United Methodist Church of the Cross

October 2018

A CARING COMMUNITY REACHING OUT TO TRANSFORM LIVES

THROUGH KNOWING, LOVING AND SERVING GOD!

Www.coc-salina.org

Living the Word

1600 Rush

Salina, Ks 67401

Kitchen help for

G.R.O.W. Teacher

GROW helper

Adult Small Group Facilitator

Children’s Sunday School Teacher

Serv

e o

n a

Min

istry Te

am

Help with minor repairs around the building

Pray

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s

grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10

P a g e 2

“WE LIVE BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT”

Many times you’ve heard me say that most of what is taught in the Church comes from letters Paul

wrote to various 1st century faith communities with which he had relationships. The Lord’s Supper,

baptism, the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Parousia (the final resurrection and consummation of all

things at the end of time) these topics and many others all became central parts of our faith thanks to

Paul’s letters. I often wonder what Paul, a former Pharisee whose spiritual awakening (call it a

resurrection, if you dare!) caused him to privilege grace while abandoning his former strict insistence

on maintaining the rule of the Law of Moses, would think about the letters he had written morphing

into a new Church law.

In 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, we find Paul speaking-to and wrestling-with the unique position we Christians

find ourselves in – as we live in an in-between time. A time when, due to Jesus’ birth, life and ministry,

crucifixion, resurrection and ascension, that which God has always intended has been initiated, but is

not fully completed. In this wrestling, Paul notes that while we do suffer much in this life and frequently

wish to leave our bodies (our earthly tents) behind in order to be at home with God, still-yet we have

been given an earnest payment of sorts to sustain us as God, “has given us the Spirit as a deposit,

guaranteeing what is to come.” (2Corinthians 5:5b) Thanks to this down payment Paul says that even

though while we inhabit our human bodies we are not fully with the Lord, “we are always confident ...

For we live by faith, not by sight.” (2Corinthians 5:5b-6)

By now most of us are aware that the UMC is at a watershed moment. On February 23, 2019 a

Special Session of the world-wide UMC governing body (The General Conference) will convene in

St. Louis, MO to determine Denominational policies on questions associated with human sexuality. As

we approach this time of decision, one thing is becoming increasingly clear – no one (not one Bishop,

one General Conference delegate, one ordained minister or one church member) knows what the

outcome of this meeting will be. In the UMC this truly is a time when we find ourselves as a people

living by faith, not by sight!

As your Pastor, I encourage you to educate yourselves about the upcoming gathering in St. Louis by

accessing the Facebook Page: UMC Commission on a Way Forward or reading the Way Forward Final

Report which you will find at:http://www.umc.org/who-we-are/way-forward-report-released-in-all-four-official

-languages-of-general-confe.

Elsewhere in this newsletter you will find a two page document providing descriptions of three

possible ways the church may opt to move forward in response to the long-standing disagreement

within the UMC on the questions pertaining to how we comport ourselves when it comes to the

acceptance and inclusion of those not heterosexual. It concisely describes the three plans sent forth

by the Council of Bishops and the impact of each on the UMC.

Yet another way to gain more information and engage in conversation is being provided by Bishop

Ruben Saenz on Sunday, October 14, 2018 from 3:30 – 5:30 pm as the Bishop conducts a Town Hall

forum at Trinity UMC— 901 E. Neal Ave., Salina. In this forum the Bishop will address the three plans

mentioned above and lead discussion as we gather to listen, learn and, share our thoughts and

concerns as we collectively and individually consider this subject of utmost importance that is to be

addressed and settled in five fleeting months.

While neither I, nor anyone else can say with any degree of certainty what the outcome of this

special session of General Conference may produce, the one thing I do know is that God and God’s

people will still be involved in ministry whether the United Methodist Church continues to exist as a

single entity or not—a ministry based-on and demonstrated-by faith, not sight. The mission of God, of

proclaiming and inviting many into the kingdom of God come near and life eternal in-and-through

Jesus Christ, will continue to be practiced! As it was, it ever shall be, in and through the power of the

Triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit! On this, we can depend!

Pastor Loren

P a g e 3

ANGEL ACADEMYANGEL ACADEMYANGEL ACADEMY October will bring lots of discussion of fall and the

splendor of our God! Be sure to check out all of our awesome fall art projects

lining the hallways!

We will, once again be having the kiddos trick or treat at the end of the month. If you would like

to donate candy or come and pass it out we would love to have your help! The parades will be

Tuesday October 30th at 9 am and Wednesday October 31st at 9 am and 1 pm.

We will also be hosting a chicken noodle dinner on Wednesday October 31st 5:30-7:30 in the gym

or to go to correlate with the trunk or treat event sponsored by Church of the Cross.

Children’s Ministry at COC

We will not have regularly scheduled Wednesday evening programming on the 31st, come and join

us at the trunk or treat event and then warm up with some chicken and noodles in the gym.

We would love to have you on Sunday mornings for Sunday school at 9:45 and on Wednesday

evening 6:00-7:15!

We also have a nursery available on Sunday morning for 8:30 service, 11:00 service, and Sunday

school for children 3 and under.

From the Desk of Layla Peppers~~

Ways to serve at Angel Academy--Come read a book, help out in a classroom on a regular basis,

come play a game or find ways to encourage the preschool teachers!

Ways to serve in our Children’s Ministry--Nursery caregivers, Sunday school substitute Teacher, Wednesday

night substitute Teacher or volunteer.

COC YOUTH NEWS ~ ~ From Robin’s

Page 4

October Youth Calendar:

Wednesday Night Bible

Study

Oct. 3rd: What’s my personality type &

what does it mean

Oct. 10th: What do I want to be when I

grow up and what does the Bible

have to say about it.

Oct 17th: Happiness– Am I happy?

How can I get more of that?

Oct 24th: Bullying– Am I being bullied?

Am I bully too?

Oct 31st: TRUNK OR TREAT

Sunday Night Youth Group

*Oct. 7th—Pop Topics –TBA

*Oct. 14th - Attend the Salina District Town

Hall Meeting at Trinity UMC

*Oct. 21st—Games! Games! Games! (and a

Bible Study lesson with high schoolers)

**Oct 28th– Movie: Dead Poet’s Society

*Middle School Youth meet 5:00-6:30, High

school youth meet 6:00-8:30.

**Both middle school and high school youth

will meet together at 5:30 for the movie!!

September was such a crazy month, with

confirmation wrapping up, GROW getting

started, and my travel, I felt like it was one big

whirlwind! I’m so glad to be settling into the

school year along with our students! There’s a

lot coming up and a lot to look forward to in

youth activities this month! If you are a youth

6th grade-12th grade and you haven’t joined

us lately for Bible Study or Youth Group, give it a

try! We are having a lot of fun, and learning

more about our faith along the way! If you

would like to ask questions or just touch base

with me, I am pretty much always available by

phone or text. Just give me a shout at

785-452-1782. I would love to chat with you!

Robin

P.S. The One Event is coming back to Salina in

January! The early bird deadline is Nov. 15th. If

you are interested in going, let me know!!

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P a g e 7

PRAYERS & PRAISES

Grateful Grub

Join us for Grateful Grub on Wednesdays! Enjoy the fellowship and take the time to eat a meal

together with your family!

October Menu:

October 3 – Pork Loin

October 10 – Garlic Chicken Breasts

October 17 - Meatloaf

October 24 - Chef Surprise

October 31 – Chik N Noodles Angel Academy Fundraiser

Feel like sharing a dessert? See Pat to schedule your date! Want to help cook or clean up?

Help is always appreciated. Sign up at the Welcome Center.

Be a Faithful Servant

Being called to serve can mean many things.

If you are called to utilize your spiritual gifts on

Sunday mornings, please sign up on the wel-

come center or online at

www.signupgenius.com.

Talk to Leesa if you need access to the online

sign-up. We can't do it without you!

TRUSTEE BOARD MEETING

Tuesday, October 2 at 7pm

UMW

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

1:30 PM

M E Tour Guest

Prayer Vigil Friday, October 12 at 5pm

thru Saturday, October 13 at 5pm

PLEASE sign up.

Tracy Van Riper

Mollie Purcell’s Dad

Doris Schramek

Seth

Ellen

Margie McGreevy

Cindy Klein

Angie (Moyn & Marcy Keims daughter)

Connie Trumble

Samantha & her family Bob Conner

Tammy Conner

Jim Wetzel

Ron & Sue Gallant

Kay Rickard

Terry Doty

P a g e 1 0

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as

a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

TOWN HALL MEETING - SALINA DISTRICT

You’ve read stories and heard the news about The United Methodist Church’s upcoming special

session of General Conference to address concerns around human sexuality.

Join Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. as he addresses the recent recommendation by the Council of

Bishops, based on a report from the Commission on a Way Forward, and leads discussions on this

important subject.

You’re invited to come listen, learn and most importantly, share. Sunday, October 14 at 3:30PM Location is Trinity UMC, 901 E. Neal, Salina, KS.

If you would like to read this report go to https://www.greatplainsumc.org/salinadistrict and scroll

down and you will find a statement in blue to click on that will take you to a pdf of this report.

Trustees Update

The carpet in Webster has been replaced! What a difference it has made and we can once again

welcome everyone with pride to share our facility for a meeting or event! Be sure to take a look at

the Webster Room when you are next in the building! As a reminder, everyone using our facility is

responsible for its care. If there are spills, it should be cleaned up immediately or reported to the

office so that it can be addressed appropriately. Let’s let our pride show!

Other “fixes” that have been made include replacing the sinks in the men’s restroom; replacement

of the lights in the parking lots with LED lights; finishing touches on the paint and new storage space

for the kitchen. If you see any issues with our facility, please mention it to a Trustee so that it can be

addressed. Additional projects will be undertaken as we receive gifts pledged toward the Capital

Campaign.

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully

administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10

CHURCH OF THE CROSS - Financial Summary August 31, 2018

2018 2017

Aug

YTD

Actual

YTD Budg-

et Prior YTD

Income

Giving $ 25,545 $ 214,115 $ 206,667 $ 204,490

Angel Academy Income 12,018 119,486 132,063 107,734

Other Income (Expense) 636 6,151 6,333 6,505

Total Income 38,199 339,752 345,063 318,729

Expenditures

Ministerial & Staff 16,543 139,631 145,909 134,131

Operating & Education 2,642 15,140 15,479 16,035

Buildings & Grounds 3,499 37,934 35,917 39,806

Conference Missions & Ministry 2,568 21,347 23,922 20,861

Angel Academy Expense 12,018 119,486 132,063 107,734

Unbudgeted Expenses 189 189 167 -

- -

Total Expenditures 37,459 333,727 353,457 318,567

Excess of Receipts Over (Under)

Expenditures & Transfers $ 740 $ 6,025 $ (8,394) $ 162

\

Unpaid Bills $ -

Cash & Investments Balances:

General Fund $20,113

Restricted/Designated Funds $142,214

Memorial Funds $14,530

Trustee Building Fund $32,190

Total Cash & Investments $ 209,047

Amazon Supports Church of the Cross!

Did you know you could shop, buy and give to your favorite

registered charitable organization through Amazon Prime or through regular Amazon? It's called

AmazonSmile. Simply pick a charity and do all of your shopping on the AmazonSmile website. On

your first visit to AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com), you simply select a charitable organization to

receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. It will remember your

selection for future visits, and then every eligible purchase you make at smile.amazon.com will result

in a donation to your charity (COC of course!. They pay us every quarter! It has the exact same

products and prices as Amazon.com. There are more than a million nonprofits to choose from (we

hope your choose Church of the Cross United Methodist), and the one you pick will receive 0.5% of

the value of your eligible purchases. Amazon says charities have netted $89 million via AmazonSmile

to date. Sign up today!

United Methodist Church of the Cross

1600 Rush

Salina, Ks 67401

Phone: 785-825-5170

Fax-785-825-0510

E-mail: coc@coc-salina.org

Web-site: www.coc-salina.org

Wednesday October 31