1

Holy Cross Lutheran Church

“Sharing the

Ointment for Jesus’

Feet, Giving God

our Very Best” Cf. John 12:3

Our mission statement:

Celebrating God’s love

by worshipping God,

caring for each other,

and serving in community.

Vol. 24

No. 1

January 2018

CHRISTmas comes but once a year! I can already hear the

cynical saying, “And thank God for that!” But as a friendly pastoral predic-

tion, I think that in the near future, December 25th will only come once a

year but it will last all year long. Wouldn’t daily CHRISTmas be wonderful?

The songs and carols of the season are beautiful, and now I am

pleased to hear them in stores before Halloween. Wal-Mart got their first

CHRISTmas aisle set up this year at the beginning of September. I pushed

all the toy buttons on the aisle to get the CHRISTmas carols going. It was

so hot that day, and it actually made me feel cooler.

One thing that bothers me is the amount of people who can’t wait

for the 26th so they can get their CHRISTmas tree out into the garbage.

Of course that’s probably wise, in case the tree is totally dried out, since it

was purchased the Monday before Thanksgiving when the first tree ship-

ments came into town. Clearly a post-modern CHRISTmas has shifted the

original 12 days of CHRISTmas around. The Twelve Days of CHRISTmas

traditionally took us up to January 6th, Epiphany.

The Lindsborg Swedes always liked to keep the party going a little

longer. So we celebrated Tjugondag jul (Twentieth Day Yule). January 13th

is St. Knut’s Day (also spelled Canute). The candy decorations on the tree

are eaten while the tree is dismantled and taken down.

BERGY’S BABBLE: “PERPETUAL CHRISTMAS”

… /// ...

2

… /// … Bergy’s Babble — “Perpetual CHRISTmas”

Then everyone brings their bare CHRISTmas tree down to a huge pile on

the sandbank of the Smoky Hill River just under the Old Mill dam. Occa-

sionally I was called upon to bring my French Horn and play some kind of

fanfare for King Knut when he strode in with a large torch to start the bon-

fire blazing with flames as high as the railroad bridge. I always had to im-

provise something with open valves on my horn because all the valves

would freeze open on that wintry night.

But actually, I like to enjoy the CHRISTmas tree until at least Val-

entine’s Day. By that time, Candy is asking me to please take the tree out

under the cover of darkness so the neighbors don’t think we’re nuts. I say,

“Why hide the truth?” CHRISTmas is now a distant memory to the neigh-

bors, and I’m still celebrating.

After all, we just did the whole department store, from-the-1st-of-September

-until-December-24th-thing, which according to my count is almost 4

months. What’s the problem? Between me and the department stores we’ve

already got six months of the year covered with CHRISTmas. I call that

better, not worse.

Toss in Lent and Easter and it brings us up to 8 solid CHRIST-

related months invoking CHRIST. Even popular culture, and secular

society have taken up the CHRIST banner inadvertently, simply through the

invocation of his name. Like they say, “Any advertising is good advertis-

ing.”

It would save a lot of confusion if we would just celebrate CHRIST-

mas everyday. Perpetual CHRISTmas would keep us focused on carrying

the CHRISTchild through our bodies into the world on a daily basis.

A heartful of happiness and love to you and yours in these Holy

Days of CHRISTmas!!!!

See you in worship …………..……… BERGY

3

… /// ...

MINUTES FOR COUNCIL MEETING

NOVEMBER 15, 2017

The November 2017 Church Council meeting was called to order by

President Warren Schick on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at 2:00

p.m. Pastor Berggren opened the meeting with a prayer.

In attendance were: Pastor Jim Berggren, Pastor Jhon Jairo Arroya-

ve, Warren Schick, Bettie Baring, Jay Byerly, Deacon Karen Da-

vidson, David Garwick, Julie Kilkenny, Wendy Lambeth, Bettye

Raschke, Wayne Schaper and Fredda Yurk.

The minutes from the October Council meeting were submitted by

Julie Kilkenny, unanimously approved and will be submitted to

Crossties and the website for publication.

The Treasurer’s report was presented by Wayne Schaper. Collections

for the month of October were $26,126, which was $18,924 less than

the previous month; year to date collections for October 2017 were

$6,522 less than 2016. Mr. Schaper estimates that collections for

2017 will be $430,000-$440,000. Expenses for the month of October

2017 were $34,700; year to date expenses were $86,954 more than

collections. Expenditures are at 78% of the 2017 annual budget; nor-

mally they would be at 83%, so Mr. Schaper emphasized that the

church is in good shape financially. The checking account balance at

10/31/17 was $151,534, not including restricted funds. The Endow-

ment Committee has $910 interest available for disbursement. The

Treasurer’s report was unanimously approved as presented.

4

Pastoral Staff Reports:

Pastor Berggren began with a passionate speech, addr essing r u-

mors that have been circulating within the congregation. He pointed

out that negative speculation takes away from the many ministries of

Holy Cross, which in addition to the “ usual” worship centered

ministries, include:

Cross cultural ministry, which includes providing Spanish ser-

vices.

A successful Early Learning Center (toddler and Preschool clas-

ses), which is in such demand that there is usually a waiting list

to get in.

Feeding of the community and participating with neighborhood

churches in the Spring Branch Food Pantry, which is located on

the Holy Cross campus. HCLC contributes utilities and insurance

toward the Pantry. More than 1,000 Thanksgiving meals will be

distributed this year through the efforts of the Food Pantry and its

partners. Holy Cross also regularly distributes food to families

through Adult Protective Services.

Providing a meeting place for outside groups, as well as parish-

ioners. School of the Woods uses the gym on a regular basis,

Holy Cross hosts graduation ceremonies for area schools, and

there is an AA group that has regular meetings at the church.

WELCA’s Rummage Sale is a ministry to the neighborhood, and

the proceeds help fund various ministries of Holy Cross.

Counseling and ministerial one-on-one meetings with those in

need.

Provide stewardship in the neighborhood, including offering a

place for the Houston Mennonite Church’s Quilt Festival and

Hillshire Village’s garage sale.

Council urged him to bring these points up to the entire congrega-

tion, perhaps at the December meeting. … /// ...

… /// … HCLC Council Meeting — November 15, 2017

5

Deacon Karen Davidson r epor ted on her activit ies for the month.

This month she and Pastor Berggren conducted the memorial and

burial service for Doris Ann Drosche at Forest Park Lawndale. She

continues her regular hospital visits and prayers, phone calls and vis-

its for HCLC members and friends, as well as preparation of the

PowerPoint presentation for the early worship service.

Pastor Jhon Jairo Arroyave r epor ted that things ar e going well

with the mowing and maintenance of the Telge property by members

of the Spanish congregation. He also praised the participation by

members of the Spanish congregation in providing bags of food for

the Thanksgiving Food Pantry drive.

Old Business and Committee Reports:

Warren Schick gave an update on Building and Grounds activities.

He reported that talks fell through with the furniture maker to

salvage the wood from the fallen oak tree on the Telge property, so

he will get someone to haul off the tree. Other pending business

includes pulling up the carpet in the Youth Room and removal of the

magnolia trees near the Atrium entrance.

Work continues on the HCLC Constitution and Bylaws update.

Warren Schick and Calvin Remmert have finished their preliminary

work and have turned it over to John Stokes for his review.

Council approved (via email) Warren Schick’s draft of the revised

HCLC Memorial Service/Reception policy.

Bettie Baring reported on WELCA activities. It is fundraising time

for the Krause Children’s Center in Katy. WELCA will also help

again with the Westside Homeless Project; in December there will be

a Christmas tree set up in the gym with gift requests.

… /// … HCLC Council Meeting — November 15, 2017

… /// ...

6

… /// ...

The WELCA annual meeting, December 2nd at 10am, will include

discussion of the budget, as well as preparation of Christmas cards

for shut-ins.

Council approved Ms. Baring’s request for space on the church cam-

pus to store items (not furniture) in advance of the Rummage Sale.

There was no new information from the Spanish Ministry Team.

Mr. Schaper presented a revised draft of the budget. After further

discussion, Council voted to approve the budget and present it to the

congregation for approval at the December 3 rd meeting.

New Business:

Warren Schick reported that his discussions with the church organist

cleared up any misunderstandings of details in her contract from

2012. She signed an updated contract, and Mr. Schick noted that the

contract should be reviewed regularly, to adjust for salary changes,

changes in work responsibilities, etc.

Wayne Schaper noted that the Coca Cola machine in the Annex is

leaking and is really not utilized. Since HCLC pays an annual rental

fee and must buy the sodas from the company, Council approved re-

moval of the machine. Mr. Schaper will call the company to have it

removed.

Pastor Berggren reported that the Spring Valley Police came by the

church recently, in the wake of recent violence at churches, to dis-

cuss security measures.

Bettye Raschke voiced her concerns about children playing on the

stairs in the gym and outside the upstairs classrooms and possibly

getting hurt.

… /// … HCLC Council Meeting — November 15, 2017

7

She proposed finding ways to discourage kids from going on the

stairs during events such as the Quilt Festival, Rummage Sale and

other functions that are open to the public and would include people

not familiar with Holy Cross. Council discussed the possibility of

putting up velvet ropes and warning signs.

The next Council meeting will be on Wednesday, December 13, 2017

at 2:00 p.m.

The Congregational Meeting, Part 1 will be on Sunday, December 3,

2017 immediately following the 9:30a.m.service.

Upon motion to adjourn, the meeting was closed with the Lord’s

Prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Julie Kilkenny

… /// … HCLC Council Meeting — November 15, 2017

COUNCIL MEETING

Next Council Meeting will be Wednesday, January 17th, 2017

at 2:00 p.m. in the Annex.

Church Council

8

… /// ...

COMMENTS

TELGE PROPERTY COMMITTEE

This morning I would like to take a few minutes to bring all of you up to

date regarding a committee that was created back in June, 2017, with the

approval of Holy Cross Lutheran Church Council. The name of the Com-

mittee is referred to as The Telge Property Committee.

WHAT IS THE TELGE PROPERTY: It is the “Park” or the property

located west of the Family Life Center and takes in part of our west parking

lot, our storage area and continues on to Glourie Street. It is approximately

1.95 acres in size and is located entirely within Hilshire Village.

IS THE TELGE PROPERTY OWNED BY HOLY CROSS: I br ing

this up only because of various misconceptions I have been made aware of.

Without question Holy Cross Lutheran Church is the owner of the Telge

property in fee simple ownership and as such has complete control over the

property.

WHY WAS THE COMMITTEE FORMED: For the past several years

as a member of the Church Council, I have contributed to the Annual

Report of the Church as it relates to Buildings and Grounds. In those

reports some of the major issues we face have been mentioned such as: our

parking lot needs repair; the Sanctuary roof has leaked and has created ceil-

ing damage within the Sanctuary; the Family Life Center roof continues to

leak during heavy rains and I can go on and on. It is not that we don’t have

money — we just don’t have money on hand to take care of some of the

more pressing issues if they get worse.

In addition, what about an effort to “Grow” this congregation by taking on

an additional ministry; but how can we accomplish that when we don’t have

the necessary funding? That is just a thought and certainly a thought for

another day?

9

As a result, the Committee was formed to look into what we could do

regarding the Telge Property if the church chose to do something.

WHO ARE THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE: Mike Appling,

Pastor Jim Berggren, Mark Kilkenny, Hans Sunder and Sharon Wagner.

Mark Kilkenny serves as the Committee Chairman.

WHAT HAS THE COMMITTEE DONE TO DATE: They have met

on several occasions and have come up with some possibilities as follows:

1. Obviously, we can do nothing;

2. We can investigate using the land as collateral for a loan to be used

specifically for capital improvements or maintenance;

3. We can sell all of the tract knowing we would lose some of our current

parking and new storage area;

4. We can sell portion of the tract, retaining an area for parking & storage,

that could give a developer and/or builder enough of the remaining acre-

age to have 4-5 lots per the Hilshire Village zoning code.

In addition, the committee has looked into current real state trends in the

area and have talked, on a very general basis, with appropriate government

officials, developers, and builders. Furthermore, when the committee was

established, I requested that they develop a diligent and fiscally responsible

proposal concerning what to do with the Telge Property. I am confident

that the committee will recommend what is best for Holy Cross at this point

in time.

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE: Per our cur rent By-Laws, once

the committee comes up with their recommendation, it will be presented to

church council for discussion and approval. Assuming the Council approves

the recommendation.

… /// ...

…///… Comments Telge Property Committee

10

It will be presented to the congregation for approval. The congregational

voting shall be by ballot and, if it involves the selling of the property in part

or in total, 50% of those voting must approve the recommendation.

If the recommendation is to use the land as collateral for a loan and it

involves incurring debt in the amount of $100,000 or more, two-thirds of

those voting for the proposal must approve the recommendation.

If the committee’s recommendation is to do nothing, the congregation will

be advised of that fact and the reasons for it. There will be no reason to vote

on this type of recommendation.

In conclusion, I want to assure all of you that you will be advised of the

direction this process is going and that there will be no surprises. What

eventually happens is not going to happen overnight. It will probably take

months if not a few years for the result to happen. Remember, anything that

is done regarding the Telge Property has to be approved by you, the congre-

gation of Holy Cross Lutheran Church. It is your decision and no one elses.

ARE THERE ANY QUESTIONS?

Warren Schick

Church Council President

FRIENDSHIP CLUB

The Friendship Club will be having a Movie Night on Saturday, January 20,

2018. Bring your favorite covered dish for potluck supper to be served at

5:00 p.m. Hope to see you there!

Nancy Beamesderfer

…///… Comments Telge Property Committee

11

THREE KINGS BABY SHOWER

JANUARY 7, 2018

It is a tradition in several Central & South American countries to celebrate

Christ’s birth on Three Kings Day, which is when the Kings brought their

gifts to the baby Jesus. Holy Cross is celebrating with a Baby Shower!

Casa Juan Diego is a place for expectant mothers that are new to the country

and need help.

We will place gifts for the newborns (diapers, formula, clothes, etc.) at the

Altar on Three Kings Day on Sunday, January 7, 2018.

Let’s help God’s newest children get a good start in life!

Julie Kilkenny & Wendy Lambeth

UPCYCLED CRAFTY LADIES

We would like to thank the congregation for their continued support of our

mission. This season we’ve raised over $800! We’ve used portions of this

money for church beautification projects and purchased a professional grade

leaf blower for Holy Cross.

We couldn’t have done this without your donations and your purchases. At

this time we’re gearing up for the Holy Cross Springfest Arts Market on

March 24. We look forward to seeing you there and would love you to be a

part in preparing for this. We love your donations and would love you to

join us at our monthly meetings on the second Tuesday at 2 pm.

Wendy Lambeth, Barbara Neumann and Cathy Elijah

12

FOOD PANTRY

This was the biggest year ever for the Thanksgiving Distribution.

We served over 1,000 families.

Fifteen Churches, Schools and Organizations

supported the Meal in a Bag (2,100 bags collected)

CATEGORY CALENDAR

YEAR 2002

CALENDAR

YEAR 2016

PERCENT INCREASE

Number of zip codes served 3 6 100%

Number of sponsor organizations 7 17 143%

Number times Pantry open p/week 3 5 67%

Total number of families served 3,084 8,242 167%

Total number of individuals served 12,284 28,239 130%

THANKSGIVING

MEALS SERVED

Number of families 248 872 252%

Number of individuals 1,446 3,824 164%

Number of volunteers 64 125 95%

The Food Pantry has continued to improve over the years … see below:

Mary White

13

If your name is not listed or if this is incorrect information

please contact Ann Larson so that the list can be corrected.

Ann Larson (713) 957-0972 email: larson.berg@yahoo.com

Holy Cross members celebrating birthdays this month:

07 Helen Jacob

Debra Moore

08 Maureen Fredrickson

Chris Abrego

09 Francisco Araiza

12 Logan Crick

13 Brenda Duarte

14 Jan Walker

15 Bruce Elijah

16 Brent Baumann

Susan Clark

Edwin Pineda

20 Julia Linn

23 Kris Drosche

William Allcorn

Fred Gardner

24 Charles Pustejovsky, Sr.

Clarice Gross

Megan Schomburg

25 Jack Wolf

26 Cathy Elijah

28 Rowdy Todd

29 Jadher Abad

30 Wayne Schaper, Sr.

Juan Araiza

14

From Haiti to Houston

Greetings friends:

This past year and a half I have been in Haiti has been one of growth,

stretching and faith. God has poured His love into me in so many ways.

He promised to be with me every step of this journey, and He has. I have

seen His transformation in Haitians and Americans. I've seen people come

to know Christ and people get closer to Him. I've felt His presence in in-

credible ways.

Mission of Hope exists to bring His transformation to every man, woman

and child in Haiti. This is done through many ways. Gospel centered local

churches, Christ centered education, nutrition programs, healthcare, mobi-

lizing medical teams and so much more. And with all this I get to see how

God's work is being done all over Haiti.

I am so very thankful for everyone who has been on this journey with me,

financially and prayerfully.

As you read this I will have returned to Haiti after receiving a Christmas

furlough to spend Christmas in Houston with family and friends. It was a

most wonderful time to reunite with everyone and to be relieved of having

to make so many decisions concerning the necessary work in Haiti. Please

keep remembering the work that is ongoing here and the many people who

come to help as well as the staff as they begin another year.

My prayer is that you too were able to celebrate afresh the news of Christ's

birth and it filled your heart with joy.

Much love,

Lauren

15

TO ALL GROUP LEADERS

2018 CALENDAR REQUEST FORMS

Once again, you are kindly reminded that

you must fill out a Calendar Request Form to schedule your meetings/events in 2018

on the forms located on the table in the Atrium.

Anything not written on the calendar

may lead to a conflict in scheduling.

This applies to each and every group that meets and uses the church

facilities, and if any church related group or circle meets at homes

and would like to be scheduled on the church calendar.

For instance, if you meet the “second Tuesday of each month,”

that information needs to be written on the calendar each month.

Your meetings/events will be announced in the Sunday News,

Crossties Calendar and on the Church website.

In advance, I thank you very much and wish you

a very Happy New Year!

Sussy Terry

Church Office

16

DATE

1st READING

PSALM

2nd READING

GOSPEL

1/07/2018

Genesis

1:1-5

29

Acts

19:1-7

Mark

1:4-11

1/14/2018

1 Samuel

3:1-10

139:1-6, 13-18

1 Corinthians

6:12-20

John

1:43-51

1/21/2018

Jonah

3:1-5, 10

62:5-12

1 Corinthians

7:29-31

Mark

1:14-20

1/28/2018

Deuteronomy

18:15-20

111

1 Corinthians

8:1-13

Mark

1:21-28

READINGS, PSALMS & GOSPEL

JANUARY 2018

I would like to thank everyone for all the prayers, calls,

cards, and well wishes during my surgery and recovery.

Your caring and thoughtfulness are appreciated.

Blessings,

Caroline Irvin

17

R E M E M B E R I N P R A Y E R

AVERAGE ATTENDANCE

NOVEMBER 2017

English Saturday & Sunday services: 79

Spanish Sunday services: 77

The homebound, disabled,

long-term ill, and prolonged recovering.

If you are not receiving HCLC Prayer

Request emails and would like to,

please contact Renee Allcorn at

allcornr@swbell.net

or (713) 254-8638 Note that Prayer Request emails

are sent out daily, so if you are on the

email list and did not receive any email,

please contact Renee.

TREASURER’S REPORT

If you have any questions call

Wayne Schaper, Sr. at (713) 465-5206.

NOVEMBER 2017

Receipts $ 40,469.00

Expenses 37,143.51

Balance < $ 3,325.49 >

Operational receipts

year to date received ……….. $ 343,128.20

Expenditures year to date ……. 426,756.91

Balance < $ 83,628.71 >

You may sign up for Altar Flowers

in the Narthex.

Suggested donation is $50.00

and $12.00 for a rose.

CHURCH OFFICE

HOURS

Monday—Thursday

8:30 am—4:30 pm

Friday

8:30 am—2:30 pm

HOLY CROSS

Lutheran Church

E-MAIL address:

hclc@holycross.us

Ed Cooper

Betty Firth

Betty Morris

Doris Pannell

Elaine Snell

Rosie Stork

Doris Wahlberg

Mirna Domínguez

Jeanette Dukleth

Nanette Luker

David Neidhart

Chester Sledge

Ursula Thurley

Chris Wignes

Sharon Wagner

Building Rental : $ 20,000.00

18

TELEPHONE EXTENSIONS

100 Church Office

101 Sussy Terry

103 Rev. Jim Berggren Senior Pastor

104 Rev. Jhon J. Arroyave Hispanic Pastor

105 Karen Davidson Deacon

107 Financial Office

108 Stephen Ministry Office

109 Family Life Center

111 Volunteer Office

Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Spring Branch

A Congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)

7901 Westview Dr. Houston, Texas 77055

Tel. (713) 686-8253 Fax (713) 686-9095

E-mail: hclc@holycross.us

Website: www.holycross.us

“Holy Cross Lutheran Church is a community of Christians

gathered by God’s grace and reaching out through God’s love.”

YOUR CHURCH STAFF

† Rev. Jim Berggren — Senior Pastor Email : jlberggren@holycross.us

† Rev. Jhon Jairo Arroyave — Hispanic Pastor Email : jhonyave@holycross.us

† Karen Davidson — Deacon Email : aimked@gmail.com

† Sussy Terry — Office Manager Email : hclc@holycross.us

WORSHIP MUSICIANS

Cathy Elijah Music Director / Organist

Jo Ann Meeker Pianist

Ann Crick Pianist

EARLY LEARNING CENTER

ELC (713) 461-5535

OFFICERS OF THE CONGREGATION

Warren Schick President

Bettye Raschke Vice-President

Julie Kilkenny Secretary

Wayne Schaper, Sr. Treasurer

SATURDAY INFORMAL SERVICE

6:00 p.m. — Atrium

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES

English Service : 9:30 a.m.

Sunday School : 11:00 - 11:45 a.m.

Spanish Service: 11:00 a.m.

Estudio Bíblico y Escuela Dominical

12:00 noon

Office Manager & Events Coordinator