By: DCE Payton DeVencenty

Hey Holy Cross!

I am sure you are astounded, as I am, that the holiday season is here once again. Thanksgiving and Christmas are holidays I am not sure I am ready for this year, but like it or not, they are coming in fast.

For many years now, Service Ministries have been most clearly represented at this time of year because of our heavy emphasis on providing food, gifts, and community to those in need as winter rolls in.

“Just think about how last year, in our 2018 Thanksgiving Baskets drive, we were able to provide 200 meals to families in need!”

There are quite a few wonderful ways to get involved around the church right now, from serving in our Thanksgiving Baskets ministry on November 23rd to providing gifts for kiddos who aren’t fortunate to have gifts this Christmas. Lyn Hente, a member at Holy Cross, has been so moved to head up the Thanksgiving Baskets Ministry for over five years, and has seen many families be cared for through the simple act of assembling baskets and handing them out on one November Saturday a year. But what about opportunities which aren’t a one-off event? What about service which is more than returning a (thankfully received) gift?

I am beyond blessed to have been called to the position of Director of Service Ministries here at Holy Cross, and it is my hope that more of us begin or continue to serve together as these holiday months approach.

“Yet, it is easy to allow a time of the year to dictate our service, considering there is a nearly 50% jump in volunteerism nationally around the holidays.”

So this year I ask you to consider jumping in with us in aiding people during the holiday season, and seek to find a place where you can join myself and others in serving year-round. Please begin to pray and work with me towards developing ministries which are more than a time of the year.

“Ministries which Jesus’ Spirit moves and works through every day as He directs us.”

By: DCE Dan Hampton

On April 15 our congregation MOVED at the 12th annual Global Mission Dinner auction, where we raised over $10,000. Through our Silent Auction with over 400 items, Desert Auction with 32 tasty items, and 20 Live Auction items our congregation showed their generosity in donating and purchasing these items.

Our theme this year revolved around 1 Peter 4:10-11.

10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. (NIV)

Our heavenly Father has blessed each of us with gifts. Sometimes it is time, or special talents, or perhaps the funds needed to continue His ministry. What God has given to each individual is different. Often we find ourselves looking at what the other person has and not what God has given to us. We wish for the talents and treasure of others and never seem to have any time.

Our theme from 1 Peter reminds us that while it may feel like God has made a mistake in what He has given to us, God has a purpose for you, and he has not made a mistake. What God has given has been meant to be used by you for His Glory.

Through the dinner Auction you have moved! By supporting the Global Missions Fund with your donations we are able to offset the individual costs to our students and adult who are heading to Peru and Honduras this summer and to the National Youth Gathering in July of 2019.

Thank you for MOVING with the gifts that God has given to you.