Consecration Sunday is Coming on October 12th!

Congregations that approach financial stewardship from a biblical perspective do not view the money Christians give to their church merely as a way to pay its bills. Rather, such congregations see financial contributions as a way to help people grow spiritually in their relationship with God by supporting their church’s mission and ministry with a percentage of their incomes.

Our congregation’s Stewardship committee has selected the New Consecration Sunday Stewardship Program as a way to teach the biblical and spiritual principles of generous giving in our stewardship education emphasis this year.

New Consecration Sunday is based on the biblical philosophy of the need of the giver to give for his or her own spiritual development, rather than on the need of the church to receive. Instead of treating people like members of a social club who should pay dues, we will treat people like followers of Jesus Christ who want to give unselfishly as an act of discipleship. New Consecration Sunday encourages people toward proportionate and systematic giving in response to the question, “What percentage of my income is God calling me to give?”

During morning worship on Consecration Sunday, we are asking our attendees and members to make their financial commitments to our church’s missionary, benevolent, and educational ministries in this community and around the world.

Every attendee and member who completes an Estimate of Giving Card does so voluntarily by attending morning worship on Consecration Sunday. We urge people to attend who feel strongly opposed to completing a card. The procedure is done in such a way that no one feels personal embarrassment if he or she chooses not to fill out a card.

We will do no home solicitation to ask people to complete cards. During morning worship our guest leader will conduct a brief period of instruction and inspiration, climaxed by members making their commitments as a confidential act of worship.
We will encourage participation in Consecration Sunday events through the Consecration Sunday team and governing board members. Since we will make no follow-up visits to ask people to complete their cards, we will make every effort to inform, inspire, and commit everyone to attend Consecration Sunday worship.
Thanks in advance for your enthusiastic participation in Consecration Sunday events.

Herman Yoos III elected Bishop of South Carolina Synod

On the fifth and final ballot, the South Carolina Synod Assembly elected Pastor Herman R. Yoos III to serve as our next bishop of the SC Synod. Pastor Yoos currently serves as Pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Columbia, SC.

Pastor Herman graduated from Myers Park High School, Charlotte, North Carolina in 1970. In 1974, he graduated from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill with a degree in Speech and Political Science. From there, he attended seminary, received his Masters of Divinity from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary and was ordained on June 10, 1979 by the North Carolina Synod. He completed his Doctor of Ministry in May, 1997 from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia.

From 1979-1982, he was called to be the Associate Pastor at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. From 1982-1996 he served as lead pastor of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Charleston, South Carolina. From 1996 to the present, he has served as Senior Pastor at Good Shepherd.

We join in the synod-wide celebration of Pastor Yoos' election as our bishop and pray for God's guidance of his new ministry.  We also give thanks for the service of Bishop David Donges who has served two six-year terms as bishop.  He served eight years previously as an assistant to the bishop.  Bishop Donges will be retiring July 31, 2008.

Confirmation Sunday ‒ May 11th

Congratulations to Thad Alberty, Kevin Nichols, Michelle Nichols and Brandon Snook who were confirmed on May 11th, Pentecost Sunday. We celebrate the culmination of their catechetical studies and the public affirmation of their baptism. 

The word "Pentecost" is derived from the Greek word for "fifty." The Day of Pentecost, as recorded in Acts 2, occurred 50 days after Jesus' resurrection and 10 days after His ascension.  The day celebrates the sending of the Holy Spirit to the disciples following Jesus' ascension.

The liturgical color for the day was red, a reminder of the tongues of fire and also of the blood of the martyrs, “the seed of the church.”

Special Congregational Meeting held on May 18th

A special congregational meeting was held on May 18, 2008 for the purpose of replacing the HVAC unit in the west wing of the church building.  The recommendation to replace the unit passed unanimously.  The congregation also approved funding the cost of the unit by authorizing Council to refinance the existing mortgage on the church building.  This refinance will also lower the existing mortgage payment, yet will extend the term of the mortgage. 

Part-Time Director of Music Ministries position available

A part-time Director of Music Ministries is needed for our church - 10 hours per week.  Duties include planning and coordinating the congregation's music program, directing the choir, and participating in planning of the worship and other musical activities.

Education and experience appropriate for a professional keyboard musician is desired.  Send resume to Cross & Crown Lutheran Church; 3123 West Palmetto Street; Florence, SC  29501.

For a copy of the job description: Click here

Spring Fling 2008

What are these folks doing?!

They're having fun at this year's Spring Fling!  Held Saturday, April 12th, nineteen folks from all ages spent a day of fun, fellowship and food.  Check out more photos in the Photo Gallery by clicking here.

Consecration Sunday - October 12, 2008

The Stewardship Committee and the Congregational Council have set October 12, 2008, as Consecration Sunday.  This Sunday is part of "Ventures  - Partners in Stewardship Growth" - the new stewardship emphasis at Cross & Crown. 

Cross & Crown is participating in this four-part program which develops a basis for stewardship education, planning and response.  Congregational leaders are being trained to develop a holistic approach to stewardship and to carry out a thorough financial response program.

Only one worship service will conducted that Sunday with a guest pastor.  A catered dinner will follow the worship service with an invited speaker.

Stay tuned for more details.

We're Wireless!

Cross & Crown is now wireless!  A wireless access point has been set up at the church for wireless access to the Internet.  Committees and other groups can access the Internet during meetings.  A big "thank you" goes out to Ron Milz for setting up the access point. 

Mowing schedule has been posted

The new mowing schedule has been posted on the bulletin board and copies have been placed in the volunteers' mailboxes.

 

Re-designed ELCA website

Cross & Crown is not the only one re-designing its website.  The completely redesigned ELCA website is worth a tour.  Also, the mission line has been changed from "Living in God's Amazing Grace" to "God's work. Our hands."  Click here to visit the new site.

Remembering those in need

Manna House needs our help with food items, hygiene and laundry supplies, and as
always, cash. We send out the items donated the first Sunday of each month.

The second Sunday of the month is designated for the Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Assault. This organization needs our help with household paper supplies, tissue, paper towels, toilet paper, napkins.  All donations are collected in the narthex.

The Pee Dee Coalition also encourages you to recycle your used ink cartridges from your printer, fax, or copier?  It can recycle them and make money for victim services.  Put a box in your office and simply toss them in.  When its full, drop it by the Coalition's offices at 220 South Irby Street in downtown Florence and leave knowing that you have helped save the earth and assisted victims of child abuse and sexual assault at the same time.

Altar Flowers

The flower sign-up sheet is on the Sacristy Door (across from the mail boxes).  Remember a special event or loved one in your life by providing flowers on the Altar!

WELCA on-going project for the neonatal unit

The WELCA Ladies have an on-going ministry of collecting baby blankets, one-sies, and receiving blankets specifically for the premature babies in the neonatal unit at McLeod Regional Medical Center. The nurses are thrilled with our deliveries as we are the only church currently providing this ministry.

This is an important ministry and a way to help those just coming into this world. Please place items in the basket in the narthex

WELCA website

Did you know that WELCA is celebrating 20 years?! Have you ever paid a visit to the WELCA website?  Learn more about its mission, its plans and available resources by clicking here.

House of Hope of the Pee Dee rewards program

YOU CAN HELP The House of Hope of the Pee Dee earn rewards when you purchase items from Office Depot. Simply give Office Depot the House of Hope rewards number before your transaction is completed and House of Hope will earn rewards to help purchase much needed office supplies without any cost to the ministry.  Its Office Depot rewards # is 1172011593.  Please call Sandi Schetter at 843-667-9000 for any questions!

Lessons, Festivals and Commemorations

Click on each section title to learn more about the lessons or the persons being commemorated: