A Publication of the Holy Cross
The Cross
February 2017

Articles and News
A Celebration of Ministries ~ Annual Meeting
A Warm Welcome to our
New Holy Cross Family Members!
Cesar, Heather, Austin, Alek & Adam Sanchez;
Richard & Marilyn Mason Plunkett;
Fran Kennedy-Ellis and Ethan; Jan Hanson;
Cary, Emily, Cates & Wickham Kirby;
Cecilia McGowan; Frances Carhart; Mark,
Lucy & Jesse Villeneuve; Rob Haoerty & David Olsen; Jim & Carol VanderVeen;
  Sara Mc Dowell and  Jay & Rebecca Adams.



Dates to Remember
Men's Breakfast   February 5    (8:30am Office) Speaker Dennis Bounds
Blessings Bags     February 12   (11:15am during coffee hour)
Book Club              February 21   (7:00pm)
Blood Drive          February 21   (Redmond Presbyterian Church)
Mardi Gras          February 28   (Pancake Dinner & the Canote Brothers)
WEBS                    February 28   (6:00pm Office)
Ash Wednesday  March 1           (Services @ 12:00pm & 7:00pm)

Spring WEBS 
Women’s Evening Bible Studies (WEBS) will meet for a Lenten series this spring. We’ll start with simple soup & salad meal then review & discuss the coming Sunday’s Scripture lessons. The combo of fellowship and preparation for Sunday enriches your mind, heart, spirit & tummy. No homework – just show up and dig in! Space is limited and registration required.
WHEN: 6:00-7:45pm, Tuesdays  February 28 -April 11th
WHERE: Office Building
COST: Donations
REGISTER:  Contact Kim Eichner
[email protected] or #425-443-5464                                           
Holy Cross Women’s Retreat 2017
Does the Shoe Still Fit?
April 28-30,
Camp Huston Gold Bar, WA
                     Speaker: Robin M. Moore
In addition to the fun and fellowship we experience every year at our Women's Retreat,  we’ll explore our values and determine if they still “fit” who we are as individuals today.  What values are dearest to your heart?  How did you choose them?  Do they change as you age? And do you find that some no longer “fit?”

Robin M. Moore, Christian family counselor, will be our speaker.  Robin is a licensed marriage and family therapist with a practice in Bothell.  She is a native of the “Deep South,” has been married to husband Bill for 34 years (“most of them happy”), and has two adult sons with their own families.  Robin has mentored many individuals and led Bible study groups for decades. She says, "I am excited to share my heart and my experience with the women of Holy Cross. Retreats like these create a perfect environment for growth and encouragement, and I want to be a part of that.”

  • Arrival/Departure:  Arrive at Camp Huston is between 5:30 and 6:30 Friday night.  After check in, enjoy some snacks and socializing before dinner at 7pm.  Depart after lunch on Sunday, approximately 1pm.
  • Driving directions: Camp Huston is just one hour by car from Holy Cross. You may drive your own car or arrange to carpool or travel in one of our church vans. Travel east on Highway 522 to Monroe. From Monroe, take US 2 east about 18 miles to Gold Bar.  Turn left after the Gold Bar Market and Texaco station onto 1st Street. Go straight after the first stop sign. At the second stop sign, which is the end of 1st Street, turn right onto May Creek Road. Stay left at the “Y” intersection of May Creek Road and Ley Road. At the end of Ley Road is the Camp Huston entrance. You can also follow the signs from US 2 in Gold Bar to Wallace Falls State Park, located adjacent to Camp Huston(14725 Ley Road, Gold Bar, WA 98251).   
  • New to Camp Huston? It’s in a beautiful setting, tucked in the woods above Gold Bar, with a trail to Wallace Falls.  Simple twin rooms with community bathrooms (including showers) are provided. Although beds and a light bedspread are provided, you should bring either a sleeping bag or bed linens and your own pillow.  The showers have soap, but bring your own towel and other bathroom necessities.  If you prefer, for $15, Camp Huston will provide a pillow, pillowcase, sheets, blanket, towel and facecloth.  Coffee and tea are available all day from the kitchen, and the meals are served family-style.  Special dietary needs are willingly met.  
  • Registration questions?  Contact Diane Vanden Brook, 425-286-7191 or e-mail [email protected].    Copies are located in the Narthex.
  • Your registration MUST be received by April 19, 2017.  Thank you for helping us plan and prepare for your arrival.

Please mail or drop off this form and payment at the church office at:
11526 – 162nd Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052.  

Name,  Address, Phone Number(s), Email, Emergency Contact & #   

Retreat Fee: Single or double occupancy in twin rooms with bathrooms (showers included) provided. Covers program, 6 meals and two nights lodging.  

$230 double occupancy,  $270 single occupancy,  Fee for bed linens (optional) $15.00 Would you like to help sponsor an attendee? Donation amount here: _______ Cash/Check (made out to Holy Cross) Payment due with registration.   

Do you have any food restrictions or health issues?

  • Transportation:   A carpool or Holy Cross van will leave the church at 4:30 pm Friday, April 28.    Are you interested in carpooling or driving a church van?    
We are blessed to be a Blessing!
Building of Blessing Bags
Join us during Coffee Hour on February 12, 2017 to help build Blessing Bags. Keep bags handy to hand out those in need in our community. Bags will be available for $5 each (funds cover cost per bag) *Donations of these goods will help expand our outreach and defray costs to  Holy Cross. Gallon zip lock bags, Men's/Women’s socks, Water, Granola bars,   High protein bars, Lip Balm, Toothbrush (individually wrapped), Toothpaste (sample size), Deodorant, Rain Poncho, Warm hats, Hot Hands, Gloves, Wet or Anti-bac wipes,
Phone cards, Bus passes, Mylar thermal blanket. To donate, RSVP for multiple bags or help build a few "grab & go" bags before 2/12, contact Fran Kennedy-Ellis at [email protected], 512.560.9201 or via Facebook.   A container will be in the Narthex for donations. If donating items not on this list, contact Fran in advance.
Thank you for being a blessing! 
You are Invited...
Spring Dinner Groups

Hi Holy Cross Member... I am in charge of organizing the Church dinner groups for Spring 2017. The dinner groups are a great way to get to know more people in the church. Once you sign up, I will assign you to a group. The groups will start in February, so please sign up by the end of this week. I will ask someone in the group to be the first host.  The dinners are only once a month and will be big enough so that if you must miss some of the dinners, that is not a problem, as there will still be enough people for a sociable evening. These are potlucks, with the host providing the main entrée and asking others to bring the other dishes.   Please let me know if you would like to sign up.  I think most everyone really enjoyed the last Winter/Spring Dinner groups. The groups are open to everyone, not just couples. Those who cannot host a dinner are also welcome to join in.   If you have a friend or family member who is interested in the Church or who is just interested in you or in meeting your friends, please feel free to sign them up to bring along as well. The more the merrier!  Thanks Chris Thomas    [email protected]
Seniors Movie Day!   Feeling the need for inspiration and fellowship, Holy Cross Seniors  got both on Jan. 19th with a potluck luncheon followed by viewing the  movie “Sully”.  The main course for lunch was Fr. Jim’s famous Food Bank Farm Squash-Bean Soup.  It was delicious, nutritious, and  healthy.  Seniors added to the menu with yummy appetizers, salads,  and desserts.  Beverages included Sparkling Apple Cider, and coffees  with whipped cream on top.  Following lunch we moved into the Media  Room (aka the Library) to watch the breathtaking movie starring Tom  Hanks.  To review: it is the true story of Capt. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger  (Tom Hanks), the pilot of US Airways Flight 1549 that was hit by a bird strike  while taking off from La Guardia on Jan. 15, 2009. He controls the disabled plane  (an Airbus A320)  to make an emergency water landing on the Hudson River.  All 155 of the passengers and crew survived with only minor injuries.  The film  is based on the autobiography, HIGHEST DUTY, by Sully and co-pilot, Jeffrey Zaslow.   It focuses a lot of time on the extensive NTSB investigation into the incident.   Sullenberger wanted the story to uplift people and give them hope as the event  happened after the 2008 Great Recession.  Sully became a national hero who  demonstrated extraordinary courage, skill, and selflessness in the emergency.   We loved the movie and our opportunity to experience “The Miracle on the  Hudson”.  
Faith Formation









Grades 6-12      Both youth groups are invited to begin studies to prepare for Confirmation. All ages will meet together from 11:30- 12:30 each Sunday from February through April.   Confirmation is a renewal of our Baptismal Covenant, a covenant entered into freely. No matter what choice you make at the end of this study, ( and the choice to be confirmed-or-not WILL BE YOURS ) you will always be God’s own forever. Being Christian is a journey of growth that never ends. Confirmation is a part of that journey. We hope parents and students view this class offering as a solid learning opportunity.   So how does this benefit the student? No one can journey for you. This layer of study may propel you on your way, possibly with a new or renewed spiritual life! One thing is for sure, without seeking there is no understanding. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. James 4:8   Students must register their commitment to the class and pay for a book ($5 used or $15 new).  Registration/Commitment form & Mentor guidelines available on our website.    
Classes begin February 5th. Read Chapter 1 prior to class.
See you there!
Souper Bowl of Caring
On Sunday February  5th, 140 million Americans will watch the Super Bowl .  On that day, our youth will hold soup pots at church doors soliciting your donation of $1. Since the Souper Bowl of Caring began in 1990, more than $100 million has gone to help people in need.  Last year alone 10 Million dollars was generated. Help us with this effort to “love our neighbors” by dropping your dollar in the soup pot on February 5th . All donations will go to Hope Link.  






The Youth Had a Great Time At Miracle Ranch!
The Middle School Youth had a great time at Miracle Ranch. The theme of the retreat was “Putting Things Back Together”. The speaker Brian talked about how we work with God to address the brokenness in the world and in ourselves. Brian's talks sparked some great discussions during our cabin time. We also played some awesome games and ate some delicious food. One of the highlights was the activity time when we were given a choice between horseback riding, paintball, or the ropes course. I learned that our youth are much better than me at paintball. We finished off the retreat with a Eucharist service on Sunday morning and then we took the ferry home. I would like to thank Sara Carroll for coming along to supervise and all of the parents for allowing such a great weekend to happen.
Southern Social Justice Pilgrimage for 2017!
The purpose of the trip is to experience the south through a social justice lens via the history, culture, and people who live there.  Sites include New Orleans, Jackson, Birmingham, Montgomery, Selma, and Dolphin Island.
The trip is open to all high school students and this year’s 8th graders.  
The cost of the trip has not yet been determined but the cost will be shared. 
Families will pay part, students will fund raise part and Holy Cross will pay part.  

Holy Cross Hosts JYC in May!
May 5-7 ~ $35.00
Please plan to join the fun by hosting youth in your home for the weekend or helping with food prep at home or during the weekend of May 5-7.  Hosting registration forms are on our website.
Upcoming HYC Youth Conference
HYC - High School ~ $35
March 24-26, 2017
Spring HYC at St. Mary's, Lakewood
Healing Prayer Ministry Coming to Holy Cross
Beginning in March, we are excited to be offering healing prayer bimonthly in the prayer corner during communion.  Training for this ministry will take place after the second service on February 12, 19 and 26.  If you would like to be part of the healing prayer ministry or have questions,  please contact Susan Hansen at [email protected].   If you are not sure about joining or would just like to learn more about healing prayer, you are welcome to attend the introductory session on February 12th.
Calling All Palms
Please bring back any palms you have at home from past Palm Sunday services, and leave them in the basket in the Fellowship Hall. The palms will be burned to produce the ashes used on Ash Wednesday, March 1st.
Men's Breakfast
Men’s’ Ministry Breakfast will be February 5th   
A Special guest speaker, our own Dennis Bounds retired anchor man from King 5 TV.  Come prepared to ask those questions you always wanted to ask him. Sunday at 8:30 am meeting in the Office bldg.
Blood Drive
February 27th ~ 1:00pm-7:00pm (BREAK 3-3:45pm)      
In our Redmond Interfaith Blood Drives,  REDMOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH  will be hosting a drive on  Monday, February 27th between 1-7pm.   YOU TOO , can save a life!  All your vital organs function to support BLOOD as a life-giving force.  Our hearts pump it.  Our lungs give it oxygen.  Our kidneys filter it.  Our liver removes toxins.  When we need medicine, blood delivers it where it needs to go.  Your donation can help 3 people because they can use it whole or subdivide into plasma, platelets and red blood cells.  To meet the needs of the 90 hospitals/ medical facilities that Bloodworks supplies 1000 donors need to offer to donate every day.   
I hope you’ll be one of them!   IF you’re not sick, most people CAN donate!  
For an appointment: [email protected]. 
Walk-in's are good, too!    
Women's A.M. Bible Study Winter Session
Every Tuesday @ 9:30am ~ Now through April  4th  ~
“Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World”
We have a few openings...contact me if you’d like to join.
Pam Stanton-Wyman—[email protected]
Spring  Session ~ April 25—June 13  (Title TBD)
EfM ~  Education for Ministry 
Recruiting a “New Group”
If you love to read and love to learn and want an environment where you can talk about faith issues, EfM may be for you!  This includes the study of The Old Testament, The New Testament, Church History, and Theology. If you are interested in joining an EfM group at Good Samaritan (Episcopal Church in Sammamish) starting in September, you can learn more about EfM at: sewanee.edu/EFM, or by contacting Joe O’Neil ([email protected]), or in our congregation...talk to: Tina Paul, Melissa Holmes, Kelvie Comer, Wendy Hathaway, Carol VanderVeen or Cindy Holeman to learn more.
Book Club
This month we’re meeting the 3rd Tuesday on February 21st at church in the
Parish Hall at 7pm.  The church provides a nice central location on these dark wintery nights.  The book selection  is Dead Wake:  The last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larsen.  Erik Larsen always does a lot  of research and this book delves into not only the logs of the Lusitania but also formerly classified intelligence logs from U-boats and the letters and telegrams sent from the ship before it was torpedoed.  It shifts between passenger stories and the historical records from these logs and the ships construction.  It’s riveting!  Join us for dessert and wine.  
This is a great way to meet and get to know new people.  
RSVP to Tina Paul.  #425-485-5620 
Brady Trace, BSA Troop 557, newly minted Eagle Scout, built the beautiful fire pit in the church back yard
for all to enjoy.

Happy Birthday!
May We Pray For You?
Contact Karen Smith to be placed on
The Holy Cross Prayer Chain.
[email protected] or #206-226-3491