Please note that we will have regular Coffee Hour this Sunday. Due to their busy schedule, the Boy Scouts want to reschedule their pancake breakfast to next year.

Christmas can be a painful time for some. It may be the first Christmas without a loved family member who has recently died; it may be a time which has always been difficult.     The constant refrain on the radio and television, in shopping malls and churches, about the happiness of the season, about getting together with family and friends, reminds many people of what they have lost or have never had. The anguish of broken relationships, the insecurity of unemployment, the weariness of ill health, the pain of isolation – all these can make us feel very alone in the midst of the celebrating and spending. We need the space and time to acknowledge our sadness and concern; we need to know we are not alone.     For these reasons, Church of the Cross offers an “Advent Prayer Service” on December 12 th at 7 pm.   Come and join with us in sharing and hearing prayers, scripture, and music that acknowledge God’s presence is for those who mourn, for those who struggle – and that God’s Word comes to shine light into our darkness.  Please invite anyone who may need time set apart this holiday season, regardless of church background, for everyone is welcome.

It’s that time of year again! We are collecting donations to provide Christmas Baskets for Lakeview Elementary School. Each year we work in conjunction with Mariano’s to provide food baskets for children and their families who could use a little extra help this time of year. Each basket will contain approximately $42 worth of food. Please make checks payable to Church of the Cross and indicate “Christmas Basket” in the memo line. Donations will be accepted through Sunday, December 9 th .

Please sign up... 1.   for the Advent candle lighting on 2, 9, 16, 23 & 24 December 2.   to be readers for the Lessons and Carol Service on 30 December                      Click HERE to sign up or use the form in the lounge.

The Deacons will be selling poinsettias, in the narthex, after worship this Sunday. Color choices include red, white and marble at $15/plant.

We are collecting items for the Schaumburg Food Pantry.   The pantry provides assistance to those in need within Schaumburg Township.

Items needed now are:  Pasta Roni Boxed pasta Oil Salt Cake mix Frosting Ketchup Mustard Mayo Salad dressing

Please join us on January 16 at 7:30 pm. (Date changed from December 5) We will be discussing "Educated" by Tara Westover.

The sign-up form for Worship Leader, Disciple on Duty, Usher/Greeter, Counter, Communion set-up & serving, Coffee Hour & Weekly flowers is available online. Click HERE to sign up. There is also a sign-up form for Coffee Hour in the lounge.

Second Week Of Advent Sunday, December 9 th - Worship @ 10 am Wednesday, December 12 th - Advent Prayer service @ 7 pm Third Week Of Advent Sunday, December 16 th - Worship @ 10 am Fourth Week Of Advent Sunday, December 23 rd - Worship @ 10 am & Christmas party @ 11 am Monday, December 24 th - Christmas Eve Candle Light service @ 7 pm Lessons & Carols Sunday, December 30 th @ 10 am