THANK YOU You know as well as I, that this has been such a difficult time for our country and world.  The shut downs really are wreaking havoc on lives and finances. I want to thank you for helping others, for your generosity to the church…we need you!...and for your compassion in our local area with the local businesses.  Thank you from deep within for all that you do.  Your offerings have ministered to the hungry, the lonely, those in financial troubles and those who are dying.  We have also been able to reach our children every week until recently…moving to a summer schedule for everyone!  Thank you…your spirit is so full. 
 
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: We had 24 responses and the majority was to wait until September to begin in person worship.  Three family units said that they would participate in outdoor worship and two family units shared that they would return to worship whenever we started.  So, we are waiting until September.  We would like to try an outdoor service and are working on that for August.  Please know that we will be following as much protocol as possible.
 
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):

• YOU MUST SIGN UP TO USE THE BUILDING.  Call Pastor Sherry at 231-881-1212 or on the church line at 231-347-5448
• BEFORE YOU ENTER THE BUILDING CHECK THE FOLLOWING: Have you travelled out of our county?  Have you been in contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19? What is your temperature?  If you way yes to any of these questions, please do not enter into the building.  We want to keep you and everyone else very safe. 
• EVERY PERSON MUST PRINT ONES FULL NAME AND PHONE NUMBER  We will be doing this as a contact list in case of a positive test for flu or COVID-19.  The book will be at the counter in front of the office.
• NO MORE THAN 10 PEOPLE in the church at one time. You must register your small group and you will be designated an area in the church for your use.
• YOU MUST WEAR A MASK.  When you enter the building you must wear a mask and keep it on when you are with others.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or with the disinfectant for at least 20 seconds
• WIPE down the table and metal chairs with the disinfectant wipes BEFORE AND AFTER YOUR MEETING.
• USE THE METAL CHAIRS.
• BRING YOUR OWN HAND SANITIZER in case we run out at church.
• SOCIAL DISTANCE=6 FEET A PART FROM EACH PERSON
• REST AND STAY HOME if you are sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• NO HUGGING, SHAKING HANDS, HOLDING HANDS OR ANY OTHER TOUCHING!
• BE PATIENT with each other! 

 
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 JUNE & JULY
July 2: Tyler Brown; 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
 
ANNIVERSARIES for JUNE & JULY
July 3:  Heather & Marty Engel.
 
NOISY OFFERING Noisy offering for Cross of Christ for our community is so very important and at this time there are many areas of ministry that need our help.  We are collecting financial donations to help support Luke Ulrich’s ministry in Malawi, Africa.  Luke, Jamie, Mark, Miriam, and Aaron returned to the United States a little early to get home safely during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.  They are now gathering support through prayer and financial donations.  We have committed to pray for the Ulrich family at every gathering and you will find them on the prayer list.  And we are blessed to have Luke’s mother, Lois, who continually keeps us updated as well.  The work that they have done allows for women and children and families to make a living canning sauce and vegetables and selling them or keeping them for their own nutrition.  That is just one of the many acts of service.  If you would like to send a donation for them, just mail it to the church at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church at 1450 E. Mitchell St. Petoskey, MI.  We will be sure to give them a check before they return to Malawi.  If you are gathering your noisy offering, you can drop it off at the church and if Pastor Sherry is not there you can let her know and she will come ASAP to pick it up.  Call her at 231-881-1212 (or you can text her as well!)
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
What we need
Difference

 
 
 
 

General
$20402.44
9417.15
10985.29

Benevolence
$470
-
-

Property
$2392.00
1,345.83
1046.17

 
 
 
 

Totals
$23234.44
10,762.98
$12501.46

 
 
Fund Status Year to Date: June 2020
                                         General Fund    Property Fund
Opening Balance                                            $400
+ income                        $80854 .13               $6304.00
-expense                        $583233.13              $6468.60
Ending Balance               $27621.00                 $235.40
Ending total balance year to date: $27,621.00
Note that in our benevolence we have over $10,000 as a gift from Women Who Care for the Paper Pantry.!!!                                                                             

 
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, July 26:  9:30AM service Facebook Live;10:30 ZOOM Coffee hour meeting ID 893 1199
                              9260; password: 181248
Monday, July 27: 8:15AM Bible Study at the church and on ZOOM meeting ID:  857 3071 0097
                              Password: 895517; 9:30AM interfaith meeting ZOOM
Tuesday, July 28: 5:30PM Bible Study Chapter 7 of Richard Rohr’s book on ZOOM Meeting
                              ID: 882 2532 7788 and password: 018845
Wednesday, July 29: Don’t forget to make sure that you are registered to vote in the Aug 4 election
Thursday, July 30:
Friday, July 31:  Phone a church friend!!!  See how they are doing!
Saturday, August 1: Sleep in a little later and take a walk! Enjoy the sunshine
Sunday, August 2:  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

• People of color who are fighting oppression and for equity
• DeWayne Cox
• Luke, grandson to Deanna Klosinski
• Gordy Engdahl for healing through his surgery this week.
• Russ Scott for healing
• Emil, godson of Sommer Poquette
• Medical field who are our first responders to the COVID -19.  Thank you!  we pray for courage and rest and wisdom and we pray that we are able to serve you in this time.
• All those who are suffering from COVID-19, their friends and family and this unknown journey.
• Gary Marshall, brother of Ron Marshall
• Michael Koch, friend of Pastor Sherry who is now in rehabilitation from a stroke
• Amy, niece to JoAnn Wilder and Boyd Manges
• Joey, cousin of Bryan Young, at home now and healing of COVID 19
• John Rush
• Kathy Rusche
• Chelsea Duffiney, niece to Jean & Mike Smith
• Mandy Meckstroth
• Carrie Swadling, friend of Pam Campbell
• Mackenzie Espinoza, family of Pam Campbell
• Greg Howard, son of Ann and John Howard, for healing
• Sabine, the granddaughter of Lynn and Gordy Engdahl, for healing
• John Foltz, brother of Ann Howard
• Joe McClatchie, family of Dagny King
• Jim Popp, Jeff Popp’s father
• Dale Courtney, Kris Olsen’s sister

• Rebecca Johnson, friend of Irene Feeley
• Marcia Froelich, family of Kathy Phelps-Rusche
• Rob Sarki for healing presence
• Craig Finley and family, brother of Sue Finley
• Ruth Koski, mother of Gail Drake
• Erica Riviera, cousin of Dean Morford
• The Luke Ulrich family who is now in Indiana from Malawi 
  

THANK YOU You know as well as I, that this has been such a difficult time for our country and world.  The shut downs really are wreaking havoc on lives and finances. I want to thank you for helping others, for your generosity to the church…we need you!...and for your compassion in our local area with the local businesses.  Thank you from deep within for all that you do.  Your offerings have ministered to the hungry, the lonely, those in financial troubles and those who are dying.  We have also been able to reach our children every week until recently…moving to a summer schedule for everyone!  Thank you…your spirit is so full. 
 
LOAN SURVEY/VOTE Because we are under a timeline, you have received a voting opportunity on survey monkey to let the council know if you support a loan or not.  We have to act fast in order to get the windows in so that we can plan to open again in September when we can still open windows to gather.  Please vote.  If you have any questions contact Sommer Poquette at 231-838-6236. As you know Sommer is the president of our congregation and she and your leadership team have been doing a great job during this Coronavirus time.  Please keep the council in your prayers.
 
RETURN TO WORSHIP SURVEY: We had 24 responses and the majority was to wait until September to begin in person worship.  Three family units said that they would participate in outdoor worship and two family units shared that they would return to worship whenever we started.  So, we are waiting until September.  We would like to try an outdoor service and are working on that for August.  Please know that we will be following as much protocol as possible.
 
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):

• YOU MUST SIGN UP TO USE THE BUILDING.  Call Pastor Sherry at 231-881-1212 or on the church line at 231-347-5448
• BEFORE YOU ENTER THE BUILDING CHECK THE FOLLOWING: Have you travelled out of our county?  Have you been in contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19? What is your temperature?  If you way yes to any of these questions, please do not enter into the building.  We want to keep you and everyone else very safe. 
• EVERY PERSON MUST PRINT ONES FULL NAME AND PHONE NUMBER  We will be doing this as a contact list in case of a positive test for flu or COVID-19.  The book will be at the counter in front of the office.
• NO MORE THAN 10 PEOPLE in the church at one time. You must register your small group and you will be designated an area in the church for your use.
• YOU MUST WEAR A MASK.  When you enter the building you must wear a mask and keep it on when you are with others.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or with the disinfectant for at least 20 seconds
• WIPE down the table and metal chairs with the disinfectant wipes BEFORE AND AFTER YOUR MEETING.
• USE THE METAL CHAIRS.
• BRING YOUR OWN HAND SANITIZER in case we run out at church.
• SOCIAL DISTANCE=6 FEET A PART FROM EACH PERSON
• REST AND STAY HOME if you are sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• NO HUGGING, SHAKING HANDS, HOLDING HANDS OR ANY OTHER TOUCHING!
• BE PATIENT with each other! 

 
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 19, 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 JUNE & JULY
July 2: Tyler Brown; 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
 
ANNIVERSARIES for JUNE & JULY
July 3:  Heather & Marty Engel.
 
NOISY OFFERING Noisy offering for Cross of Christ for our community is so very important and at this time there are many areas of ministry that need our help.  We are collecting financial donations to help support Luke Ulrich’s ministry in Malawi, Africa.  Luke, Jamie, Mark, Miriam, and Aaron returned to the United States a little early to get home safely during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.  They are now gathering support through prayer and financial donations.  We have committed to pray for the Ulrich family at every gathering and you will find them on the prayer list.  And we are blessed to have Luke’s mother, Lois, who continually keeps us updated as well.  The work that they have done allows for women and children and families to make a living canning sauce and vegetables and selling them or keeping them for their own nutrition.  That is just one of the many acts of service.  If you would like to send a donation for them, just mail it to the church at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church at 1450 E. Mitchell St. Petoskey, MI.  We will be sure to give them a check before they return to Malawi.  If you are gathering your noisy offering, you can drop it off at the church and if Pastor Sherry is not there you can let her know and she will come ASAP to pick it up.  Call her at 231-881-1212 (or you can text her as well!)

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.

WORSHIP BIBLE STUDY AND CLASSES WILL BEGIN AT CHURCH AND ON ZOOM JUNE 29TH
Our studies and classes will be hosted on ZOOM where we can hear and interact with everyone participating.  So join in!  ZOOM is free to join in and there will always be a link sent on our facebook page.  If you would like the link in an email, please email me at [email protected] and I will make sure that you get the link!  It changes each week.  Please call Pastor Sherry McGuffin for help in navigating this or if you need to talk or if you have questions, or because you want to!  Information for joining zoom is also found on our facebook page Cross of Christ Lutheran, Petoskey MI and on our youth page at Cross of Christ Lutheran Youth Petoskey MI.
 
To get onto Facebook Live you need to be a friend of the congregation.  Since starting facebook live sermons and worship we have had an influx of neighbors and friends join us.  This is live.  I do save it so that you can go back and look and I will begin to put them under videos on our facebook page so that you can find them quickly. 
 
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 June 29th 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. 
 
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               $20402.44                    $9417.15                          $10985.29
Benevolence          $470.00                    pass thru                           $0.00
Property               $2392.00                    $1,345.83                         $1046.17            
Totals                   $23234.44                   $10,762.98                       $12501.46

 Fund Status Year to Date:  Through June 2020

                                       General Fund         Property Fund
Opening Balance              $0.00                      $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, July 19:  9:30AM service Facebook Live;10:30 ZOOM Coffee hour meeting ID 893 1199
                              9260; password: 181248; Send in your votes for the bank loan.  2PM Pastor
                              Sherry McGuffin to lead celebration of life for Fred Hinkley
Monday, July 20: 8:15AM Bible Study at the church and on ZOOM meeting ID:  857 3071 0097
                              Password: 895517; 9:30AM interfaith meeting ZOOM
Tuesday, July 21: 5:30PM Bible Study Chapter 6 of Richard Rohr’s book on ZOOM Meeting
                              ID: 882 2532 7788 and password: 018845
Wednesday, July 22: All voting should be completed on this day!
Thursday, July 23: Results and update from voting will be sent to the congregation
Friday, July 24:  Phone a church friend!!!  See how they are doing!
Saturday, July 25: Sleep in a little later and take a walk! Enjoy the sunshine
Sunday, July 26:  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

• People of color who are fighting oppression and for equity
  
• DeWayne Cox
  
• Luke, grandson to Deanna Klosinski
• Gordy Engdahl for healing through his surgery this week.
• Russ Scott for healing
• Emil, godson of Sommer Poquette
• Medical field who are our first responders to the COVID -19.  Thank you!  we pray for courage and rest and wisdom and we pray that we are able to serve you in this time.
• All those who are suffering from COVID-19, their friends and family and this unknown journey.
• Gary Marshall, brother of Ron Marshall
• Michael Koch, friend of Pastor Sherry who is now in rehabilitation from a stroke
• Amy, niece to JoAnn Wilder and Boyd Manges
  
• John Rush
• Kathy Rusche
• Chelsea Duffiney, niece to Jean & Mike Smith
• Mandy Meckstroth
• Carrie Swadling, friend of Pam Campbell
• Mackenzie Espinoza, family of Pam Campbell
• Greg Howard, son of Ann and John Howard, for healing
• Sabine, the granddaughter of Lynn and Gordy Engdahl, for healing
• John Foltz, brother of Ann Howard
• Joe McClatchie, family of Dagny King
• Jim Popp, Jeff Popp’s father
• Dale Courtney, Kris Olsen’s sister

• Rebecca Johnson, friend of Irene Feeley
• Marcia Froelich, family of Kathy Phelps-Rusche
• Rob Sarki for healing presence
• Craig Finley and family, brother of Sue Finley
• Ruth Koski, mother of Gail Drake
• Erica Riviera, cousin of Dean Morford
• The Luke Ulrich family who is now in Indiana from Malawi 

WELCOME TO LUKE AND JAMIE ULRICH AND THEIR CHILDREN MIRIAM, MARK AND AARON WHO ARE VACATIONING WITH THEIR MOM LOIS ULRICH, AND THEIR FAMILY!
You have prayed for, donated and supported the Ulrich mission in Malawi for years now.  I put a video about their mission and their family on our Cross of Christ Lutheran, Petoskey MI facebook page and I do pray that you have taken the time to watch the 5-6 minute video.  Luke will be sharing the word of God with us this Sunday, July 12 at 9:30am on Facebook Live!  Luke and Jamie have also brought the coffee that you had asked for to the church.  The coffee is purchased by donation and so when you pick it up or have it delivered (call Pastor Sherry McGuffin at 231-881-1212) we will collect your donation and send a check to Luke and Jamie before they leave for Malawi again!
 
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):

• YOU MUST SIGN UP TO USE THE BUILDING.  Call Pastor Sherry at 231-881-1212 or on the church line at 231-347-5448
• BEFORE YOU ENTER THE BUILDING CHECK THE FOLLOWING: Have you travelled out of our county?  Have you been in contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19? What is your temperature?  If you way yes to any of these questions, please do not enter into the building.  We want to keep you and everyone else very safe. 
• EVERY PERSON MUST PRINT ONES FULL NAME AND PHONE NUMBER  We will be doing this as a contact list in case of a positive test for flu or COVID-19.  The book will be at the counter in front of the office.
• NO MORE THAN 10 PEOPLE in the church at one time. You must register your small group and you will be designated an area in the church for your use.
• YOU MUST WEAR A MASK.  When you enter the building you must wear a mask and keep it on when you are with others.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or with the disinfectant for at least 20 seconds
• WIPE down the table and metal chairs with the disinfectant wipes BEFORE AND AFTER YOUR MEETING.
• USE THE METAL CHAIRS.
• BRING YOUR OWN HAND SANITIZER in case we run out at church.
• SOCIAL DISTANCE=6 FEET A PART FROM EACH PERSON
• REST AND STAY HOME if you are sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• NO HUGGING, SHAKING HANDS, HOLDING HANDS OR ANY OTHER TOUCHING!
• BE PATIENT with each other! 

 
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 12, 2020
First Reading: Isaiah 55:10-13

God’s word to Israel’s exiles is as sure and effective as never-failing precipitation. Their return to the Holy Land in a new exodus is cheered on by singing mountains and by trees that clap their hands.
 10For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven,
  and do not return there until they have watered the earth,
 making it bring forth and sprout,
  giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
 11so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
  it shall not return to me empty,
 but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
  and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
 12For you shall go out in joy,
  and be led back in peace;
 the mountains and the hills before you
  shall burst into song,
  and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
 13Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress;
  instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle;
 and it shall be to the Lord for a memorial,
  for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.

Psalm 65:[1-8] 9-13
 [ 1You are to be praised, O God, in Zion;
  to you shall vows be fulfilled.
 2To you, the one who answers prayer,
  to you all flesh shall come.
 3Our sins are stronger than we are,
  but you blot out our transgressions.
 4Happy are they whom you choose and draw to your courts to dwell there!
  They will be satisfied by the beauty of your house, by the holiness of your temple. 
 5Awesome things will you show us in your righteousness, O God of our salvation,
  O hope of all the ends of the earth and of the oceans far away.
 6You make firm the mountains by your power;
  you are girded about with might.
 7You still the roaring of the seas,
  the roaring of their waves, and the clamor of the peoples.
 8Those who dwell at the ends of the earth will tremble at your marvelous signs;
  you make the dawn and the dusk to sing for joy. 
]  9You visit the earth and water it abundantly; you make it very plenteous; the river of God is full of water.
  You prepare the grain, for so you provide for the earth.
 10You drench the furrows and smooth out the ridges;
  with heavy rain you soften the ground and bless its increase.
 11You crown the year with your goodness,
  and your paths overflow with plenty.
 12May the fields of the wilderness be rich for grazing,
  and the hills be clothed with joy.
 13May the meadows cover themselves with flocks, and the valleys cloak themselves with grain;
  let them shout for  joy and sing. 

Second Reading:
Romans 8:1-11

There is no condemnation for those who live in Christ. God sent Christ to accomplish what the law was unable to do: condemn sin and free us from its death-dealing ways. The Spirit now empowers proper actions and values in our lives and gives us the promise of resurrected life.
1There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. 3For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do: by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and to deal with sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4so that the just requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7For this reason the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law—indeed it cannot, 8and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
  9But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10But if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you.
Gospel: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
In Matthew’s gospel, both Jesus and his disciples “sow the seed” of God’s word by proclaiming the good news that “the kingdom of heaven is near.” Now, in a memorable parable, Jesus explains why this good news produces different results in those who hear.
1That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. 2Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3And he told them many things in parables, saying: “Listen! A sower went out to sow. 4And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. 5Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. 6But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. 7Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9Let anyone with ears listen!”

  18“Hear then the parable of the sower. 19When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. 20As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. 22As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. 23But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”

BIRTHDAYS for JUNE & JULY
July 2: Tyler Brown; 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
 
 
ANNIVERSARIES for JUNE & JULY
July 3:  Heather & Marty Engel.
 
NOISY OFFERING Noisy offering for Cross of Christ for our community is so very important and at this time there are many areas of ministry that need our help.  We are collecting financial donations to help support Luke Ulrich’s ministry in Malawi, Africa.  Luke, Jamie, Mark, Miriam, and Aaron returned to the United States a little early to get home safely during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.  They are now gathering support through prayer and financial donations.  We have committed to pray for the Ulrich family at every gathering and you will find them on the prayer list.  And we are blessed to have Luke’s mother, Lois, who continually keeps us updated as well.  The work that they have done allows for women and children and families to make a living canning sauce and vegetables and selling them or keeping them for their own nutrition.  That is just one of the many acts of service.  If you would like to send a donation for them, just mail it to the church at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church at 1450 E. Mitchell St. Petoskey, MI.  We will be sure to give them a check before they return to Malawi.  If you are gathering your noisy offering, you can drop it off at the church and if Pastor Sherry is not there you can let her know and she will come ASAP to pick it up.  Call her at 231-881-1212 (or you can text her as well!)

TEA AND COFFEE FOR SALE TO HELP SUPPORT THE MISSION WORK OF LUKE AND JAMIE ULRICH IN MALAWI  Look on our facebook page Cross of Christ Lutheran Petoskey, MI to see a list of teas or coffees to order.  We can give Luke this order and then pay the church before July 11th.  Luke will be preaching on facebook live on July 12th.  Let us know as soon as possible by responding on the facebook page or emailing Pastor Sherry at [email protected] or texting her at 231-881-1212.

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.

WORSHIP BIBLE STUDY AND CLASSES WILL BEGIN AT CHURCH AND ON ZOOM JUNE 29TH
Our studies and classes will be hosted on ZOOM where we can hear and interact with everyone participating.  So join in!  ZOOM is free to join in and there will always be a link sent on our facebook page.  If you would like the link in an email, please email me at [email protected] and I will make sure that you get the link!  It changes each week.  Please call Pastor Sherry McGuffin for help in navigating this or if you need to talk or if you have questions, or because you want to!  Information for joining zoom is also found on our facebook page Cross of Christ Lutheran, Petoskey MI and on our youth page at Cross of Christ Lutheran Youth Petoskey MI.
 
To get onto Facebook Live you need to be a friend of the congregation.  Since starting facebook live sermons and worship we have had an influx of neighbors and friends join us.  This is live.  I do save it so that you can go back and look and I will begin to put them under videos on our facebook page so that you can find them quickly. 
 
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.
 
STILL LOOKING FOR A CHAIR TO ORGANIZE SPECIAL COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES TO BE HELD AT CROSS OF CHRIST WHEN WE GATHER AGAIN!  This ministry is now more important than ever.  We need to be present in this community when we return from self quarantine and time away from each other.  We can and will be present in ways that build up community, welcome one another and our friends and neighbors home again…like a block party for this neighborhood and all of Petoskey…a home coming perhaps!
 
THE DANIEL PLAN BIBLE STUDY  Dean Tahtinen began teaching this study.  This book is wonderful to read right now and to help us focus on what it means to be children of God in this time and place when it is hard to find a new rhythm to life.  Remember to eat healthy, exercise and PRAY without ceasing!
 
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 June 29th 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. 
 
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 MAY 2020:
THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR TREASURES

Fund                        Income          Budgeted          Difference
General                 $14,286.22         $9,417.15            $4,869.07
Benevolence           $243.00          pass-thru               $0
Property                $1.167.00          $1,345.83             ($178.83)
Totals                    $15,696.22        $10,762.98          $4,690.24

Fund Status Year to Date: June 2020
                                         General Fund       Property Fund
Opening Balance                                             $400
+ income                        $60,451.69                $3,912
-expense                        $44,520.87                $5,523.31           
Ending Balance               $15,930.82              ($1211.31)

Ending total balance year to date: $12552.09                                                                      

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, July 12:  9:30AM service Facebook Live;  10:30 ZOOM Coffee hour meeting ID 893 1199
                              9260; password: 181248
Monday, July 13: 8:15AM Bible Study at the church and on ZOOM meeting ID:  857 3071 0097
                              Password: 895517;   9:30AM interfaith meeting ZOOM
Tuesday, July 14: 5:30PM Bible Study Chapter 6 of Richard Rohr’s book ONLY ON ZOOM Meeting
                              ID: 882 2532 7788 and password: 018845
Wednesday, July 15: Enjoy creation!
Thursday, July 16: Choose a project to do as a family or that helps a family!
Friday, July 17:  Phone a church friend!!!  See how they are doing!
Saturday, July 18: Sleep in a little later and take a walk! Enjoy the sunshine
Sunday, July 19:  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

• People of color who are fighting oppression and for equity
• For the families of Christopher Newman, Abe Knott at their deaths and all struggling in life.
• The Family and friends of Kris Dawson, friend of Jean Smith, at her death
• DeWayne Cox
• Luke, grandson to Deanna Klosinski
• Gordy Engdahl for healing through his surgery this week.
• Russ Scott for healing
• Emil, godson of Sommer Poquette
• Medical field who are our first responders to the COVID -19.  Thank you!  we pray for courage and rest and wisdom and we pray that we are able to serve you in this time.
• All those who are suffering from COVID-19, their friends and family and this unknown journey.
• Gary Marshall, brother of Ron Marshall
• Michael Koch, friend of Pastor Sherry who is now in rehabilitation from a stroke
• Amy, niece to JoAnn Wilder and Boyd Manges
  
• John Rush
• Kathy Rusche
• Chelsea Duffiney, niece to Jean & Mike Smith
• Mandy Meckstroth
• Carrie Swadling, friend of Pam Campbell
• Mackenzie Espinoza, family of Pam Campbell
• Greg Howard, son of Ann and John Howard, for healing
• Sabine, the granddaughter of Lynn and Gordy Engdahl, for healing
• John Foltz, brother of Ann Howard
• Joe McClatchie, family of Dagny King
• Jim Popp, Jeff Popp’s father
• Dale Courtney, Kris Olsen’s sister

• Rebecca Johnson, friend of Irene Feeley
• Marcia Froelich, family of Kathy Phelps-Rusche
• Rob Sarki for healing presence
• Craig Finley and family, brother of Sue Finley
• Ruth Koski, mother of Gail Drake
• Erica Riviera, cousin of Dean Morford
• The Luke Ulrich family who is now in Indiana from Malawi