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles. 19For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. 20These are what defile a person, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile.”] 21Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. 22Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” 23But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” 24He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” 26He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” 27She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” 28Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly. 9:30AM SERVICE ON FACEBOOK LIVE: CROSS OF CHRIST LUTHERAN, PETOSKEY MI View sermon and songs on our YouTube channel Cross of Christ Petoskey “Empowered by the grace of God to love, lead, and serve.” PASTOR SHERRY MCGUFFIN On August 6th Pastor Sherry and Dan will leave for Hot Springs, Virginia to lead the funeral for her grandmother on August 9th. Our Lay Minister Jean Smith will be preaching for us on Sunday, August 9th. Please call Pastor Sherry if you have an emergency at 231-881-1212
LOAN SURVEY/VOTE An update on the load process: The loan has been secured and so the replacement of the windows can happen so that we can move forward and open for worship when we are able! NOW….we really want to pay this loan off as soon as possible so if you would like to do a special gift for a window just let us know…adopt a window with another family. Each window is about $1,200. Make your check out to Cross of Christ Lutheran Church and write “Windows” in the memo. Mail it to Cross of Christ 1450 E. Mitchell Petoskey, MI 49770. Thank you in advance. The quicker that we pay this down the better we will be! RETURN TO WORSHIP: A new letter has been sent out by Bishop Satterlee concerning worship. He continually asks us to make the best possible decision for worshiping in person. We are not there yet! We have a bit to do to get us safe and up and ready. We are working towards that. Please join us virtually for service, music, Bible Study and coffee hour each week! DO YOU KNOW ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE OUR ANNOUNCEMENTS? If you know someone who would like to receive our announcements, please let our church office know. We are more than happy to share what we do in the name of the Trinity! OR, if you know someone who would like to receive information about the church, please let the church office know or have them call at 231-881-1212 HOSPITALITY takes on a new meaning today! Share hospitality by inviting your family and friends to join us for worship each Sunday on Facebook Live. We are trying our best to post them to YouTube as well and will update you on the new address to find the videos, right now you can find the services under Cross of Christ Petoskey. We can welcome more people in to worship than ever before! We are averaging about 200 views of over 8 minutes for our worship. So invitations and sharing the services sure do help share the Word and Ministry of God. USING THE CHURCH BUILDING: We are asking that each of us take extra care of keeping the assembly healthy! You can do the following things for helping us with that according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control):
As we look at reopening church slowly, please make sure that you do not have a temperature, wash your hands with the hand sanitizer or soap and water and sanitize tables and other things that you may use. Groups 10 people and under can meet in the church according to the state, but you will need to register to use the building. Please call the office at 231-347-5448 or text or call Pastor Sherry at 231-881-1212 to reserve the building. YOU HAVE TO RESERVE THE BUILDING!!! READINGS FOR SUNDAY, August 9, 2020 First Reading: 1 Kings 19:9-18 On Mount Horeb, where God had appeared to Moses with typical signs of God’s presence—earthquake, wind, and fire—Elijah now experienced God in “sheer silence.” God assured Elijah that he is not the only faithful believer. Seven thousand Israelites are still loyal. God instructed Elijah to anoint two men as kings and to anoint Elisha as his own successor. 9At [Horeb, the mount of God,][Elijah] came to a cave, and spent the night there. Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 10He answered, “I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.” 11He said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; 12and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. 13When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then there came a voice to him that said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 14He answered, “I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.” 15Then the Lord said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus; when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael as king over Aram. 16Also you shall anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel; and you shall anoint Elisha son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah as prophet in your place. 17Whoever escapes from the sword of Hazael, Jehu shall kill; and whoever escapes from the sword of Jehu, Elisha shall kill. 18Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” Psalm: Psalm 85:8-13 8I will listen to what the Lord God is saying; for you speak peace to your faithful people and to those who turn their hearts to you. 9Truly, your salvation is very near to those who fear you, that your glory may dwell in our land. 10Steadfast love and faithfulness have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. 11Faithfulness shall spring up from the earth, and righteousness shall look down from heaven. 12The Lord will indeed grant prosperity, and our land will yield its increase. 13Righteousness shall go before the Lord and shall prepare for God a pathway. Second Reading: Romans 10:5-15 A right relationship with God is not something we achieve by heroic efforts. It is a gift received in the proclamation whose content is Jesus Christ. This proclaimed word creates our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Hence Christian proclamation is an indispensable component of God’s saving actions. 5Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that “the person who does these things will live by them.” 6But the righteousness that comes from faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ down) 7“or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8But what does it say? “The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. 11The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.” 12For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. 13For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” 14But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? 15And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Gospel: Matthew 14:22-33 Matthew’s gospel typically portrays Jesus’ disciples as people of “little faith,” who fail despite their best intentions. In this story, Matthew shows how Jesus comes to the disciples when they are in trouble and sustains them in their time of fear and doubt. 22[Jesus] made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side [of the Sea of Galilee], while he dismissed the crowds.23And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. 25And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. 26But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” 28Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” BIRTHDAYS for JULY & AUGUST July 4: Jim Knibbs; July 7: Elliott Drake; July 16: Jack Grosvenor; July 17: Donna Smith: July 19: Jeff Hamal; July 20: Paul Chaveriat; July 21: Ron Marshall; July 25: Grandt Backus, Sue Finley, Wendy Laser; July 28: Tavi Steffel; Aug. 5: Mitchell Tahtinen; Aug. 8: Kirstin Manges; Aug. 11: Heather Engel; Aug. 12: Kris Olsen; Aug. 17: Jean Brown, Mark Manker, Carolyn Matzinger and Sharon Scott; Aug. 18: Don Honaker; Aug. 22: Betony Braddock; Aug. 24: JoAnn Wilder, Shawn Connin; Aug. 25: Diana Tahtinen; Aug. 26: Ernst Rusche; Aug. 28: Bill Lewis; Aug. 30: Boyd Manges ANNIVERSARIES for JULY & AUGUST July 3: Heather & Marty Engel; Aug. 2: Collin & Emily Somerville; Aug. 5: Bill & Marla Hofmann; Aug. 8: Burnell & Karen Roberts; Aug. 15: Jeff& Karen Hamal; Aug. 18: Deb & Mark Manker; Aug 23: John & Nancy Norton; Aug. 28: Bill & Karen Lewis and Stan & Marilynn Smith THANK YOU TO PRICILLA AND WAYNE MEYER who completed our Adopt-A-Highway project. That is a lot of work, so thank you for caring for creation! SOUP KITCHEN GOOD NEWS! Salvation Army is going to be distributing lunches on Tuesdays from First Presbyterian church in Petoskey. This means that we are able to serve free meals three times a week: Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday afternoons. If you know someone who needs food or a meal send them to First Presbyterian at 11:30 on those days. CHURCH OFFERINGS You can mail your offering to the church at Cross of Christ Lutheran 1450 East Mitchell St. Petoskey, Michigan 49770. There is also a “Give” app on our facebook page for you to use as a one time giving or you can get automatic giving through VANCO and you will need to contact David Meckstroth at 231-420-4830 or email him at [email protected] Thank you for remembering the church and its ministry and mission every day! We are so very blessed. YOUTUBE CHANNEL: We now host a channel on YouTube. You can subscribe to our channel at Cross of Christ, Petoskey. Pastor Sherry had started her own channel but we have moved everything over to Cross of Christ. When you subscribe you will receive notices when something new is posted to the channel. AND, you can make comments when you subscribe. Thank you to Bryan Young for creating this space for our church. There is special music and all of our services so far since we began. PAPER PANTRY: Due to Coronovirus 19 we are changing plans for the Paper Pantry. We will have one Paper Pantry a month, the 2nd Thursday of the month from 5-6:30PM. Clients will receive 2 bags so that they only need to make one trip a month. We are trying to keep people as safe with the least amount of contact as possible. Our volunteers wear gloves and masks and the clients drive by and receive the supplies in their mode of transportation. So we still take donations and supplies! And we served 36 families at our last paper pantry in April. Please pray for everyone who is vulnerable. SOUP KITCHEN STILL SERVING Soup Kitchen is still serving but we are serving brown bagged lunches. The lunches will be made at the church with volunteers in masks and gloves. Then we will have one or two of the same volunteers serve at First Presbyterian Church in Petoskey right out of the back of your car or near the parking lot. First Presbyterian is going through major construction but they are still serving lunches on Sunday as well in the same manner. Please contact Sue Finley if you would like to help or you can send financial donations to Cross of Christ with soup kitchen in the memo to 1450 E. Mitchell St. Petoskey, MI 49770 You can text Sue Finley at 231-881-0091 or leave her a message. GIFTS TO BE GIVEN!!! When people ask you where you give donations…tell them Cross of Christ. We welcome all financial donations so give in honor of someone or in memory of beloved. And as you prepare for your future planning remember Cross of Christ in your giving! BIBLE STUDIES: 8:15AM #Metoo Bible study is meeting on July 27th at the church and on ZOOM but we invite you to join in reading the devotions from “The Virtuous Life (The Holiness Tradition)” in Devotional Classics edited by Richard J. Foster and James Bryan Smith. Please let Pastor Sherry know if you would like to join. We still have books available. TUESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY Bible study is the book by Richard Rohr Jesus’ Plan for a New World: The Sermon on the Mount You can buy this for Kindle or you can order it through Amazon or even through McLean and Eakin. We begin on chapter 8 this week! SMALL COTTAGE MEETING LEADERS Our small cottage leaders are trying their best to keep in touch with you and then they share with pastor Sherry any prayer concerns or needs. Please know that they are working hard to keep you in prayer as well. Our leaders are Sommer Poquette, Melissa Hansen, Kasi Meckstroth, Bryan Young, Gordy Engdahl, Jean Smith and Svetlana Ottney, and Gary & Bev Engel. Thank you for your leadership and checking in with our congregation! CHILDREN should be receiving a letter with activities every OTHER week from Pastor Sherry. Please let me know if you are not receiving one. We have been mailing out 23 each week and so appreciate receiving notes and pictures back! Thank you!!!! Please contact the office at 231-347-5448 or 231-881-1212 if you would like to receive the activities. ANNUAL DIRECTORY We have an additions and changes to your directory: Arlene Good 701 Vogel St. D6 Boyne City, MI 49712 (989) 335-0712 Jean Smith telephone number change: 231-218-1946 Boyd Manges email correction: [email protected] Vicki Morgan cell phone is 231-373-7007 Aileen and Brandan Ryan, Jack and Adam 10514 Burtlake Trail Brutus Michigan 49716 Janelle Warnemeunde cell phone correction: 269-838-7152 Gordy and Lynn Engdahl: 185 Crooked Tree Dr. Petoskey, MI 49770 David and Nancy Klinger: 4957 Cindy Ave. Carlsbad, CA 92008 Sommer Poquette phone contact number: 231-838-6236 FINANCIALS FOR THE MONTH OF June 2020: THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR TREASURES Fund Income Monthly Budget Difference General $20,402.44 $9,417.15 $10,985.29 Benevolence $470 Pass thru $0.00 Property $2,392.00 $1,345.83 $1,046.17 Totals $23,234.44 $10,762.98 $12,501.46 Fund Status Year to Date: June 2020 General Fund Property Fund Opening Balance $400.00 + income $80,854 .13 $6,304.00 -expense $58,3233.13 $6,468.60 Ending Balance $27,621.00 $235.40 Ending total balance year to date: $27,621.00 THANK YOU FOR REMEMBERING US IN YOUR OFFERINGS. If you need a copy of our council minutes or finances please let the church office know. We will get those to you as soon as possible or you can call Pastor Sherry McGuffin at 231-881-1212. We want to be as transparent as possible especially with the public. People are looking for a place to donate that makes a difference. Tell them about our outreach through feeding people and paper pantry. Tell them about adopt a highway and flowers for friends. We have a lot to offer and support and we would appreciate the blessing of offerings. FACEBOOK LIVE ON CROSS OF CHRIST LUTHERAN YOUTH, PETOSKEY MI Pastor Sherry is reading children’s books. Feel free to use or share or have your children watch as they fall asleep! If you want to request a book, let Pastor Sherry know and she will begin ordering them! You can text her at 231-881-1212 HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR NECK OF THE LAKE!! Sunday, August 9: 9:30AM service Facebook Live; Pastor will be officiating her grandmother’s funeral. Monday, August 10: CANCELLED: 8:15AM Bible Study at the church and on ZOOM meeting ID: 857 3071 0097 Password: 895517; 9:30AM interfaith meeting ZOOM Tuesday, August 11: 5:30PM Bible Study Chapter 8 of Richard Rohr’s book on ZOOM Meeting ID: 882 2532 7788 and password: 018845 Wednesday, August 12: Thursday, August 13: Friday, August 14: Phone a church friend!!! See how they are doing! Saturday, August 15: Sleep in a little later and take a walk! Enjoy the sunshine Sunday, August 16: 9:30AM service Facebook Live;10:30 ZOOM Coffee hour meeting ID 893 1199 9260; password: 181248; Pastor Sherry will be out of town but will still lead service at 9:30AM PRAYER LIST For those in the armed services: Michael Drake, Ryan Finley, Jeremy Hamal, Douglas Dinger, Derik Dinger
9:30AM SERVICE ON FACEBOOK LIVE: CROSS OF CHRIST LUTHERAN, PETOSKEY MI View sermon and songs on our YouTube channel Cross of Christ Petoskey “Empowered by the grace of God to love, lead, and serve.” PASTOR SHERRY MCGUFFIN will be out of town starting Friday, July 31-August 3. August 4th she is working at the voting polls with Dan Bays and lots of others at the Unity Hall all day and night. On August 6th she and Dan will leave for Hot Springs, Virginia to lead the funeral for her grandmother on August 8th. She will still host services virtually if possible. If not there will still be a service for you on Sundays. Please call Pastor Sherry if you have an emergency at 231-881-1212
THANK YOU You have been faithful in giving and in ministering to those who are in need. You have given faithfully to the church as well and for that reason we are able to continue to serve others and to act or justice and to walk humbly with God. Your kindness to neighbors and family, your support of our educational classes and now even the summer sabbatical before we come in full force in September is wonderful and such a blessing. If you are interested in a certain class, or Bible Study at a certain time and day and have at least three people who would like to study, let me know and we can make this happen! We can join across the nation as well. We will have our programs and ministries listed at the end of August so that we can share the good news. We will be hosting all of these things virtually. If you want to participate and cannot virtually, please let Pastor Sherry know at 231-881-1212 or email her at [email protected]. LOAN SURVEY/VOTE Thank you for your prompt voting on our loan survey. Through your voting council has been given the permission to move forward with acquiring a loan or window replacements so that we can work toward reopening with good safety precautions. This means that we will be able to open the windows and allow air to circulate. This also means that we will begin a huge fundraiser for these windows….so if you would like to adopt a window to be put into the church please just let the church know. We will be sending out a letter with details. Start praying about how you can donate…alone, together with other people, a committee, a Bible study, youth? How can we raise about $1,200 per window? The faster we raise it the quicker we get to pay it off! Keep praying! RETURN TO WORSHIP SURVEY: A new letter has been sent out by Bishop Satterlee concerning worship. He continually asks us to make the best possible decision for worshiping in person. We are not there yet! We have a bit to do to get us safe and up and ready. We are working towards that. Please join us virtually for service, music, Bible Study and coffee hour each week! DO YOU KNOW ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE OUR ANNOUNCEMENTS? If you know someone who would like to receive our announcements, please let our church office know. We are more than happy to share what we do in the name of the Trinity! OR, if you know someone who would like to receive information about the church, please let the church office know or have them call at 231-881-1212 HOSPITALITY takes on a new meaning today! Share hospitality by inviting your family and friends to join us for worship each Sunday on Facebook Live. We are trying our best to post them to YouTube as well and will update you on the new address to find the videos, right now you can find the services under Cross of Christ Petoskey. We can welcome more people in to worship than ever before! We are averaging about 200 views of over 8 minutes for our worship. So invitations and sharing the services sure do help share the Word and Ministry of God. USING THE CHURCH BUILDING: We are asking that each of us take extra care of keeping the assembly healthy! You can do the following things for helping us with that according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control):
As we look at reopening church slowly, please make sure that you do not have a temperature, wash your hands with the hand sanitizer or soap and water and sanitize tables and other things that you may use. Groups 10 people and under can meet in the church according to the state, but you will need to register to use the building. Please call the office at 231-347-5448 or text or call Pastor Sherry at 231-881-1212 to reserve the building. YOU HAVE TO RESERVE THE BUILDING!!! READINGS FOR SUNDAY, JULY , 2020 First Reading: 1 Kings 3:5-12 Because Solomon did not ask for long life, riches, or the defeat of his enemies, God gave him what he asked for: wisdom to govern the people well. 5At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask what I should give you.” 6And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant my father David, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you; and you have kept for him this great and steadfast love, and have given him a son to sit on his throne today. 7And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David, although I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. 8And your servant is in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a great people, so numerous they cannot be numbered or counted. 9Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?” 10It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. 11God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches, or for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, 12I now do according to your word. Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you.” Psalm: Psalm 119:129-136 129Your decrees are wonderful; therefore I obey them with all my heart. 130When your word is opened it gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. 131I open my mouth and pant because I long for your commandments. 132Turn to me and be gracious to me, as you always do to those who love your name. 133Order my footsteps in your word; let no iniquity have dominion over me. 134Rescue me from those who oppress me, and I will keep your commandments. 135Let your face shine upon your servant and teach me your statutes. 136My eyes shed streams of tears, because people do not keep your teaching. Second Reading: Romans 8:26-39 These words celebrate the depth of God’s actions for us. Through Christ’s death for us and the activity of the Spirit praying for us, we are fused to God’s love poured out in Jesus Christ. Nothing, not even death itself, is able to separate us from such incredible divine love. 26The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. 27And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. 29For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. 30And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified. 31What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? 33Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. 35Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Gospel: Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 Throughout Matthew’s gospel, Jesus and his disciples proclaim the good news that “the kingdom of heaven is near!” Here, Jesus offers several brief parables that explore the implications of this announcement for people’s lives. 31[Jesus] put before [the crowds] another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field;32it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” 33He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.” 44“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 45“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; 46on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. 47“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; 48when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. 49So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous 50and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 51“Have you understood all this?” They answered, “Yes.” 52And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.” BIRTHDAYS for JULY & AUGUST July 4: Jim Knibbs; July 7: Elliott Drake; July 16: Jack Grosvenor; July 17: Donna Smith: July 19: Jeff Hamal; July 20: Paul Chaveriat; July 21: Ron Marshall; July 25: Grandt Backus, Sue Finley, Wendy Laser; July 28: Tavi Steffel; Aug. 5: Mitchell Tahtinen; Aug. 8: Kirstin Manges; Aug. 11: Heather Engel; Aug. 12: Kris Olsen; Aug. 17: Jean Brown, Mark Manker, Carolyn Matzinger and Sharon Scott; Aug. 18: Don Honaker; Aug. 22: Betony Braddock; Aug. 24: JoAnn Wilder, Shawn Connin; Aug. 25: Diana Tahtinen; Aug. 26: Ernst Rusche; Aug. 28: Bill Lewis; Aug. 30: Boyd Manges ANNIVERSARIES for JULY & AUGUST July 3: Heather & Marty Engel; Aug. 2: Collin & Emily Somerville; Aug. 5: Bill & Marla Hofmann; Aug. 8: Burnell & Karen Roberts; Aug. 15: Jeff& Karen Hamal; Aug. 18: Deb & Mark Manker; Aug 23: John & Nancy Norton; Aug. 28: Bill & Karen Lewis and Stan & Marilynn Smith THANK YOU TO PRICILLA AND WAYNE MEYER who completed our Adopt-A-Highway project. That is a lot of work, so thank you for caring for creation! SOUP KITCHEN GOOD NEWS! Salvation Army is going to be distributing lunches on Tuesdays from First Presbyterian church in Petoskey. This means that we are able to serve free meals three times a week: Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday afternoons. If you know someone who needs food or a meal send them to First Presbyterian at 11:30 on those days. CHURCH OFFERINGS You can mail your offering to the church at Cross of Christ Lutheran 1450 East Mitchell St. Petoskey, Michigan 49770. There is also a “Give” app on our facebook page for you to use as a one time giving or you can get automatic giving through VANCO and you will need to contact David Meckstroth at 231-420-4830 or email him at [email protected] Thank you for remembering the church and its ministry and mission every day! We are so very blessed. YOUTUBE CHANNEL: We now host a channel on YouTube. You can subscribe to our channel at Cross of Christ, Petoskey. Pastor Sherry had started her own channel but we have moved everything over to Cross of Christ. When you subscribe you will receive notices when something new is posted to the channel. AND, you can make comments when you subscribe. Thank you to Bryan Young for creating this space for our church. There is special music and all of our services so far since we began. PAPER PANTRY: Due to Coronovirus 19 we are changing plans for the Paper Pantry. We will have one Paper Pantry a month, the 2nd Thursday of the month from 5-6:30PM. Clients will receive 2 bags so that they only need to make one trip a month. We are trying to keep people as safe with the least amount of contact as possible. Our volunteers wear gloves and masks and the clients drive by and receive the supplies in their mode of transportation. So we still take donations and supplies! And we served 36 families at our last paper pantry in April. Please pray for everyone who is vulnerable. SOUP KITCHEN STILL SERVING Soup Kitchen is still serving but we are serving brown bagged lunches. The lunches will be made at the church with volunteers in masks and gloves. Then we will have one or two of the same volunteers serve at First Presbyterian Church in Petoskey right out of the back of your car or near the parking lot. First Presbyterian is going through major construction but they are still serving lunches on Sunday as well in the same manner. Please contact Sue Finley if you would like to help or you can send financial donations to Cross of Christ with soup kitchen in the memo to 1450 E. Mitchell St. Petoskey, MI 49770 You can text Sue Finley at 231-881-0091 or leave her a message. GIFTS TO BE GIVEN!!! When people ask you where you give donations…tell them Cross of Christ. We welcome all financial donations so give in honor of someone or in memory of beloved. And as you prepare for your future planning remember Cross of Christ in your giving! BIBLE STUDIES: 8:15AM #Metoo Bible study is meeting on July 27th at the church and on ZOOM but we invite you to join in reading the devotions from “The Virtuous Life (The Holiness Tradition)” in Devotional Classics edited by Richard J. Foster and James Bryan Smith. Please let Pastor Sherry know if you would like to join. We still have books available. TUESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY will continue meeting once the new books have been chosen and received. I will let everyone know what the Bible study is going to be a book by Richard Rohr Jesus’ Plan for a New World: The Sermon on the Mount You can buy this for Kindle or you can order it through Amazon or even through McLean and Eakin. We begin on chapter 7 this week! SMALL COTTAGE MEETING LEADERS Our small cottage leaders are trying their best to keep in touch with you and then they share with pastor Sherry any prayer concerns or needs. Please know that they are working hard to keep you in prayer as well. Our leaders are Sommer Poquette, Melissa Hansen, Kasi Meckstroth, Bryan Young, Gordy Engdahl, Jean Smith and Svetlana Ottney, and Gary & Bev Engel. Thank you for your leadership and checking in with our congregation! CHILDREN should be receiving a letter with activities every OTHER week from Pastor Sherry. Please let me know if you are not receiving one. We have been mailing out 23 each week and so appreciate receiving notes and pictures back! Thank you!!!! Please contact the office at 231-347-5448 or 231-881-1212 if you would like to receive the activities. ANNUAL DIRECTORY We have an additions and changes to your directory: Arlene Good 701 Vogel St. D6 Boyne City, MI 49712 (989) 335-0712 Jean Smith telephone number change: 231-218-1946 Boyd Manges email correction: [email protected] Vicki Morgan cell phone is 231-373-7007 Aileen and Brandan Ryan, Jack and Adam 10514 Burtlake Trail Brutus Michigan 49716 Janelle Warnemeunde cell phone correction: 269-838-7152 Gordy and Lynn Engdahl: 185 Crooked Tree Dr. Petoskey, MI 49770 David and Nancy Klinger: 4957 Cindy Ave. Carlsbad, CA 92008 Sommer Poquette phone contact number: 231-838-6236 FINANCIALS FOR THE MONTH OF June 2020: THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR TREASURES Fund Income Monthly budget Difference General $20,402.44 $9417.15 $10,985.29 Benevolence $470.00 Pass thru $0.00 Property $2,392.00 $1,345.83 $1,046.17 Totals $23,234.44 $10,762.98 $12,501.46 Fund Status Year to Date: June 2020 General Fund Property Fund Opening Balance $0.00 $400 + income $80,854 .13 $6,304.00 -expense $58,3233.13 $6,468.60 Ending Balance $27,621.00 $235.40 Ending total balance year to date: $27,621.00 THANK YOU FOR REMEMBERING US IN YOUR OFFERINGS. If you need a copy of our council minutes or finances please let the church office know. We will get those to you as soon as possible or you can call Pastor Sherry McGuffin at 231-881-1212. We want to be as transparent as possible especially with the public. People are looking for a place to donate that makes a difference. Tell them about our outreach through feeding people and paper pantry. Tell them about adopt a highway and flowers for friends. We have a lot to offer and support and we would appreciate the blessing of offerings. FACEBOOK LIVE ON CROSS OF CHRIST LUTHERAN YOUTH, PETOSKEY MI Pastor Sherry is reading children’s books. Feel free to use or share or have your children watch as they fall asleep! If you want to request a book, let Pastor Sherry know and she will begin ordering them! You can text her at 231-881-1212 HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR NECK OF THE LAKE!! Sunday, August 2: 9:30AM service Facebook Live;10:30 ZOOM Coffee hour meeting ID 893 1199 9260; password: 181248. Pastor will be at Well’s state park. Monday, August 3: CANCELLED: 8:15AM Bible Study at the church and on ZOOM meeting ID: 857 3071 0097 Password: 895517; 9:30AM interfaith meeting ZOOM Tuesday, August 4: CANCELLED because of voting 5:30PM Bible Study Chapter 7 of Richard Rohr’s book on ZOOM Meeting ID: 882 2532 7788 and password: 018845 Wednesday, August 5: Thursday, August 6: Pastor Sherry leaves for Virginia for funeral Friday, August 7: Phone a church friend!!! See how they are doing! Saturday, August 8: Sleep in a little later and take a walk! Enjoy the sunshine Sunday, August 9: 9:30AM service Facebook Live;10:30 ZOOM Coffee hour meeting ID 893 1199 9260; password: 181248; Pastor Sherry will be out of town but will still lead service at 9:30AM PRAYER LIST For those in the armed services: Michael Drake, Ryan Finley, Jeremy Hamal, Douglas Dinger, Derik Dinger
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