PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF THE CROSS

1517 South 114th St Omaha NE 68144-1799 PHONE: 402-333-7466 Fax: 402-697-9084 WORSHIP 9:00 & 11:10 A.M. Education 10:00 a.m.

SUMMER WORSHIP JUNE THROUGH LABOR DAY ONE SERVICE AT 10:00 A.M NO EDUCATION WWW.CHURCHOFTHECROSSOMAHA.ORG

Inside this Issue: Pastor’s Message 2 Associate Pastor 3 View from My Office 4 Christian Education 5 Music 6 Mission 7,8,9,10,11 Our Church Family 12 Deacons 13 Birthdays 14 New Members 15, 16 Presbyterian Women & Men17 Getting to Know you 18 Birthdays 19

January 2018 Volume 59 Issue 1

ANNOUNCING THE 2018 LENTEN STUDY

Who Is This Man?

By John Ortberg

John Ortberg has written a powerful testament to the impact that Jesus has on human

history, on the human condition, and on our understanding of the obligations of one

human being to another. John demonstrates that nothing in our existence has been

quite the same since that fateful Sunday so long ago. The real power of this book

rests in the paradox of our faith; that to follow Jesus is not a pathway to an easy life,

but a call to do hard things if we are to live in the image of our Lord.

This year’s Lenten study includes a book and participant guide, a weekly reading

schedule and a DVD which will be shown on Sunday mornings in small group set-

tings.

The six-week Lenten study will begin on Sunday, February 18th at 10:00 AM and

end on Palm Sunday, March 25th. Pre-registration forms and books will be

available in the Narthex beginning on January 14th. Small groups will be

formed, and you will be notified by your small group facilitator before February

18th. There will not be any “kick-off Sunday” this year, so registration is essen-

tial!

Now is the perfect time to join a small group to discuss Who Is This Man? our 2018

Lenten Study series.

Page 2 Volume 59 Issue 1

Pastor

Marshall Zieman, D. Min.

Ext 1-marshall@pcoc.us

Associate Pastor

Lynda Dinsdale, M.Div.

Ext. 2—lynda@pcoc.us

Director of Music/Executive

Director of Vesper Concerts

Kristi Treu, M. M.

Ext. 5—kristi@pcoc.us

Director of Christian Education

Sheri Sessions

Ext. 4—ssessions@pcoc.us

Organist

Dana Sloan, M.M.

Ext. 7—dana.sloan@pcoc.us

Business Administrator

Rock Sumner

Ext. 6—rock@pcoc.us

Administrative Assistant

Julie Hansen Ext 3-

churchofthecross@pcoc.us

www.churchofthecrossomaha.org

A letter from your Pastor

“Our Journey in 2018”

by Marshall Zieman,

Pastor and Head of Staff

As 2018 begins, I hope to once again be travel-

ing in the Middle East, on a mission trip to en-

courage Presbyterian churches and pastors there.

By my count, this is at least my eighth trip to

this region of the world. Often traveling with

The Outreach Foundation of the Presbyterian

Church, these journeys have allowed me to en-

counter pastors and Presbyterians whose witness

has deepened my faith and inspired me to depend on God more and more.

Along the way, I have also gained a new appreciation for hummus, shish-ka-

bob, baba ganoush, and very strong coffee. Nothing beats midwestern hospitali-

ty, it seems, except for Middle Eastern hospitality, which is like ours, but on

steroids.

While I’m gone, I will be thinking of you. I will be thrilled to tell others about

you - about your faithful service to Christ, the ways you are meeting other’s

needs, about your generosity and your passion for worship and education. I may

bring pictures of our church in Advent - of our beautiful worship services, or the

bustling Advent pageant and dinner, or of the college students who filled our

home for their Christmas party.

I will also be reflecting on last summer’s Strategic Planning and the steps we are

taking as we head into 2018. We want more folks to become involved in mis-

sion. We want to become even better at shepherding and caregiving. We want

to take a good look at improving our facilities and parking. In 2018 we want

many of these plans to take shape. The good work we accomplished last sum-

mer is not over; in many ways, we’re just getting started.

These improvements will only become reality as we roll up our sleeves and

think, pray, plan, and implement them together. It is a joy for me to be part of

these endeavors with each of you. What will come to fruition in the year ahead,

both in our church and in our individual lives?

“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans

for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.

Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear

you. When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me

with all your heart…” Jeremiah 29: 11-13

May God bless us with wisdom, resources, and comradery in the year ahead!

Happy New Year!

Your pastor and friend,

Marshall Zieman

Page 3 Volume 59 Issue 1

Spirit Speak January 2018

Oh! I just put another bite of chocolate candy… or was it a cookie or a piece of pie in

my mouth! How enjoyable they were during the holiday season!

Now it is January. Their taste is just a delicious memory, but the tight clothes are the

reality! There must be an emoji picture for January; the one where you realize that

what you’ve done has consequences!

It may not just be holiday overindulgence. It may be that during the holidays, things that keep our lives

steady and functioning are replaced by other demands on our time. In the whirlwind of activities our

devotionals were not read, and our time for prayer was shortened. No one really caused this to happen.

The blame rests solely with ourselves.

Now it is January and reality has set in. My temper is shorter, and my patience is lacking -- I can feel it,

and am guessing my family is noticing it too. The stacks of unaccomplished tasks which were to be

done by the end of the year are still stacked on the table, waiting for attention. The level of frustration

begins to rise. I need to get back on track.

It seems like when the calendar hits January, we are months behind already, even though it is only the

first month of the new year. This is when the office stores, gyms and container stores attract our atten-

tion! We are looking for anything to get us organized, both mentally and physically, so we can tackle

the new year.

Oops, did I say, “tackle the year?” That is probably not where we want to start. We need to take a step

back and start at the beginning. Our first task is to get out our devotional, establish a quiet time, and

start reading again. We need to hear what Jesus says about heading down the wrong road, forgetting to

make time for him, and failing to follow him each day.

We need to hear that we can start over, that his patience with us is never ending, and always there wait-

ing for us to seek Him. This is how we need to start “tackling" our new year. When we get in sync with

Jesus we will be much better equipped for whatever we may encounter along the way.

Putting Jesus first will make next December even better!

Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and shield. Our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his

holy name. Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.

Psalm.33: 20-22

New Year Blessings, lkd

Page 4 Volume 59 Issue 1

Cross Care

Contact

Rock Sumner

Cross Care is a care giving

ministry of the Deacons

of Presbyterian Church

of the Cross and is made

up of a group of trained

caregivers who are ready

to provide visitation,

friendship, prayer, fel-

lowship, support, and assistance to members of

Church of the Cross who

are:

Home bound due to illness

or mobility issues

Hospitalized

Recently home from the

hospital and in need of a

little extra help

• Dealing with a long

term illness • Dealing with the loss

of a loved one • Going through a diffi-

cult life transition (loss

of job, divorce, new

baby, etc.) • In need of occasional

transportation to ap-

pointments or in run-

ning errands • Just need someone to

talk to

If you or someone you

know is in need of

Cross Care, you can

file a request using one

of the white Care Cards

located in the sanctuary

pews. All requests will

be kept confidential. If

you would prefer to

speak with a pastor

directly, please contact

the church office at

402-333-7466

The View from My Office – January 2018

As 2018 begins, it seems to be a good time to look ahead to

chart our course of activity. We spent last summer attending

a Strategic Planning exercise to determine where we’d like

to concentrate our next efforts. This past fall, our Session

helped prioritize the information into focus areas with spe-

cific objectives to accomplish. Yup, we’re moving from the

what to the when and how. IT IS TIME FOR ACTION.

RESOLUTION I: Mission Outreach For me, this will mean implementing a means of

gathering a Pledge for Time with your Financial Pledge with

the next stewardship drive.

RESOLUTION II: Shepherding Visitation For me, this will mean finding ways to communicate the core of our Cross

Care team’s work to the congregation.

RESOLUTION III: Adequate Space and Facilities For me, this will mean obtaining bids for automatic door openers for the Circle

Drive and North entrances; as well as, completing financial fund-raising for Phase I of

the West Side Light Project and installing seven street lamps.

Of course, this is only the tip of the ice-berg. Yes, at times I do feel like I’ve boarded

the Titanic! However, your involvement is vital if we are to succeed. There is much

more to the Strategic Plan than I’ve outlined in this article and other’s will champion

many of those unique areas.

If you have an important point to make, don't try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile driv-

er. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time - a tre-

mendous whack.

Winston Churchill

I’ve actively focused on Resolution III the past few months. With the help of our B&G

team, we know that automatic door openers for the Circle Drive and North entrances

will cost approximately $10,000.00. That project has been approved by Session and

added to our Gift & Memorial list.

The West Side Light Project has seen a financial surge in contributions. Currently, the

church has received and designated $42,353.89. Last spring, we knew we needed

$52,150.00 to begin Phase I. Since then, there has been an increase in fixture costs that

will add approximately $2,500.00 to that estimate. I’m optimistic Church of the Cross

will see this project beginning soon.

If you would like to give an additional gift to the church, I would be happy to meet

with you to explain the West Side Light Project needs or other ideas for mission, edu-

cation, or music programs.

I wish you all many successes. I am eager about the course we’ve chartered together

for Church of the Cross to serve God in the year ahead.

Rock Sumner

Business Administrator

(Mothers of Preschool Chil-

dren) Registration forms are availa-

ble at the Information Center.

MOPS membership includes

MomSense Magazine, Week-

ly Mom-email, a MOPS Re-

usable Shopping Bag, MOPS

Bookmark and Magnet an

Exclusive Access to

MYMOPS Online

Childcare is provided for

meetings.

If interested in joining MOPS

contact Sheri Sessions, 402-

333-7466 or sses-

sions@pcoc.us or Amanda

Stalnaker 402-214-9663 or

astalnaker@mpsomaha.org

Volume 59 Issue 1 January 2018 Page 5

FROM THE DESK OF SHERI SESSIONS

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT The Children’s Christmas Pageant for 2017 has come and

gone but the wonderful memories will linger on.

“Christmas Travels” was a delightful production, written

and directed by Sue Thomas. Over 60 of our Sunday

School children, members of the Sunbeam and Carol Choir

participated in this enjoyable experience, along with our Confirmands as the stage

crew and shepherds for the preschool children. Many thanks to Sue for her time

and talents, energy and enthusiasm. Sue not only wrote the script, but she also

made all the props that were used in the production. A word of thanks and appre-

ciation to Betty Baddley, Holly Baddley, Mia Treu and Cassie Moore for their

work with the choirs during Cornerstone. And finally, thanks to all the parents for

their support during the rehearsals. This event is one of the highlights of the year

for me!

TRAVEL During the month of January, I will be doing some traveling, attending two differ-

ent events. January 12-16th, I will be attending the HOPE Training event for my

role as a PDA National Response Team member. This workshop is a simulated

early response deployment to a fictitious tornado. I will be working in teams of

three or four people, with an experienced team leader from the HOPE Leadership

Team. In preparation for this training event, I am taking a 6 hour online Psycho-

logical First Aid Course. After I complete this training, I am qualified to be de-

ployed in the event of a disaster. I have indicated my availability for one week

during the month of March, if needed. My availability will increase tremendously

after I retire on August 31st.

On January 31 – February 3rd, I will be attending the APCE Conference

(Association of Presbyterian Church Educators) in Louisville, Kentucky. This

will be my last conference as a church educator. However, I am taking Heather

Berry, our Vacation Bible School Director, with me this year. Heather and I will

be bringing back lots of new and fresh ideas from the conference to share with the

Christian Education Committee.

Kristi Treu

Director of Music

And Vesper Concert Direc-

tor

********

Director, Sunbeams Cassie Moore, Amelia

Treu

Director, Credo Choir

Kristi Treu

Director, Carol Choir

Holly Baddley

Carillon Choir

Kristi Treu

Chamber and Alleluia Singers, Trinity

Brass, CrossChords

Kristi Treu

Youth Bells Director

Ginger Petersen-Britt

www.vesperconcerts.org

Volume 58 Issue 1 January 2018 Page 6

EVENSONG WORSHIP RETURNS IN JANUARY

The January Evensong worship service will take

place on Sunday, January 7th, at 5:30 pm in the

sanctuary. Join us for prayers, scriptures, songs,

and candlelight, all in the beautiful setting of the

sanctuary. Please enter through the south doors.

Childcare is not available.

YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN YOUTH BELLS!

Are you in grades 4-8? If so, Youth Bells needs

you! We rehearse on Wednesdays from 5:00-5:30

pm downstairs in Room 12. Please let Kristi know if

you are interested at kristi@pcoc.us.

Rehearsals begin on January 10.

JANUARY MUSIC SCHEDULE

January 7 9:00 Bill Ritchie, double bass

11:10 Alleluia Singers

January 14 9:00 Alleluia Singers

11:10 Trinity Brass

January 21 11:10 Alleluia Singers

January 28 9:00 Credo Choir

11:10 Chamber Singers

Page 7

COATS, CLOTHING & SHOES PROJECT HELPS AT-RISK YOUTH KEEP WARM ! Submitted by Jon Boomgaarden

Imagine that you are an elementary school student. It's a cold winter in Nebraska and you don't have the

clothing you need to keep warm going to and from school or playing outside for recess.

That's the plight of kids in many East Omaha elementary schools. Under those circumstances, it is diffi-

cult for these kids to feel normal and learn. That's where our church comes in. The Mission Commit-

tee's annual Coats, Clothing + Shoes Project is an outreach to kids who need coats, clothing, shoes, etc.

Many students do not have these items and some share shoes or coats each day with a sibling.

Kristin Johnson’s mission at PCOC is this project and she recently led it to provide essential items to

needy kids in the following Omaha schools:

Sherman Elementary (pictures attached)

Walnut Hill Elementary

Bancroft Elementary

King Elementary

Dodge Elementary

The project was initiated in early October. Jon Boomgaarden asked each school what their needs were,

by size, and prioritized. The schools’ staff know students who need certain items. If a need arises for a

student, the schools like to have some of them on hand to provide. All of this information was compiled

and provided to Kristin, McKenzie & Corah who scouted 3 local stores for bargains and bought the right

sizes and quantities to meet those needs. They purchased all of the items below for about $3,500 based

on the priority needs for each school. Then, they sorted, bagged and labeled them according to each

school’s wish list. About 20% of your annual giving provides funding for the Mission Committee to

make projects like this possible. The following items were purchased this year:

In addition to the purchases above, these items were split among the 5 schools:

150 scarves were knitted and donated by Julie Buehler, Kristin’s mother. 32 stocking caps and 5 pairs of mittens were knitted and donated by a neighbor of Rock Sumner’s

mother in Watertown, South Dakota.

During the 2nd week of November, Kristin, McKenzie and Jon delivered several bags of these items to

each school. The schools were very thankful by PCOC’s generosity and want all of you to know how

blessed they are to have PCOC as a partner in helping at-risk youth.

Thanks to Kristin, McKenzie, Corah, Julie and Jon for making this project happen. Thanks PCOC mem-

bers for your generous support of mission projects, you have the 'Spirit of Mission’!

71 Coats 44 T-Shirts 147 Underwear 4 Sweatshirts

37 Tennis Shoes 10 Pairs of Mittens

30 Pairs of Gloves 12 Pairs of Socks

64 Sweatpants 22 Leggings

2 Jeans

Spirit of Mission

Page 8

(continued from page 7)

The following comments were received and are shared with you so you know their appreciation:

Courtney Koenig, King Elementary

Thank you so much for helping our students!

David Milan, Cassie Nelsen & Sarah Rybar, Bancroft Elementary Your church’s generosity is so appreciated and the kids are so happy to be warm this winter! Your

church members are very kind people and are such a blessing to our school and students. Thank you so

much for the wonderful donations to our students and families. Your love and support of our students

warms our hearts.

Dana Barker & Timara Kroeger, Sherman Elementary We want to extend a heartfelt thank you!! We will put all of the clothing & shoes to good use for our

students. You have put a smile on everyone's face and a little more love in our hearts!! We truly appre-

ciate your kindness. Our students and families are touched and so are we. ☺

James Mertz, Dodge Elementary Thank you VERY MUCH for blessing us by asking us to fill in the needs for many of our students and

families this year! We are very grateful and humbled that you are willing to help us again! We know

this generous giving of clothes and shoes will be a great blessing to many students and families and we

are VERY THANKFUL! Please let everyone involved at PCOC know that they have been a great bless-

ing to many of our students and families at Laura Dodge Elementary and we appreciate this VERY

MUCH! May God Bless you and everyone at PCOC in a mighty big way!

Deb Bentley, Walnut Hill Elementary Thank you for again taking on this large project of keeping our children warm, safe and more. Isn’t it

amazing to think of all of the kids that PCOC has been able to help get to school warm and safe, feeling

good about themselves and the world around them because a wonderful group of strangers cared for them

enough to share of their time and good fortune, knowing the importance of doing it quietly and with so

much respect. The results of your acts of kindness do not end when the items are handed out. There are

so many ‘ripples’ in this pond of sharing. I always tell parents that someday they will be in a better place

and will then have the opportunity to do great things for others. I believe that most do – in one way or

another. I wanted to share a couple of these things with your church members: • A parent who had struggled for the last 3 or 4 years recently brought in 10 pairs of gloves they had

purchased saying, “I’m working now – maybe after payday I can pick up some socks for the kids

who walk to school who have parents who aren’t working.” She did. • An alumni who is at UNO now contacted me this summer and wants to do a pajama drive with her

sorority because she remembers being given blanket pajamas by Walnut Hill to keep warm when

their family furnace went out and there wasn't money to repair it for two weeks.

(continued on page 9)

Spirit of Mission

Page 9

(continued from page 8)

Some of the ways in which this project blesses the kids are harder to figure out: • I bumped into a former student this summer who shared that he is now in law school in South Dako-

ta. He thanked us for “quietly supplying him with a new coat each year”. He said that his self-esteem

was a huge thing when he was young and he told friends that his new coat, hat and gloves were gifts

from his absent dad. That somehow kept them from saying, “Ryan doesn’t have a dad!”, and made it

easier to come to school.

So many ripples. We’ll never know them all! We are grateful for each and every gift.

What’s your mission? Contact Jon at jonoboomgaarden@cox.net or 402-981-8164 to get involved.

Spirit of Mission

Page 10

Spirit of Mission

2017 OMAHA STREET SCHOOL CHRISTMAS 'FAMILY NIGHT' A BIG EVENT!

Submitted by Darrell Stuedemann Students, parents, teachers, volunteers and recent graduates gathered December 7th for Omaha Street

School's (OSS) Christmas 'Family Night'. As in recent years, PCOC provided the evening's entertain-

ment in the form of gingerbread houses to create. (OSS has no PTO for support). Everyone took ad-

vantage of graham crackers, frosting, marshmallows, cereal, and LOTS of candy to create beautiful, ar-

tistic gingerbread houses.

The PCOC crew -- Tina Morgan, Janelle Davis, Sandi Stuckey, Ginger Petersen -Britt, plus Barb and

Darrell Stuedemann -- passed out decorating materials (primarily candy!) and building tips. Kids and

parents then went to work creating their unique gingerbread houses, as evidenced by the photos below.

Overall, the OSS Christmas Family Night with gingerbread houses was a big success!

OSS' staff appreciated that PCOC supported them again this year at this event, our eighth year - going

back to 2010. A special Thank You to the congregation for your VERY GENEROUS donations of

candy, marshmallows, and graham crackers for this special event!

Why the Omaha Street School (OSS) Exists

When students drop out or are expelled from high school, they have little chance of developing academ-

ically, spiritually, personally, and vocationally in order to become productive citizens. That is where

OSS comes in. Students enrolling at OSS commonly have not been successful in traditional high

school classrooms or in other alternative high schools. OSS may be their last chance for academic suc-

cess.

OSS' student enrollment ranges from 25 to 35 with an average classroom size of 8 to 10. Students here

are encouraged to feel that they are valued as individuals, that they matter, and that they are part of a

nurturing family. With caring and compassionate instructors, staff, and volunteers, these students find

hope and gain self-esteem -- while increasing their self-sufficiency skills along with their education.

PCOC supports OSS by donating $12,500 annually from the Mission budget, serving lunch once per

month, hosting a Teacher Appreciation Day, and providing gift cards for its teachers and graduates.

Keith Allen sits on the board and Karen Morey is Past President. PCOC member Sherryl Shannon

serves as a classroom mentor; Darrell Stuedemann is a former mentor.

NEWS FLASH: Ginger Petersen-Britt is a new OSS volunteer and will be teaching music. This is the

start of a music program at OSS!

For more information or to get involved, contact Keith Allen kp.allen@cox.net, Darrell Stuedemann dis-

tuedemann@aol.com or Susan Schaaf sschaaf@omahastreetschool.com.

Page 11

Spirit of Mission

L. to R. Tina Morgan, Janelle Davis Sandi Stuckey

and Barb Stuedemann (Not pictured: Ginger

Petersen, Darrell Stuedemann

Page 12 Volume 59 Issue 1

Our Church Family Penelope Jo Thorson, born on November

24, 2017. Parents are David and Sara

Thorson.

Jodie A. “Al” Thornton, died on December

16, 2017.

Flower Dedications

January 7

Anonymous in memory of Grace and Earl Leinart

January 14

Open

January 21

Open

January 28

Lee Parker in memory of his son, Randy Parker

Gifts and Memorials

• Slate Wall Refurbish-

ment $15,000.00

• Seven light poles along

the west side of our facili-

ty $52,150.00

• Circle Drive and North

Entrance Automated Door

Opener $10,000.00

• Cookie Ministry

• Educational Material

Endowments

• Garden Ministry Mainte-

nance Fund

• Mission Funds

• Musicians for Special

Services

• Printed Music for Choirs

• Youth Program Funds

• Facility Fund

• 40 Bread Baskets for

Kitchen $250.00

Reminder :

Call the church office

when you or a family

member is

hospitalized.

402-333-7466

Prayer Chain

Contact Cheryl Summers

402-933-0850 or

chsummers92@gmail.com or use the Care Card in the

pews.

CARD SAVING PROGRAM Due to a sharp decline in card sales, limited volunteers to run the program, and

a shift in our teen work-skills program, St. Jude’s Ranch for Children will be

concluding its Recycled Card Program. For the past 30 years, the program

taught teens work skills by creating “new” cards from used greeting cards,

which were then resold in the campus thrift store and online.

We are very grateful to the many supporters across the country that have sent us

their used greeting cards over the years. We hope, as we continue to focus our

efforts on saving the lives of traumatized children, that those donors will con-

tinue to support us in the years to come. Thank you to all the faithful savers

from the congregation, but this means I will no longer be able to receive your

card fronts.

Julie Buehler

THANK YOU FOR REACHING OUT We found much comfort in your kind words surrounding my mom’s passing.

Your cards, emails, Facebook comments, conversations and Cross Care mes-

sages wre evidence that our church is a loving family. God bless you all!

Darrell and Barb Stuedemann

Page 13

Volume 59 Issue 1

DEACON NEWS

Submitted by Lauren Ballou

The Advent Dinner was a success again! With over 360 people enjoying dinner and

festivities, many church committees pitching in to help and the children putting on a

wonderful pageant, the evening is one we will not soon forget! We were even fortu-

nate enough to have extra food to share with the Sienna Francis House.

Thank you to…

• The Christian Education Committee for putting on an entertaining and heart-

warming pageant. The children (and adults) of the church did a wonderful job!

• The Membership Committee for cutting and serving all of the desserts! Thank

you to everyone who brought a sugary treat as well.

• The Senior High Youth Group for a fantastic job serving!

• The Congregational Life Committee for the beautiful and festive decorations.

• The Mission Committee for organizing reservations.

• The Session Committees for all of their support.

• The Deacons for running, serving and cleaning-up the dinner.

• Heather Berry and Deb Mazgaj for organizing the dinner!

Thank you again for participating in the 27th annual Advent Dinner! We hope you

enjoyed ringing in the season with your church family. Merry Christmas!

COFFEE, CONVERSATION AND COMMUNITY

Submitted by Paula Allen Are you the caregiver for a loved one with a long-term Illness? Would you welcome

some support so you can run errands, go to appointments, or have some quiet time at

home, knowing that your loved one is being well cared for, enjoying time and activ-

ities with others?

We are in the final stages of planning for a new program called “Coffee, Conversa-

tion and Community”. This would be a once a month respite program for people

who are currently being cared for at home by family members. (A respite can be

defined as a short interval of rest or relief from caregiving responsibilities, and/or a

pause for relaxation).

Coffee, Conversation and Community is a ministry of Presbyterian Church of the

Cross for participants and their caregivers, providing participants with a chance to

socialize in a warm and loving atmosphere. Activities will include crafts, exercise,

snacks, and socializing – all designed to involve participants in a meaningful and

dignified way.

Our plan is to make this program available the second Wednesday of each month

from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm at Church of the Cross, beginning on March 14th. To be

eligible, all participants must be currently living in a home setting. They also must

be ambulatory and verbal.

If you are interested in exploring this new offering please call Paula Allen,

402-778-0236, or Don Metzger, 402-891-1231, to discuss details of your situation.

To be successful, we will also need volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering

in this program, either by offering a special talent on an occasional basis, or by

providing on-going companionship each month, please contact Paula, Don or Lynda

Dinsdale.

Committee Moderators

Building and Grounds

Mike Howland

Christian Education

Scott Stalnaker

Congregational Life

Mary Ann Pederson

Finance

Ben Miller

Membership

Sharon Sievers

Mission

Clarence Waters

Worship and Music

Charlene Meyer

Communications

Committee

Larry Frederickson

Deacons

Moderator

Sandi Stuckey

Secretary

Lauren Ballou/Ally Hopp

Treasurer

Belinda Greiner

Home Meals Coordinator

Belinda Greiner

Prayer Shawls Information

Judy Arms

PieceMakers

Karen Morey

Debbie McMullen

Page 14 Volume 59 Issue 1

Junior High Leaders

Jonathan and Carla Fritz Spencer and Julie Evers,

Sundays: 4:45-6:30

Senior High Leaders

Sarah Frederickson, Dawn

and Brad Gibson, Holly

Baddley

Sunday: 4:45-6:30

If interested please contact

the church office for more

information,

402-333-7466

49ers

Judy Sundberg

402-333-6981

Donna Turner

402-397-3643

Friday Night Gourmet

Curt Field and Launie

Lambert

402-333-8287

Presbyterian Women

Diane Kratz

402-334-1604

Presbyterian Men

Jon Boomgaarden

402-334-1946

PCOC Book Group

June Fettig

402-339-2121

Music & Movement

Betty Baddley

402-445-9632

GALS

Ally Hopp

402-203-9052

Fellowship for Families

Amy Miller

402-290-6526

1 Linda Dobry, Phil Johnson,

Chris Voss, Frank Watt 2 Dick Kelley, Nancy Koehler,

Dan Olson 3 Gene Pugh, Meg Whaley,

Mason Will

4 Conlin Grady, Carol Mason 5 Liz Breci, Cindy Nisley, Lee

Parker

6 Jenny McClain, Mary Ann McNeel 7 Keith Allen, Heather Berry, Bill Hanley, Diane Holubeck, Tim Johnson,

Blake Kahler, Diane Kratz, Madisyn Spielman

8 Quinlan McFadden, Jeff Quine, Ann Schmidt, Joan Thorson, Marilyn Willis

9 Megan Davelaar, Bob Hoisington, Sharon Sievers

10 Drew Berry, Lorna Crisp

11 Jennifer Arnold, Matt McFadden

12 Linda Bauer, Matt Olsen

13 Sam McClain, Katie Rock

14 Gail Hille, Danial Holdren

15 Taylor Koch, Dwight Peterson, Max Rieke

16 Stephanie Voss

17 John Broderick, Launie Lambert, Allison Weber 18 Kathleen Best, Sharon Marvin-Griffin, Lois Morris, Ingrid Olsen, Sharon

Rich

19 Dava Hendrickson

20 Alta Empkey, Jack Fortner, Charlotte Thiessen

21 Michael Anderson, William Davey, Loni Williams

22 Pam Peterson, Dorothy Thompson

23 Amy Ellis, Mary Beth Gust

24 Kaitlynn Evers, Joan Miles

25 Evylyn Breunsbach, Kim Hall, Quinn McGuire

26 Keaton Young

27 Spencer Kussman, Hadley McDaniel, Tyler Zimmerman

28 Dan Hamil, Peg Hiles, Abby Jaeger, Anne Laws, Jessa Sherlock

30 Jonathan Fritz, Kathleen Gavey

Page 15 Volume 59 Issue 1

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

CHAD BUMSTED

Chad Bumsted is an Omaha native

joining PCOC by Reaffirmation of

Faith. He is self-employed and has

three children.

JEFFREY BOYUM Jeffrey Boyum has lived in Omaha for two years.

He enjoys running, reading, and home projects.

Jeff is employed with Wells Fargo. Welcome Jeff

and daughter Marlys (age 4) to PCOC!

JOE ECKMAN

Joe Eckman is a returning member

to PCOC. Joe is retired and current-

ly enjoys sports, family, and read-

ing. He has three children, nine

grandchildren, and 14 great grand-

children!

MERRILEE FAUBEL Merrilee Faubel has lived in Omaha

for 17 years. She currently works in

contract fundraising and develop-

ment. Merrilee enjoys reading, ex-

ercising and philanthropic activities.

Please welcome Merrilee the next

time you see her on Sunday!

NICKIE JOHNSON While a new member at PCOC

Nickie Johnson is well known by

many for her amazing talent in the

kitchen! Nickie has been cooking

for Cornerstone for the past three

years and helps with numerous other

events during the week. Nicki has

four children and assists with their

school activities in her free time.

JOHN AND CAROLYN MILLAR John and Carolyn Miller are previ-

ous members of 30 years and are

returning to the Omaha area. They

joke that it was so their children

could take care of them”, but John

states he hasn’t grown up yet!

John is a former Chemical Engi-

neer and Carolyn is a former

school teacher and secretary. We

are happy to have the Millar’s back at PCOC!

KAREN SAUNDERS Karen Saunders has been in Oma-

ha for five months. She is a for-

mer curriculum specialist for Lin-

coln Public Schools. She enjoys

reading, music, Pilates and taking

care of her grandchildren.

WILLIAM AND SANDRA STEELE William and

Sandra Steele

were brought

to PCOC be-

cause of the

wonderful

music and

friendly peo-

ple. William

enjoys woodworking and Sandra enjoys music and

sewing. The couple also enjoys traveling and are

snowbirds, January—May.

KATHRYN AND PATRICK VINT Kathryn and Patrick Vint are

parents of one year old twins!

Patrick is an attorney and

Kathryn is in marketing. The

couple joined PCOC because

they were looking for a tradi-

tional church family.

Page 16

REBECCA AND BRIAN WEYANT Rebecca and Brian have

been attending PCOC for

several years. Rebecca

works in computer program-

ming and communications.

Rebecca and Brian stay busy

with their eight year old son,

Michael and his youth

sports!

LARRY AND CAROLYN WILL Larry and Carolyn are the

parents of Matt Will and

grandparents to Mason.

They have been in Omaha

for 40 years. The couple

enjoys traveling, fishing

trips with family and play-

ing bridge with friends.

ATTENTION ALL PCOC FAMILIES! We are excited that families with children ranging in ages from birth

through high school will have the opportunity to gather together to

share a meal, become better acquainted, and build new friendships

and community in a relaxed, casual setting. The deadline for regis-

tration for the winter session (February-March-April) is January

14th. New families are always welcome to join! If you have any ques-

tions, please contact Amy Miller at 402-290-6526.

A sign-up sheet will be available at the Information Center. Please sign your family up by Sunday, Jan-

uary 14th if you would like to participate. You will be contacted by a host family to schedule the first

get-together.

MISSION NOTES

A THANK YOU FROM THE PRESBYTERIAN MISSION AGENCY In December, PCOC received a call from Rev. Rhonda Kruse of the Presbyterian Mission Agency,

thanking us for all our recent donations to hurricane relief. Individual PCOC members contributed over

$10,500 and our Mission Committee sent another $1,000 to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to aid in

recovery in Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico.

Rev. Kruse also thanked us for our faithful support of Presbyterian Mission worker Ellen Smith, who

serve churches in Russia. Ellen and Al Smith plan to be with us December 31 in worship!

MISSION TRIP TO RUSSIA IN AUGUST 2018

In August 2018, PCOC will be sending a new team to Gnozdovo, Russia to help

our partners at Grace Church with their Vacation Bible School. VBS is the biggest

outreach taken on by our partner church, attracting over 100 children from the

community to learn about Jesus and his teachings. For nine years, Church of the

Cross has provided craft supplies and volunteers to supplement the small congrega-

tion’s resources, and it has been a rewarding experience every time!

Are you considering a return trip to visit our Christian friends in Russia? Or have

you been looking for the right time to make your first trip? To express your inter-

est or to ask for more information, contact Karen Morey at kmorey816@gmail.com

or 402-431-9326. The team will be limited to seven, so get your name on the list

soon!

Page 17 Volume 59 Issue 1

Presbyterian Women Presbyterian Women January Circle Meeting

The Presbyterian Women Lydia Circle meets at 7pm once a month the fourth Thursday of

each month January – May and September, October and in November we meet on the third

Thursday because of Thanksgiving. We do not meet in December and during the summer.

We will be meeting 7 pm on January 25 at the home of Nancy Nicas 1528 S. 114th Street.

Kathy Nickel is the Co-Hostess and the Study Leader. We will be doing lesson 4 in our Bible Study

“Cloud of Witnesses: The Community of Christ in Hebrews.” Please join us as we are open to all women

at Church of the Cross if you are interested in attending, call or email Diane Kratz at 402-334-1604 or

dhkratz@hotmail.com. The Presbyterian Women Directories will be available in early January at the In-

formation Desk.

THANKS Thank you once again for your financial generosity for hygiene kits to be used by Presbyterian Disaster

Assistance. As reported earlier, Presbyterian Women at PCOC assembled 160 kits last spring, and this

fall we used some of the funds for more kits assembled at the Presbytery “Mission Blast” day in Council

Bluffs. The rest of the funds were sent to the Presbyterian Church (USA) for purchasing toothpaste at

the time the kits are needed and/or for more kits. We know that many people benefited in times of need.

Ardys Hansum, PW Treasurer PRESBYTERIAN MEN RANG BELLS FOR THE SALVATION ARMY’S

CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN on Saturday, December 16th, at the 132nd & Dodge

HyVee from 10 am to 2 pm. The 16 volunteers were: Jim Chapin, AJ Sundberg, Jim

Miller, Frank McMullen, Ken Nisley, Ed Ticknor, Marty McGuire, Jon Boom-

gaarden, Gary Marron, John Behrens, Mike Howland, Matt Olsen, Don Miller, Drew

Dinsdale, and Roger Utman. Marty & Jon played Christmas carols on their trumpets

providing a nice attraction for givers. Thanks to Jim Chapin for coordinating this ac-

tivity and to the volunteers for your service !

PRESBYTERIAN MEN

On Saturday, January 27th, at 8:30 am, PCOC men and women are invited to attend a continental breakfast

and program in Fellowship Hall featuring John Knicely, WOWT News Anchor/Reporter. He will speak

about his experiences in broadcasting, his faith, news features like John at Work and Knicely Done, per-

haps a few golf stories, and unique, behind-the-scenes perspectives through his reporter-involved seg-

ments. You won’t want to miss this special program and listen to this compassionate man. Let’s have a

great turn-out for this outstanding program! Please sign-up to attend at the Information Center

by Sunday, January 21st. We encourage you to invite a friend, relative or new member and enjoy some

fellowship. Special thanks to Rick Sessions for arranging for John to speak. Contact Jon Boomgaarden

at 402-981-7164 with questions.

Page 18 Volume 59 Issue 1

Getting to know you! Drew Dinsdale Name: Andrew Dinsdale, age: 35 Place of birth: St. Paul, MN. Grew up in Austin, TX, since our family moved there

when I was two years old. Immediate family member’s names and what they do: Father: Richard, Red Cross

Director of Communications. Mother: Lynda, Associate Pastor. Brother: Justin, Attor-

ney with the US Department of Justice; wife: Edna Dinsdale, lawyer daughter: Alexis,

son: Patrick. Brother: Brent, International Business, AECOM; wife, Suzi Dinsdale,

pharmaceutical rep; daughter: Logan.

Education: Westlake High School, Austin, TX, 2000. Baylor University, Waco, TX,

Major: BBA-Marketing, Minor: History, graduation 2004. Seattle University, Seattle,

WA, MBA, graduation 2009. Occupation: Currently: Business Consultant/Volunteer. Prior to 2011: Amazon Com-

pany, Seattle, WA, Video Games – Instock Manager; The Boeing Company, Seattle WA, Procurement Financial Ana-

lyst in the Boeing High-Potential Rotation 3-year Program; Breedlove & Associates LLC, Austin, TX, Tax Consultant. Civic or other nonprofit: Joslyn Art Museum, Volunteer; Tip Top Thrift Store, Volunteer; Habitat for Humanity Re-

store, Volunteer.

Which service do you attend? Any or all services - Sing in the Alleluia Choir.

Involvement in PCOC: Deacon, Choir Member, Volunteer

Hobbies: Guitar, Writing, Reading, Movies, Video Games, Jogging, Snow Skiing, Art.

I have a knack for: Electronics, and Music, remembering songs word for word, helping with potential stress.

A bad habit I have is: overexerting myself and over committing my time

My pet peeve is: Unfriendly Driving

What person do you feel had the biggest impact on your life and why? My older brother Brent. He has always been

a strong Mentor. Growing up he would allow me to follow him around and always included me in activities with his

friends.

What is your fondest childhood memory? Driving 1200 miles every summer from Texas to Pelican Lake, Minneso-

ta. After two days in the car we would arrive at the cabin and my brother’s and I would scramble out of the car and race

to the beach to see who would be the first one to jump in the lake. In retrospect, with more maturity I now realize that

the Lake was an image of heaven.

What would you say is one interesting fact about you that people don’t know? I was in a pedestrian-car accident

resulting in a Traumatic Brain Injury in 2010. My life has drastically changed since then. Deep down I am somewhat

sad about this “intermission” in my life. My age really doesn’t help this feeling since I always thought that my 30’s

would be spent building both a family and career. However, this accident teaches me daily to trust God, have patience,

and each day is a gift of God.

Most exciting or dangerous thing I’ve ever done: In graduate school at Seattle University, my study abroad program

was to China. Some other students and I took a river ferry down the Li River and spent a week in a small village. I did-

n’t speak the language, but managed well through the unspoken word. My favorite memories include the authentic din-

ners I ate with the local people.

Is there anything in your lifetime that you passed up on doing and wish you had not? I had the opportunity to

work at Nike in Oregon and wonder what direction my life would have taken if I had accepted that position.

What advice do you hope your children take to heart? The best education is always around us and never ends. Re-

taining knowledge from your every day life will help you in both the classroom and in your own mind for the rest of

your life.

Page 19

January Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 Office Closed

2 9:45 Staff 11:30 49ers 7:30 Boy Scouts

3 5:30 Chamber Singers 6:30 Alleluia Singers

4 10:00 Tai Chi

5 6:00 SHF Progressive Dinner & Lock In

6

7 9:00 & 11:10 Worship 10:00 Education 5:30 Evensong 4:45 Youth Fellowship

8 9:15 M&M Exercise 10 Tai Chi & Music 11:00 M&M Exercise 5:30 Congregational Life 6:00 Communication 6:30 Bldg. & Grds. 6:30 CE 7:00 Worship & Music

9 9:45 Staff 5:30 Membership 5:30 MOPS 6:30 Mission 7:30 Boy Scouts

10 5:00 Youth Bells 5:00 PieceMakers 5:30 Cornerstone 5:30 Chamber Singers 6:00 Dinner 6:30 PieceMakers 6:30 Disciple Bible Study & Confirmation Class 6:50 Alleluia Singers

11 9:15 M&M Exercise 10:00 Tai Chi & Music 11:00 M&M Exercise 11:30 Presbytery Edu-cators Meeting 12-1 Serve lunch at OSS 6:00 Carillon Choir

12 6:30 Friday Night Gourmets

13

14 9:00 & 11:10 Worship/Communion 10:00 Education 3:45 Credo Choir 4:30 Serve Dinner at Siena/Francis House 4:45 Youth Fellowship

15 9:15 M&M Exercise 10:00 Tai Chi & Music 11:00 M&M Exercise 7:00 Deacons

16 9:45 Staff 12:30-2 PEO 5:30 Finance 7:30 Boy Scouts

17 5:00 Youth Bells 5:00 PieceMakers 5:15 PCOC Book Group 5:30 Cornerstone 5:30 Chamber Singers 6:00 Dinner 6:30 PieceMakers 6:30 Disciple Bible Study & Confirmation Class 6:50 Alleluia Singers

18 9:15 M&M Exercise 10:00 Tai Chi & Music 11:00 M&M Exercise 6:00 Carillon Bells

19 Cross Currents Dead-line

20 5-9 Parents Night Out

21 10:00 Education 11:10 Worship 12:00 Annual Meeting 12:30 Pot Luck Lunch-eon 3:45 Credo Choir 4:45 Youth Fellowship Pantry Sunday

22 9:15 M&M Exercise 10:00 Tai Chi & Music 11:00 M&M Exercise 7:00 Session

23 9:45 Staff 1:00 Tuesday Bible Study 5:30 MOPS 6:30 Cross Care 7:30 Boy Scouts

24 5:00 Youth Bells 5:00 PieceMakers 5:30 Cornerstone 5:30 Chamber Singers 6:00 Dinner 6:30 PieceMakers 6:30 Disciple Bible Study & Confirmation Class 6:50 Alleluia Singers

25 9:15 M&M Exercise 10:00 Tai Chi & Music 11:00 M&M Exercise 6:00 Carillon Choir

26 27 8:30-10 Presbyterian Men Breakfast

28 9:00 & 11:10 Worship 10:00 Education 3:00 Vesper Concert 4:45 Youth Fellowship 6:30 Cross Your Heart Moms

29 9:15 M&M Exercise 10:00 Tai Chi & Music 11:00 M&M Exercise

30 9:45 Staff 1:00 Tuesday Bible Study 7:30 Boy Scouts

31 5:00 Youth Bells 5:00 Piecemakers 5:30 Cornerstone 5:30 Chamber Singers 6:00 Dinner 6:30 PieceMakers 6:30 Disciple Bible Study & Confirmation Class 6:50 Alleluia Singers

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAID

Omaha Ne

Permit No. 833

Presbyterian Church of the Cross

1517 South 114th Street

Omaha NE 68144-1799

Next Cross Currents Deadline is:

Third Friday of January, 2018

January 19, 2018

Page 20

Cross Currents

The Cross Currents is published monthly by the

Presbyterian

Church of the Cross, 1517 South 114th Street,

Omaha NE 68144-1799