A Publication of the Holy Cross
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June/July 2018
Articles and News
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A Word from Father Jim -- CAT
At our January annual meeting, I shared good news. Holy Cross is a strong, healthy congregation, with so much to celebrate. We preach Christ, crucified, risen, and coming again. Everything is new and shiny. We have money in the building fund, reserves for repairs and a rainy day. We’re learning to live into our new facilities. Choirs
love
to sing in our worship space. Our two principal outreaches, Best Beginnings Preschool and Food Bank Farm are forces for good in the community, and many of you are adding to that good with your own outreach ministries. We enjoy a fully funded, well run Christian Education program, wonderful Music ministry and the like. It is our privilege to live out the Gospel on this corner of Redmond.
At the same time, since 2012 our average Sunday attendance has decreased a bit every year. We’ve been watching it fall, hoping that somehow it would reverse itself. I have been in denial. I can think of at 27 people, families and children who were here two years ago who are not here now. On the older end, people are retiring and going on fixed income. So every year the budget goes up a little, with less people, who are giving more in order to fund our mission.
It seems that we have reached a tipping point this year.
After many sleepless nights, I called the Bishop. Kim and I have talked with some of you in vestry, and focus groups. Bishop Greg said we are not alone. The first thing we need, is to discover what is going on. This summer we are going to go through an exercise to understand just where we are, and what we can do about it.
The CAT
It’s called a Congregational Assessment Tool (CAT)
. The whole diocese took it several years ago when working on a strategic plan. The outfit is called Holy Cow Consultants. I love surveys. Holy Cow does them well. The CAT will reveal the hidden perceptions and feelings of our community that no one wants to say out loud. We have a small working group to take on the task of implementing the CAT: Cary Kirby, Kim Eichner, Carol Van der Veen, Healther Irwin. We also have a CAT consultant named Paula Franck, who works for Holy Cow, and lives in Bellingham. The Bishop is going to pay for it. The process takes about six weeks to get maximum participation.
We will get to the bottom of this. And we have a trustworthy and skilled interpreter in Paula Franck, to help us understand the forces at play in our common life so that we can get ourselves back to a healthier place.
For the Gospel,
Fr. Jim Eichner
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All men are invited to this year's
Men's Retreat
Lots of time for fellowship, golf, kayaking, campfires, and world-class meals prepared by a professional chef, and a thought-provoking series of discussions on the theme of “Stewardship and an Intentional Life Journey” (facilitated by Dave Hutchinson).
When: Friday June 8 - Sunday June 10, 2018
Where: St. Andrew's House retreat center in Union, WA
Cost: $220 for 2 nights (scholarships available if needed)
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2018 Audit
The Holy Cross Audit was held on Tuesday, May 29.
Audit Committee members include: David Hutchinson,
Lauren Thomas, Dan Irwin, Glenn Johnson our treasurer and Carmella Wolfgang. Thank you Fred & Rosemary Langford for cooking a delicious dinner for us!
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Camp Casey ~ All Church Camping Weekend!
Mark your calendars for our annual Holy Cross Camping weekend
August 2 -5
.
Along with great fellowship, we'll enjoy a heated swimming pool, soccer fields, trails for hiking and miles of beachfront for walking. Fort Casey State Park and the Keystone ferry to Port Townsend are both nearby. Ask those who've come in years past what their camping experience was like and you'll likely sign up right away ! Who doesn't need a long weekend off?
Each of our reserved campsites has an electrical outlet, fire pit, running water, picnic tables, toilets and showers and are all easy walking distance. The cost is $30.00 per night for one tent/camper -
sorry, pets are not allowed.
Please contact: Floyd Bishop to reserve your spot.
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Holy Cross Seniors Get the Facts on Scams
By Melissa Holmes
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The numbers are staggering. In the past year, over 15 million Americans lost $16 billion of their hard-earned dollars to fraud, identity theft and scams. Holy Cross Super Seniors were treated to a detailed explanation of the subject by two AARP fraud experts, Dan Haney and Brenda Charles on Thurs. May 24
th
. Every aspect of our modern lives can become targets of scams and fraud. Consider these: banking/financial/debt, pyramid/investments, IRS/CIA/FBI, jury duty, education, healthcare/Medicare/Medicaid, real estate, immigration, dating, internet/social media, jobs, passport/Visa, telephone, mass mailing/telemarketing, charity/crowd funding, identity theft/social security, grandparent, travel, tech support, military/veterans and others. Super good offers are probably fake. The perpetrators of these crimes have no scruples. To them it’s a job and you are the prey. But you can protect yourself by taking some precautions. Be informed. Keep your SSN card secure. (New Medicare ID cards for seniors are coming without the SSN number). Change passwords. Check your credit reports. Monitor your bills and financial accounts. Protect your mail. Be cautious with social media posts. Use the latest computer virus protection. Check website authenticity. Verify any requests for business or money donations. Don’t answer unknown phone numbers. Delete suspicious emails. Ask for help from the free AARP resources or another trusted source. Don’t Be Embarrassed If You Have Been A Victim. Report the abuse to the AARP Fraud Watch Network: AARP.org/fraudwatchnetwork or call 1-877-908-3360. For more information from AARP check on line at
www.aarp.org/wa
or their email
[email protected]
. Their Toll Free number is #1-866-227-7457. Government resources include the Washington State Attorney General #1-800-551-4636 or
www.atg.gov
. and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) 1-877-382-4357 or online at ftc.gov/complaint. “Vigilance against scammers is our number one weapon. By being informed about the latest scams and taking a few practical steps, you have the power to protect yourself and your family.”* Don’t give the crooks a chance to steal your money. Safeguard yourself.
Of course, we had a delicious luncheon prior to the seminar with chili, salads, and desserts. Many thanks to those who helped make this event successful: the AARP organization, Sandy Archdale, Fr. Jim Eichner,
Carol and Jim Van der Veen, Sonja White, Glenn Eades, Jim McDivit and
Dick Lidicker.
*aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork
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~Coffee Hour Needs your Help~
The Coffee Hour committee is in need of a few more hosts. This ministry provides treats and prepares the coffee for the coffee hour following the 10:00 service. An individual, a family, or 2 or more friends can form a team to be responsible for serving the coffee and cleaning up afterwards. Sundays are assigned based on your preference and personal schedules. The more teams we have, the less often you will be asked to serve. We are also exploring the option of scheduling people who are willing to help occasionally, but prefer not to be permanent members of this ministry. Anyone who is interested in joining should
sign up in the Narthex or contact Sue Crossley at
[email protected]
.
Coffee Hour is an important part of Sunday mornings at Holy Cross.
Please consider helping this fun ministry.
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Return of the "Sunday Afternoon Adventures!" Botanical Gardens-Bellevue
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Return of Sunday Afternoon Adventures Next Events...
Join fellow Holy Crucians in exploring our beautiful Seattle area.
We'll meet at the church at 1 p.m., climb into the church van, and head to a
different location every month. We'll try to stop for ice cream on the way home.
June's adventure will be on the 24th
, and we'll hike to Cherry Creek Falls in
Duvall. Dress for the weather and bring a water bottle.
On July 29th
, we'll see who is the best Holy Cross mini golfer!
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We bid farewell to Service Corps. member, Patrick Kelly
Patrick has served us well as a staff member and youth minister since last September. He has been a delight to work with. Patrick and his peers got to live in remodeled Leffler House and experience life on Capital Hill.
Weekly, Patrick commuted to Holy Cross for his work here with our youth. We have enjoyed having him as a part of our office staff.
Patrick has done an excellent job connecting with our youth and planning all kinds of fun activities.
Godspeed Patrick. We will miss you!
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YMCA Odyssey
High-Ropes Course Woodinville
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JUNE 3rd 12:30pm-4:30pm
FAMILY COOK-OUT 4:30 PM - 6 PM
No Fee for this Event!
Join us for the YMCA Ropes Course followed by a Family Cookout. Parents & siblings are invited to join the group at 4:30 for dinner.
Bring: substantial sack lunch to eat before the course, water, & rain gear.
Wear: sturdy closed-toe shoes and snug fitting clothes.
The Cost of $25 per youth will be covered by Faith Formation. So that NO MONEY is wasted, please RSVP to Sue ASAP.
Family Cookout:
Families are invited to arrive at 4:30 for dinner at 5 PM.
Kurt Nellis will tend grill. Hamburgers, Hot Dogs and beverages will be provided. Please bring a dish to share.
Where: Reserved Picnic Shelter at Cottage Lake park.
The Odyssey High Ropes Course is a unique challenge course located at Cottage Lake Park in Woodinville, Washington, in partnership with King County Parks and Recreation. The Odyssey Course is a 40 ft tall, two-level course that includes 10 different challenges and obstacles that you must navigate and work together with your group to accomplish. It is accessed by large cargo nets, and finishes with a dual hydraulic zip line to the ground.
The course was built in 2007 by Alpine Towers International, a certified and professional vendor of challenge course technology.
Forms you need:
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SAVE THE DATE!
Vacation Bible Camp July 9-12
Camp will be held outdoors!
Monday through Thursday 9:30-Noon
Ages 4 – 10;
Middle School & High School & Adult Helpers needed.
The Life and Times of Jesus: Where Fun & Learning are Combined!
Camp will be held outdoors! Come see what life was like during Jesus’ life and what lessons we can learn!
Join us to make Adobe Bricks, build dwellings, bake Sangak Flat Bread, make Yogurt and Hummus, Harvest Veggies, Fleece Carding and Textile crafts, & Batik banners.
A registration fee of $25 per child (or $25 per
Holy Cross Family
) should be included with your child’s application. Youth and Adult volunteers welcomed and needed! See Sue to signup.
Donations needed for VBC:
Sorry! We cannot return: We WILL absolutely return:
Old sheets Tents or canopies
Bamboo poles Mortar & Pestle or Molcajete
Bale of straw
Plywood slabs about 1’x 2’
Wooden cutting boards
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Graduating Seniors!
Please allow us to celebrate your achievements on Sunday, June 11
th
at the 10:00am service.
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Mission to Seafarers
Our youth served the seafarers over the weekend in many ways. Liam baked chocolate chip cookies which turned out to be a perfect “ice breaker” for conversations with seafarers from all over the world. The kids shuttled with them from the dock to downtown Seattle all day Saturday. On Sunday the kids painted and cleaned the Mission Center and boy did they work hard! Both breakfast and lunch were cooked by the kids but dinners were a real treat roasting hot dogs on Alki Beach Saturday and Sunday dinner at Blue Moon Burgers. The day ended with a romp through & some rowdy games at Volunteer Park. Thanks to chaperones Jill Nellis and Patrick Kelly.
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"Camping with Floyd!" All are invited!
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No, it’s not an 80's sitcom… but it'll be fun!
Join us on
Friday, June 1
st
@
7:00pm
for outdoor games, a campfire, and s’mores! Learn some tricks and tips setting up a tent, building a fire, and other camp-y things. Try out your gear, or find out what you need, for the upcoming excursion to Camp Casey. If you’re feeling adventurous, bring your tent and camp out in the back yard of the church overnight. (It won’t be too rough - we can still use the bathrooms inside.) Wake up to coffee and pancakes!
Contact:
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Book Club ~ June 12th @ 7:00pm
A "Retro read” of the classic, 1984 by George Orwell was chosen for this months book club. The year 1984 has come and gone since I read this classic in high school but George Orwell’s prophetic, often nightmarish vision of the world we were becoming is timelier than ever. Today, our privacy is questioned as info is gathered on our shopping, our use of social media, etc. 1984 is still the great modern classic of “negative utopia”—a startling original and haunting novel that creates an
imaginary
world of “big brother” who is watching you. It’s completely convincing from the first few sentences to the last 4 words…which is why it’s so scary! Join us at Laurel Hansen’s home for wine, some dessert, and what’s sure to be a lively discussion. Let Tina Paul (425-485-5620) or Melissa Holmes (425-483-2721) know if you plan to attend and we’ll get you the address/ directions!
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Green Elephant ~ June 2 @ 10:00am
Rain or shine, Pacific Northwest gardeners gather to exchange and share plants, seeds, cuttings and gardenalia with all. Whether you feel the budget crunch or just want to grow your own delicious healthy food, the vegi-swap is offered so we can exchange and share vegetable seeds and plant starts for our own Beat-the-Economy Victory Gardens. It’s too late for bare root plants but potted trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals and tropicals are most welcome. Arrive at 10 am for the best selection. What if I have nothing to trade? Cookies and chocolate work like money at the Green Elephant!
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If someone asked you to save their life, would you?
An estimated 1 out of every 10 patients who enter the hospital will need a blood transfusion.
Save someone’s life by donating at this upcoming blood drive. You never know who it might be.
Bloodworks NW needs 900 donations every day to supply blood to 90 hospitals and clinics.
Urgent need for your blood type O+ We are falling 662 units below stable operational levels. Please donate at this upcoming blood drive.
You never know whose life you will be saving.
Most types are currently at a 24-48 hour supply.
Someone's tomorrow needs a blood donor today! Most people can donate…come see if you can be one that saves a life!
WHEN: TUES., JUNE 19th
WHERE: HOLY CROSS—PARISH HALL
TIME: 1-7PM (with tech break 3-4pm)
call me at: 425-485-5620
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Wednesday Holy Eucharist Service
Please note: Wednesday, June 6th ~
The 10:00am Service will be held in the Youth Room of the Office.
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EfM: Education for Ministry - Recruiting
Every baptized person is called to ministry. The Education for Ministry (EfM) program provides people with the education to carry out that ministry. During the Service of Confirmation we ask God to "Renew in these your servants the covenant you made with them at Baptism. Send them forth in the power of the Spirit to perform the service you set before them." EfM offers an opportunity to discover how to respond to the call to Christian service.
Over the course of four years, participants in EfM will study the entire sweep of the Christian tradition from the earliest period to the present. This includes the study of The Old Testament, The New Testament, Church History, and Theology.
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! If you are interested in joining an EfM group at Good Samaritan Episcopal Church starting in September, you can learn more about EfM at the website,
sewanee.edu/EFM
, or by contacting Joe O’Neil (
[email protected]
). Questions? Contact Tina Paul, Teresa Guenther, Melissa Holmes and many others at Holy Cross who have participated in this program.
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Flower Chart ~ The 2018 Flower Chart
Write your name on the date you wish to make a dedication.
More than one name can share a date. Complete a “Flower Donation Card” and place it in the provide envelope along with your donation.
($35.00 suggested donation.) Write “Flowers” on the memo line.
Drop the envelope in the offering basket or Office Mail Box located in the Narthex.
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May We Pray For You?
Contact Karen Smith to be placed on the Holy Cross Prayer Chain.
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