Holy Cross United Methodist Church
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Welcome to Holy Cross UMCOur mission: Loving God ... Loving PeopleSunday Worship schedule 9:30 am Sunday School
11:00 am Traditional Worship
4:00 pm Generation Life Latino Worship (Bilingual worship/Spanish & English)
Church Office Closed May 10-17The Church office will be closed while our church secretary, Pam, visits her daughter in Spain May 10-17. The office will reopen on May 18. If you have an urgent message please call Pastor Warner or leave a message in his office voicemail.
Missionaries Peter and Leanne Clarke Visit Sunday, May 22Peter and Leanne Clarke are back from Thailand and traveling to churches to share the story of what God has been doing in their lives. Peter and Leanne will share with us at the 11 AM worship service on May 22. They are a young, dynamic, and committed couple who seek to serve God in all they do. Put this date on your calendar now and invite a friend to come meet Peter and Leanne and to hear about their missionary work in Thailand.
Alvernia University Students share about Community Service Work Sunday, May 15Each year several students from Alvernia University sleep and eat at Holy Cross for an entire week as part of their Spring Alternative Break. Then each day they go out into the community to do community service. These students will be staying at the church the week of May 15 – 20. They will also share with us at the 11 AM worship on May 15. So be sure to offer a friendly hello if you see college students walking around the church that week.
Envision Bible Study meeting on Wednesday EveningsPastor Eli is leading a combination Bible Study followed by Aerobics calls each Wednesday. She is focusing on youth but this isn't just for youth. So if you want to grow closer to God, develop solid Christian friendships and have fun, email Pastor Eli for more information. (pastorelisandra@gmail.com)
Dr. Williamson’s retirement party date changeDr. Francis Williamson, our Director of Music and Organist will officially retire on July 31, 2011. A retirement party and opportunity to give thanks for his 39 years of faithful service has been set for Sunday, July 10. Several choir members had conflicts with the original date so we have changed the date to July 10. Eileen Weand is coordinating planning for the party.
Organist-Choir Director SearchHoly Cross UMC is searching for a new Organist-Choir Director for the traditional service. We have advertised in the Reading Eagle and the Central District newsletter. Several people have already called to inquirer about the position. We will also be placing ads in several schools and other places over the next couple of weeks. If you know someone who is qualified and interested, invite them to call the church office for an application and job description.
Childrens' Summer Day Camp DatesThe first two weeks of August 1-5 and August 8-12 have been set for our next Children’s Summer Day Camp. Last year we had a record 122 children who participated in the two weeks of camp. We will once again partner with Gretna Glen Camp and Retreat Center to offer two weeks of camp where children can come to a safe place and experience God’s love and presence.
Many of the children who come to camp are unable to afford the cost of camp. So we charge a lower fee and subsidize the cost. Our camp budget is approximately $8,000 total for the two weeks of camp. We have been able to subsidize the cost of camp because of donations we receive from individuals. The actual cost of camp is about $80 per child. Each $80 gift you provide helps to send one child to camp. We are now accepting donations. Please send your donations to (Children’s Summer Day Camp, Holy Cross UMC, 329 N. 5th St., Reading, PA 19601).
We are also in need of volunteers to help with meals, as counselors, clean-up, camp nurse, registration. All volunteers are required to have Criminal and Child Abuse background checks. Please speak with Pastor Warner if you would like to volunteer for camp. Watch this newsletter and the Sunday bulletin for more information.
Easter Sunday Worship AttendanceEaster Sunday, a total of 186 persons gathered for worship, 131 at the Traditional and 55 at the Generation Life Latino worship services. This marks the highest worship attendance in 8 years. Prior to this the highest attendance was 154 in 2004 and 132 in 2005. Our combined average worship attendance is currently 97 people. That’s up from an all-time low average of 56 persons in 2007. Our current average is the highest it’s been since 2001, that’s ten years! We give thanks to God as we continue to reach out in mission and to share God’s love in Jesus Christ with our community.
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life Online Survey Pew Forum on Relgion & Public Life Survey Results
Church Office
329 N. 5th St
Reading, PA 19601
610-373-7260 (Office)
610-373-6466 (Fax)
Office Hours: Mon - Fri, 9 AM - 1:30 PM
|
Just for You...Helpful LinksWelcome Elisandra Garcia |
