Articles

Holy Cross continues support for Habitat for Humanity in East King County

by Pierre Lauzon

“Flip this House”

We are coming to you again to ask for your time, treasure, and/or talent to help our Church support a worthy ministry in our community.

If you don’t know about Habitat for Humanity in general or its efforts in East King County, please see web page: www.habitatekc.org. Our church has previously supported Habitat’s efforts in Patterson Park and we have volunteered to ready a town home for new owners.

Here’s an excerpt from Habitat’s EKC web site on Patterson Park:

Patterson Park, Redmond

2004 to 2009

Located on the former Coast Guard property on Avondale Road at NE 95th Street, an 11-acre site was purchased by the City of Redmond through the McKinney Act. One portion was designated to the nonprofit Springboard Alliance for rehabilitation of 18 existing units to be used as transitional housing for homeless and at-risk families. Another portion was designated for market-rate town homes for sale to the public. The City of Redmond has also built a community park on the site.

A broad and creative community partnership initiated by the City of Redmond with Habitat for Humanity EKC accounts for the remaining portion of land: the development of Patterson Park. Habitat EKC developed 1.3 acres of land for 24 three-story townhomes for Habitat families. The development of Patterson Park was implemented in 4 stages: 5 townhomes in Patterson Park B were completed in 2004; 6 townhomes in Patterson Park A were completed in 2006; 6 townhomes in Patterson Park C were completed in January 2008. The final 7 townhomes for Patterson Park D were completed in early 2009.

When a homeowner decides to move, they sell the home back to Habitat and receive all of the equity they have paid into it. Then Habitat EKC rehabs the house in preparation for the next homeowner. One unit has become available.

Holy Cross has the privilege to be the sole group responsible for flipping the house. This project is all ours.

Work is to be done February and March 2012, a good time to serve our community and beat the winter doldrums. Between now and then, Habitat will be selecting a new homeowner, who will help with “sweat equity” in rehabbing the house.

Please contact Father Jim if you know of a family in need of Habitat housing so he can pass the information on to Habitat. Qualifications are strict, and based on demonstrated need. Habitat will make the selection of the new owner(s).

At the beginning of this note, we spoke of treasure. $10,000 is our fund raising goal. We commit to fund the buy-back of the home, and buy all materials for the renovation.

On November 16, 2011, Holy Crucians Heather Irwin, Pierre Lauzon and Fr. Jim met with Habitat’s Mary Martin and the Habitat EKC Construction Manager Lee Brannam. We inspected the house to see what work would be required:

• The whole building needs to be masked with drop cloths or paper and taped before repainting to protect floors and ceilings.

• All walls need to be repainted.

• Interior doors need to be washed and some will require repainting or touch-up.

• All baseboards and window trim need to be washed and repainted.

• Ceilings and floors look good.

• Some electrical outlets need new plates and sockets.

• Stove needs new burner elements and drip pans.

• Some trim needs to be washed, sanded and primed before repainting.

• Carpet on the stairs needs to be steam cleaned.

• Cement garage floor needs cleaning.

• After painting all floors (Pergo-type faux hardwood, not carpeted) need to be cleaned.

As you might expect, besides treasure, Heather, Pierre and Father Jim will be seeking those with time and talent. We will begin this effort shortly.

On November 16, 2011 Holy Crucians, Pierre Lauzon, Heather Irwin, and Fr. Jim, met with Habitat’s Construction Manager Lee Brannam and Mary Martin. We inspected the house to see what work would be required.

Giving Tree

by Ashley Watkins

Holy Cross is again growing our “Giving Tree” so that we can share our holidays with the residents of Avondale House and low-income families in Mount Vernon. The Mount Vernon gifts are an outreach ministry of La Iglesia Episcopal de la Resurreccion, with whom several Episcopal churches gladly share.

Holy Cross has always been so generous. Beyond the physical gift is the gift that someone cares about them. As you look at the tags, please notice that we’ll be doing the double tags again this year. When you take a gift tag, please take a blank tag also. Put your name and gift tag number on the back of the blank tag before putting it back on the tree.

This was a great help last year in matching up wrapped packages which had lost their tags. Please securely tie the gift tag to the package with ribbon so it can be matched up with the correct recipient. A second gift label on the package will allow me to remove the giving tree tag so the surprise inside stays a surprise.

Thank you for your generosity It’s very appreciated!

The deadline to bring your gifts to the church is Sunday, Dec. 11th.

“Prepare Ye”

by The Rev. Jane Rohrer

If you haven’t already picked up an Advent Devotional for your family, be sure to get one from the basket in the Fellowship Hall. The daily devotions began on Nov. 27, the first Sunday in Advent. We are printing enough for one per Holy Cross family.

Thanks to the thoughtful and talented writers who contributed devotions to this book: Michelle Brown, Kelvie Comer, Joan Dietrich, Jim Eichner, Kim Eichner, Lloyd Erickson, Emma Garside, Laura Gregg, Robert Gidley, Teresa Guenther, Dan Hiatt, Rebecca Hughes, Dave Hutchinson, Rosemary Langford, Jane Rohrer, Joyce Sanford, Deb Seaney, Mary Pat Seeman, Karen Smith, Marty Smith, Caroline Whalen, and Anonymous.

May your reading of these devotions be as much an experience of prayer and reflection for you as it was for those who wrote them.

Financial Peace University offered at Holy Cross

by Fr. Jim Eichner

Begins January 8, 2012

Sunday evenings, 13 weeks

Led by Robyn and David Hutchinson

January 8 – April 1

5:00 – 7:00 PM

Dinner included (meals by Fr. Jim & Co.)

Cost is $85 for materials for two people to share.

Make checks to Holy Cross, FPU in the memo to enroll.

Kim and I attended FPU a few years ago at Holy Cross. It has changed the way we live. As a result of the class we finally put money in the bank for an emergency. We never really had that before. It felt great. We paid off our car early. It was like getting a $250/month raise. When we needed to replace our 17-year-old car, we had money in the bank to buy a good used car without financing. These are examples of “financial peace.” Getting ahead rather than always feeling late on bills and budgets.

Many couples fight over money. It can be a sore spot in a relationship. FPU is very relaxing and engaging. Dave Ramsey is the presenter on DVD. He got us laughing about things we cried about before. The kind of empowerment and freedom that Kim and I experienced, many in the class echoed.

Our class leaders are David and Robyn Hutchinson. Both of them are professional financial advisors who have taken FPU too. Thank you David and Robyn.

In these trying economic times, learn how Financial Peace University has helped people just like you. More . . .

Financial update

by Glenn L. Johnson, Treasurer

Below is the summary statement of receipts and disbursements for October and for year-to-date (Jan.—Oct. 2011). For the month of October, actual total receipts exceed total disbursements that result in favorable net receipts of $9,019.28. For year to date, actual total receipts are less than the budget by an unfavorable $4,207.64, actual total disbursements are greater than the budget by an unfavorable $4,460.85, actual total disbursements exceed total receipts that result in unfavorable net disbursements of $19,295.79 and actual net disbursements are under budget by an unfavorable $8,668.49.

EfM Tidbit

by Tina Paul

From Year 1—Genesis, Abraham Saga

“The notions of election and of God’s grace are basic to the biblical answer to the problems of human sin. Creation in the image of God is not enough to enable humankind to reach fulfillment—sin has entered the picture. The righteousness of Noah was not enough, either. The evil in the human heart still continues. Personal righteousness is not sufficient. Only God’s grace, which calls or elects (the words mean the same), us is the key to the redemption that God intends. Faith, or a “Yes” to God’s call, is what counts as an adequate response to God, rather than total righteousness.

This salvation-history, the story of call and response, of election and faith, begins with Abraham. Abraham is the ideal model to which Israel (Judaism) has looked to understand her own calling, and he remains the model for the Christian Church (also Islam). Abraham is a good example precisely because he is far from our usual [mis]understanding of “saints” as people who are perfect. Abraham is far from perfect, [recall the story of telling the Egyptians Sarah was his sister so they wouldn’t kill him to have her] but despite his mistakes and his sins, he never abandons the Lord.” Year 1: chp 8 , pg 118.

In this season of Advent, God is calling. All he asks is that we say in faith, “YES.”

Coming Events

Holy Cross Women’s Advent Tea

by Pam Stanton-Wyman

Join us for Holy Cross Women’s Advent Tea

Saturday, Dec 3, 2011

10:00 am to Noon

Location: Holy Cross

Start the holidays with an enjoyable morning of goodies, fellowship, a meditation, Christmas carols and—tea!

Watch for more information in the Messenger and look for an eVite in your email box.

contact Pam Stanton-Wyman.

Holy Cross Book Club

by Tina Paul

December 13 at 7:00 pm

Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear will take us to England in the late 20’s as Maisie tackles her first detective case, a seemingly open-and-shut infidelity case, that reveals a much deeper, darker mystery forcing Maisie to revisit the horrors of World War I. Refreshing, absorbing, and beautifully rendered, Maisie Dobbs marks the beginning of an incredible series. A fun reading for December.

We also have the option of participating in a Book Exchange—bring a favorite of yours, all wrapped up, and we’ll swap, and switch until dessert and coffee. Beth McCann will be hosting. Contact Tina Paul for directions and address or if you want to be added to our email list.

Cascadian Chorale presents “Cascadian Carols”

by Barb Fraley

Perhaps no genre of music is more closely associated with the choral sound than the Christmas carol. We have collected some of our favorites for this concert, including carols by local composers Bern Herbolsheimer, Linda Gingrich, and David Hahn. Music of Gustav Holst, Zoltan Kodaly, Norman Luboff, Wiliam Averitt, and P.D.Q. Bach rounds out an evening of Christmas splendor and joy.

Tickets are available for purchase online and from Chris & Barb Fraley, David Nichols or Rick Commo.

Saturday December 17, 7:00 pm

St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 8398 NE 12th Street, Medina

Sunday December 18, 7:00 pm

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 14514 20th Ave NE, Shoreline 98155

Blue Christmas Worship Service

This year has been hard for us. It could be that we’ve lost a job, ended a relationship, moved to a new place, been in poor health, or are grieving the death of a loved one. Perhaps this time of year brings back especially painful memories. We would like a more quiet service to integrate our feelings with the joy of the season.

Join us at the Blue Christmas Eucharist to reflect on these changes in our lives within the context of the hope of Jesus’ birth.

Eric Stroo is the preacher. Eric is a licensed pastoral counselor with Samaritan Center of Puget Sound. He is a member of All Saints Episcopal Church in Bellevue, and studying to serve as a Deacon.

Office closures

The office will be closed on December 26th thru December 30th. The office will reopen on January 2nd.

Seeing Green Elephants – In the Bleak Midwinter

by Fr. Jim Eichner

Winter Seed Sowing/Hardwood Cuttings

Saturday January 7, 2012

10:00 am to Noon (indoors)

Right after the holidays in the cold dark of winter, we get together with our treasure troves of seeds, and dirt and pots and labels, to winter-sow perennials, trees, shrubs. These pots of seeds then go outside for cold treatment which breaks the seeds’ dormancy. You won’t believe the great results! Come spring they germinate in profusion. For this event, potting soil is provided. Bring your pots, seeds, labels to share. This year we will propagate hardwood cuttings of various native and ornamental shrubs. You can also divide and repot houseplants at this event. Bring a friend. More info.

Holy Cross welcomes New Members

by Caroline Whalen

January 8th

Holy Cross welcomes New Members twice a year at Epiphany and Pentecost. Those new to our congregation are cordially invited to participate in the New Member Welcome at the Epiphany Celebration on Sunday, January 8, 2012 at the 10:00 am Service.

During this service new members will be introduced, say just a few words about why Holy Cross is your church home and receive a prayer and blessing.

After the service, we’ll enjoy a celebration cake with special Epiphany symbols and have a small gift for the new members.

Please call the church office at 425-885-5822 to let us know if you would like to be officially welcomed as a new member at the January 8th celebration. The church office is open 9:00 to 3:00 Monday through Friday.

You also may call Caroline Whalen from the Newcomers Ministry.

If you are an 8 o’clocker and would prefer to be recognized at the early service, just let the church office or Caroline know.

Save the Date

Please add these events to your family calendar ...

December

Dec 3

• Advent Tea (10:00 am)

Dec 4

• Men’s Breakfast (8:30 am)

• Usher Training (9:00 am)

• Lessons & Carols Service and visit from St. Nick (11:00 am)

• Lector Training and Lunch (11:15 am)

Dec 11

• Christmas Pageant (10:00 am)

Dec 15

• Senior Christmas Party (11:30 am)

Dec 18

• Blue Christmas (4:00 pm)

Dec 24

• Christmas Eve Services (4:00 pm, 7:00 pm and 10:00 pm)

Dec 25

• Christmas Day Service, 10:00 am (There will be no 8:00 am service.)

Dec 26-30

• Holy Cross Office will be closed

January

Jan 7

• Green Elephant (10:00 am)

Jan 8

• Epiphany

• Men’s Breakfast (8:30 am)

• Financial Peace University starts (5:00 pm)

Jan 29

• Annual Meeting (after 10:00 am service)

Faith Formation

Sunday School at a glance

by Sue Dimmitt

Faith Formation Upcoming Events

by Sue Dimmitt

St Nicholas’ Visits Holy Cross

December 4th, 10:00 am

St. Nick will pop in to Holy Cross immediately after Holy Communion with stories and chocolate coins for both kids and adults.

Christmas Pageant

December 11th, 10:00 am

Would you like to take part in our Christmas Pageant as a participant or volunteer? There is room for all in this simply perfect pageant. Costumes will be distributed after church on December 4th. Contact Sue with your requests or questions at Faithformation@HolyCrossRedmond.org.

Christmas Eve

Nursery Care is available for the 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm services.

Winter HYC 2012

January 13 to 15

St. Mark’s Cathedral, Seattle

High school youth conference (HYC) for youth in grades 9 to 12. Around 75 youth come together from all over Western Washington to share in music, worship and fun! Friends are always welcome!

Coming in 2012 – Mark your Calendars

by Sue Dimmitt

Holy Communion Class

3rd grade and above

Classes will begin at the end of February and run for eight weeks during our Sunday school hour. The Holy Communion class will celebrate at the 10:00 am service on Sunday April 29.

J2A Confirmation Class

Confirm Not Conform

Grades 9, 10 and above

Confirmation instruction will be offered for students in grade 9 and up with option of being confirmed upon completion of the class. Classes will take place outside of the Sunday school hour. The Diocesan wide Confirmation at St. Mark’s Cathedral will take place on Saturday, April 28 at 11:00 am.

Rite 13 Celebration

Party & Liturgy

Our Rite 13 Class will mark their passage into Manhood and Womanhood starting with a celebration with their friends Saturday evening, April 28 and continuing on Sunday, April 29 with the Rite 13 Liturgy. This is an appropriate Sunday for their grandparents, godparents, friends and other relatives to attend.

Generation Change - Financial Peace University for Teens!

by Sue Dimmitt

Generation Change is an entertaining, informative youth Bible study that shows today’s students how money really works, how God views money, and how to grow into responsible young adults who are ready to embrace all of God’s blessings. Contact Sue for more information.

Safeguarding God’s Children

by Sue Dimmitt

January Training at Holy Cross

Attention all nursery, children’s and youth volunteers!

Bishop Rickel is committed to ensuring the safety of all our children and to that end has instituted the requirement of the in-person training program, Safeguarding God’s Children as well as background checks. Most of the workshops are three to four hours in length.

This mandate is for all active clergy, all paid employees, and any persons regularly working with youth, Sunday school teachers and Nursery attendants to attend once every five years.

For your convenience we will be scheduling our next SGC training the last week of January from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. The new date will be posted soon. Snacks will be served.

Poinsettia thank you

by Sue Dimmitt

Poinsettia Delivery November 30th

A BIG THANKS to everyone who supported our Youth Pilgrimage and Mission Trips by taking part in our Poinsettia and Wreath sales. They are scheduled for delivery Wednesday, November 30.

Faith Formation OUTREACH

by Sue Dimmitt

Operation Christmas Child

We collected 48 shoeboxes this year! Thanks to all the generous shoppers who filled a box. Your shoeboxes will be delivered all over the world bringing cheer and the joy of Christmas to needy children. Hooray for you!

Youth Missions and Pilgrimage 2012

by Sue Dimmitt

Rite 13 Mission to Wind River Reservation, WY

Mission is key in our J2A program and the Rite 13 Mission is a perfect start. Our students will serve in a variety of ways during their mission trip to Wyoming. They will lead a hands-on program offering high-energy games, crafts, skits, songs and interactive lessons all designed to help kids learn about Jesus. They will also participate in work projects such as painting houses, performing minor home repair, cleaning up debris, volunteering in community gardens or other projects in the community, blessing people in need. Our students will be the hands of Christ in tangible ways.

Pilgrimage to Stehekin Valley Ranch, WA

In the Journey to Adulthood program, pilgrimage has become a central feature in our ministry to young people. This year the J2A class travels in search of God and their own destinies to Stehekin Valley Ranch on Lake Chelan. Pilgrimage is a time for seeking and finding God in new ways. Once all of the normal activities, relationships, and obligations, cell phones and internet which sustain our day-to-day lives are removed, individuals are free to look again at their understanding of God and their need for His grace and presence in their lives. There must be time for prayer, play, laughter, quiet, reflection and rest. And somehow, through even the lighthearted activities God is moving in the hearts of these pilgrims and there is a mighty chance for personal growth and deepening of faith.

YAC Mission to Puerto Rico

This summer our YAC group will be traveling to Puerto Rico to repair homes, clean yards, and serve the community in a variety of ways. This mission will be a means to visualize needs in other communities and bring that recognition back to serve in our own homes. After a week spent in service, our youth will leave transformed from the love, strength and resilience found in the people they set out to help. Often mission service is more life changing and impacting for participants than those served!

Pumpkin Carving

by Sue Dimmitt

On October 30th, Holy Cross families and friends carved our pumpkins into Jack-O-Lanterns, noshed on fall treats and enjoyed good-time fellowship. We closed with an unveiling of all the glowing Jack-O-Lanterns!

Camp Huston - All Youth Retreat

by Sue Dimmitt

All Holy Cross youth groups were invited to participate in our second Retreat to Camp Huston last month. Check our photos to see the fun, fellowship and challenges we experienced.

Other News

Holy Cross blood drive successful

by Tina Paul

A huge thanks to all who donated blood the Monday after Thanksgiving. We met our goal and were able to help many in need of our ruby red stuff. The blood center let us know some of the recipients for the last couple of days:

• 13-year-old patient (Kidney transplant) has been issued 12 units red blood cells, four units plasma.

• 62-year-old patient (Abdominal Mass) has been issued 14 units red blood cells, two units plasma.

• 20-year-old patient (Motor vehicle accident) has been issued 16 units red blood cells, two units platelets, and 11 units plasma

Our next drive is January 18th. If you were one of our “regulars” that was sick with a cold or out of town, please plan to donate at Meadowbrook Church by Whole Foods. Those who donated at Holy Cross won’t quite be eligible for this next drive but can join us again in April here at Holy Cross. Thanks again.

Clean Greens gleaning

Great thanks to Colin Stanton-Wyman for tilling up the pumpkin patch at Holy Cross. On November 1 st, we put the garden to bed for the winter. Colin’s mighty John Deere tilled. Then he seeded the patch with a bushel of winter rye. The winter rye will grow slowly, holding the soil from erosion, and growing a cover crop of “green manure” which will benefit next year’s garden. Read more.

Ember Day Retreats—Past and Future

by The Rev. Jane Rohrer

On Nov 19, 24 members of Holy Cross—men and women, 8:00 am and 10:00 am, alone or with spouse—enjoyed a refreshing combination of silence and talk, reflection and activity at the first Ember Day Retreat. In a blessed burst of sunlight and good weather, the group explored multiple stations based on the theme of “water’ as a part of creation and “living water” as an expression of our faith. There was time for Bible study; walking the grounds, including our outdoor Stations of the Cross; doing water colors and other art activities, writing, browsing in the library, meditating and praying in the sanctuary, and a great lunch! We concluded the day at 3:00 pm, ending with Eucharist. It was a fun and blessed time! Thanks to everyone who came and participated so fully.

Please consider joining us for the next Ember Day Retreat on Feb 18! We’ll start registration in January.

The Retreat Team: Kim Eichner, the Rev. Jane Rohrer, Susan Hansen, and Lori Wheeler

December Birthdays

Chloe Birney

Karen Bowen

Kaitlin Brinkley

Nicholas Cestra

Shelley Colegrove

Jenny Courtney

Aaron Dietrich

Gary Dimmitt

Barb Fraley

Eva Grubaugh

Veronica Guenther

Abigail Hartman

Robert Hatheway

Stephen Hitch

David Hutchinson

Ava Jones

Karla Kothenbeutel

Robbie Kothenbeutel

Sandi McGuire

Heidi Morrison

Adam Morrison

Bill Nodell

Jeremy Organ

Abby Osborne

Michael Reimbold

Andy Sadler

Margaret Seaney

Ryan Teixeira

Elena Thomas

Philip Thomas

Cole Tsang

Phoebe Wall

Joe Worley

January birthdays

Ellen Brown

Susan Carlson

Laura Cestra

Jamie Clough

Heather Dunn

Katie Sue Eichner

Sarah Hale

Ian Hart

Dillon Hartman

Wendy Hatheway

Elliott Heaton

Ryan Hiatt

Melissa Holmes

Ben Jones

Amy Metting

Henry Nellis

Susan Nichols

Richard Orr

Julienne Renne

Lily Sadler

Elizabeth Sinclair

Skip Winters