Author: Grace Gin

Cross Currents

Volume 11, Issue 90

December 2011

Good Works Flow from Faith in Christ

Pastor’s Notes

Holy Cross Lutheran Church, LCMS

Inside this issue:

Special Announcements	2
Care Corner	2
Birthdays & Anniversary / Anniversaries	2
Council President’s Note	3
Choir Schedule	3
Nifty Fifty Seniors	4
Women of Holy Cross:	5
Thank You Note	6
Recipes	6
December Event Calendar / Calendar	7

Orthodox Lutheranism and Lutherans are often accused of over-emphasizing salvation God’s grace through faith in Jesus alone at the expense of good works — as if we can ever OVER-emphasize the only way by which sinners can be saved! That said, God’s redeemed should be first in doing good works toward both believers and unbelievers. God has blessed us with such wealth in this country that we often forget from whom those blessings come.
During the Christmas season, which even Christians and non-Christians think of as the “season of giving,” it is good to remind ourselves that good works are “necessary” in that they are the natural results of a “good tree” bearing good fruit” and that good Lutherans DO emphasize good works — just not at the expense of the central Scriptural teaching that we are justified by faith in Christ, which is the doctrine by which the Church stands or falls.
The Augsburg Confession, Article XX, helps us understand the cause-effect relationship between our faith in Christ and good works:
Our teachers are falsely accused of forbidding Good Works. For their published writings on the Ten Commandments, and others of like import, bear witness that they have taught to good purpose concerning all estates and duties of life, as to what estates of life and what works in every calling be pleasing to God...
Forasmuch, therefore, as the doctrine concerning faith, which ought to be the chief one in the Church... our teachers have instructed the churches concerning faith as follows:
First, that our works cannot reconcile God or merit forgiveness of sins, grace, and justification, but that we obtain this only by faith when we believe that we are received into favor for Christ's sake, who alone has been set forth the Mediator and Propitiation, 1 Tim. 2:5, in order that the Father may be reconciled through Him.
Whoever, therefore, trusts that by works he merits grace, despises the merit and grace of Christ, and seeks a way to God without Christ, by human strength, although Christ has said of Himself: I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John 14:6...
Furthermore, it is taught on our part that it is necessary to do good works, not that we should trust to merit grace by them, but because it is the will of God.
It is only by faith that forgiveness of sins is apprehended, and that, for nothing.
And because through faith the Holy Ghost is received, hearts are renewed and endowed with new affections, so as to be able to bring forth good works.
For Ambrose says: Faith is the mother of a good will and right doing.
For man's powers without the Holy Ghost are full of ungodly affections, and are too weak to do works which are good in God's sight...
For without faith human nature can in no wise do the works of the First or of the Second Commandment. Without faith it does not call upon God, nor expect anything from God, nor bear the cross, but seeks, and trusts in, man's help.
And thus, when there is no faith and trust in God all manner of lusts and human devices rule in the heart. Wherefore Christ said, John 15:5: Without Me ye can do nothing.2
It is pleasing to God for us to do good. Understanding that doing such good is not for the purpose of meriting God’s grace but is a natural result of having received God’s grace through faith in Christ guards us against false doctrine; it also frees us to serve and minister to each other as brothers and sisters in Christ as well as to those outside the community of faith without having to worry about whether we have done enough or with pure enough motive to please God and merit His favor.
Because of Christ through whom we have already received grace upon grace, we can do good works during this Christmas season and throughout the year for the sheer joy of serving Christ our Lord, being a witness to salvation through faith in Christ, and blessing those in need with the blessings we have received from God.|
1. For background information and the text of the Augsburg Confession, see: http://bookofconcord.org/augsburgconfession.php and http://bookofconcord.org/historical-3.php
2. Triglot Concordia: The Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921).

Good work

Wednesday Evening
Bible Study
Will Resume
After the New Year.

December Birthdays
1	Liz Ballard
5	Rayna Kamerzell
6	Diana Butterfield
	Peter Liedtke
7	Denise Brown
16	Alexandra Roman
	Susan Stenson
18	Bill Luker
21	Allen Brueckner
25	Marv Kreitz
27	Terry Hawkyard
30	Christopher Chu
Anniversary
10	Herb & Marilyn Neumann

Eyona Pargman, Sue Saalfeld, Muriel Strieter, Trudy Huenninghaus, AJ and Caylin Stanley, Wanda Schwartz, Dorothy Taylor, Abbi and Alex Roman
Leslie Isola (Grace Gin’s neighbor), Wanda Armstrong, Ellen Stenson (Glenn Stenson’s granddaughter) , Bob Richards, Gary Cox, Lloyce Logan, Robert & David Grandt (Liz Aduan’s brothers), Inge Stone, Elizabeth Bothé (Gayle Bothe’s granddaughter), Kathy Kinser, Joyce Parker (Gayle Bothe’s sister), Debbie Hardesty (Marilyn’s daughter-in-law), June Stewart Judy West’s friend), Vivian Hock (Trudy Huenninghaus’s friend), Clint Lau (Dennis’ father), Leslie (Ann Caruso’s friend), Will Votertman (Sue Reiter’s brother)

Choir Rehearsals:
There will be NO rehearsal November 29th. We will have rehearsals for the month of December as follows:
Dec. 6 - 7:00PM
Dec. 13 - 7:15PM
Dec. 20 - 7:15PM
Dec. 24 - 6PM
Dec. 27 - No Rehearsal
Do you play an instrument? We would love to have any musicians that wish to Make a Joyful Noise to play their instruments. Anyone interested, please contact Diana Meux at dianamcm02@yahoo.com or call: 510-526-3294

Learn about Thrivent
Financial For Lutherans
“If you are a member of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, do you have Thrivent Choice Dollars that you have not yet directed to the charity of your choice (Holy Cross is eligible and enrolled to received Thrivent Choice Dollars)? Would you like to learn more about how you can help direct some of Thrivent Financial’s charitable outreach funds? Graham Wright, Financial Associate (CA Insurance ID No. 0G69079), will be hosting coffee hour on December 11 and will be able to share the details of this program at that time.”

Council President, Mike Liebes’ Note

Cookies and Carols!
Our First Holy Cross Cookie Bake-off is on December 4.
Join the feasting and fun on December 4 right after our church service on December 4 at our first Holy Cross Holiday Cookie Bake-off. What could be better – donuts and cookies and fellowship for the holidays!
All are invited to compete as a “Baker”, serve as a “Judge”, or sample as a “Nibbler”. We have two categories of “Bakers”, Drop Cookies and Bar Cookies – so prepare an old favorite or something new to share.
And we will have two panels of “Judges”, under 21 years of age and over 21 years of age – So everyone has lots of ways to participate, be there for the fun.
And the event will be wrapped in a bow of Christmas carols – If you are on a post-Thanksgiving diet, you can serenade us with a little caroling warm-up instead of nibbling (or maybe both).
And what about prizes? Of course! Some “fabulous” prizes will be awarded.
Let’s see what delectable delights tickle our taste buds on December 4!

Christian Heat Wave
Forecast
Since our October Christian Heat Wave challenge of 100 or more worshippers each Sunday service, our results have been what local weatherpersons could describe as “variable”. And we have the perfect opportunity with the beginning of the new year to easily exceed our challenge. With New Years resolutions, cooler weather and “post-holiday-blues”, many people start something new in their lives. What could be better than resuming or beginning regular worship with our friendly, caring congregation here at Holy Cross? A supportive church family and priceless message of salvation.
Why wait for January? There is a lot going on at Holy Cross this month. Let’s renew our personal worship commitment, encourage our immediate and extended families, invite neighbors and acquaintances – and especially watch for opportunities to share our good news and invitation with persons who are looking for that “something new”.
Our forecast is a heat wave – A Christian Heat Wave.
See you on Sunday.

“The Bible is the cradle wherein Christ is laid.” —Martin Luther * * * “There is no ideal Christmas; only the one Christmas you decide to make as a reflection of your values, desires, affections, traditions.” —Bill McKibben

Nifty Fifties Seniors

Christmas Holiday Celebration
Want to join a great group of Seniors for a fun filled afternoon of signing good food and comradeship, then plan on attending the Sign-a-long put on by the Nifty Fifty
Seniors at Holy Cross Church on Wed. Dec. 21 at 11:30. There will be signing of Christmas carols (Melanie Seidel at the piano )and a Pot luck lunch With Jack Mortenson a true scholar of the Bible giving a mini sermon. We will again be honored by our German contingency signing Silent Night in German. So tune up your High C's page through your cookbooks and prepare your favorite culinary recipe then join us for a prelude to the approaching holiday season. Sign up sheet in the social hall to bring a Casserole, Salad or Dessert. This is great time to bring a friend.
Holiday Buffet Dec 7th 2011
The Nifty Fifty Seniors will attend the Holiday Buffet at Norseman's Restaurant at Diablo Valley College on Dec. 7th offered from 11:00 to 1:00. Cost is $20.00 including tax and tip. This is the first time they are having a buffet in Dec as well as one for Thanksgiving in November. If it's anything like the one in Nov. it will be fantastic, as is put on by the culinary students at DVC. Specializing in creations such as, caramelized onions, Prime Rib carved to order and a decadent array of desserts etc. More information on the menu etc. will be forthcoming in the weekly bulletin. As we will need to make reservations for a group we should plan on being there at 11:00 to hold our seating. Reservations must be made and paid to Herb Neumann in advance, or by Sunday Dec. 4th. Tickets are usually sold out long before the Buffet date. I urge those going to sign up and pay long before the 4th Meet at church at 10:00 AM. Leave promptly at 10:15 lunch is at 11:00. Parking passes are needed and will be passed out on departure, or before for those wishing to go direct. This is a prelude to the Holiday Season and a great chance to bring a friend to enjoy the festivities.

Nantucket Restaurant Outing Nov 16 2011
by Marv Kreitz
The day was sparkling with a touch of winter in the air Most of the deciduous trees were dropping their leaves or filled with yellow or bright red What a great time of year. The trip to Crocket was not without incident as we stopped to pick up Muir Strieter at Penney's home improvement store in the rear of Sun Valley Shopping center and found ever normal way blocked. We had to go out to Mount Diablo Blvd to get to the store , but Muir was waiting with a big smile that made it all worth while. I had three Navigators in the car so I knew I would have no trouble getting to the Restaurant. Right? Wrong! We missed the turn in Crocket and had to go back... naturally we were the last to arrive. To say the Nantucket Restaurant was old – rustic- in need of paint = and unique is the understatement of the year.. Talk about Al the Wops! but it did have character and there were 17 eager smiling faces waiting at a long table for us...You can't have it much better than that. We actually had 21 at our luncheon. What a wonderful way to spend a day with Christian friends.

Women of Holy Cross

December Activities
Wednesday, Nov 30, 5:45PM WoHC is sponsoring the 1st Mid-week Advent Soup Supper. Everyone is invited. Sign up sheet is in the Parish Hall.
Sunday, Dec 4
Hat and Mite Box Sunday
Return all gifts for Adopt-a-Family project. (details on page 2)
Monday, Dec 5
5:30PM - 8:00PM
Christmas Non-Progressive Dinner at DVC. Sign up and pay by Sunday, Nov. 27. Cost, $18, check can be made out to WoHC. Please give to Joyce Liebe or Melarie Seidel. For more info, see WoHC bulletin board in Parish Hall.
Looking Ahead and Save the Date!
Monday, January 9th
Annual Bunco potluck and choose/reveal Secret Pals.
Sunday, February 12th
“Be My Valentine”
Saturday, May 19th
Spring Rally at Holy Cross

Sponsorship for Scott Jonas at St. Louis Seminary
WoHC will support Scott Jonas and his family with monetary gifts not to exceed $400 over a calendar year, as treasury perits. We will send $150 with a Thanksgiving card as the first gift.◊
Programs Update
Update inserts for the 2011-2012 programs are available from Joyce Liebe.◊

2011 Corner Café – Grand Opening & Final Day
by Joyce Liebe
A BIG thanks to everyone who supported this year’s Corner Café! We had our Grand Opening on Friday, 11/4 & we closed shop on Sat., 11/5. Between those 2 days, and the additional baked goods sold after church on Sunday, 11/6, we netted $1005 – which will go in our Parking Lot Fund. This is about $20 more than last year.
A special thank you to Idalene, Pat, & Cherylene for the delightful fall décor of the café dining area. Also thanks to Pat for the tri tip chili & beef barley soup; and to Melarie for the chicken noodle soup. They were among the most popular menu items! In addition, I really appreciated the donations of beverages & baked goods (all pure profit).
Our kitchen volunteers were fairly busy on Friday, especially at lunch time. We had eager volunteers on Saturday, however “business” was slower than we expected. The good news is next year we will be better prepared for all of you (& your family/friends) to come have a meal in our café!
Final thought:
Thank God for dirty dishes They have a tale to tell While others may go hungry We're eating very well

November 14th General Meeting by Carol Lau
Women of Holy Cross met on Monday evening, Nov. 14th, for a night full of information, fellowship and Bible study. Together as a group, we've accomplished many events and we appreciate all the support from our congregation. Thanks for the many hours devoted to the Lord's work and also the ingathering items donated. As well as the mite boxes brought forward each month.
Pastor Chu led us in a study "How to share your faith". We loved the excellent outline laid out for us, to look back on our notes. Thanks Pastor! We enjoyed fellowship time with dessert and refreshments provided by Grace and Carol Lau. We still need hostesses for our general meetings and always watch for sign up sheets on the bulletin board in the parish hall. Thanks again for all the support and prayers. God's blessings.

Thank you to everyone who has donated used eye glasses at church. I took a bag of them to Lens Crafters for "Gift of Sight". They were so pleased and wanted to make sure that our congregation was thanked for the donation.
With Christmas right around the corner please remember to cut the cancelled stamps from the envelopes leaving about 1/4 inch around the stamp. The stamps are used by our hospitalized Veterans as a form of rehabilitation. we send them to a gentleman in Florida who coordinates and forwards the stamps throughout all Veterans hospitals in the United State.
— Marlene Roberts

The Christmas Heart
“Let us remember that the Christmas heart is a giving heart, a wide open heart that thinks of others first. The birth of the baby Jesus stands as the most significant event in all history because it has meant the pouring into a sick world of the healing medicine of love which has transformed all manner of hearts for almost 2,000 years … underneath all the bulging bundles is this beating Christmas heart.” —George Matthew Adams

CHOCOLATE ÉCLAIR PIE
Ingredients:
2 individual packages graham crackers
2 (3 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
3 cups milk
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (16 ounce) package prepared chocolate frosting
Directions:
Line the bottom of a 9x13-inch pan with graham crackers.
In a large bowl, combine pudding mix and milk. Stir well. Stir in whipped topping to pudding mixture.
Spread half of mixture over graham cracker layer. Top with another layer of graham crackers and the remaining pudding.
Top all with a final layer of graham crackers and frost with chocolate frostinga.
Refrigerateb until serving.
Serves 12-16
*Tips:
a. Easy frosting tip - before spreading, microwave frosting 30 - 45 seconds (depending on power of appliance) Be sure to remove the foil cover before microwaving.
b. If time permits, refrigerate dessert overnight to allow graham crackers to soften for easier serving. Or, lightly moisten graham crackers by spraying with milk before layering and you can serve dessert as soon as pudding layers sets.

CAROL'S FAMOUS PUMPKIN BREAD
3 c. sugar 3 1/2 c. flour
4 eggs 2 c. pumpkin
1 c. oil
1 tsp. salt, cinnamon, nutmeg
2 tsp. baking soda
2/3 c. water
Mix togetherand bake at 350 F for one hour. Makes 3-1 lb. loaves or 5 mini loaves. Enjoy!

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
27 / 9am Worship / 10:30am Sunday School/Bible Study / 11:30am OUTREACH	28 / 12:30pm Wm Bible Study(C) / 5pm WoHC Dec Brd Mtg / 7pm Boy Scout (L)	29 / 4pm UB Tutoring(E)	30 / 5:45pm Advent Midweek Supper / 7pm Advent Midweek Service	1 / 4pm UB Tutoring(E)	2	3
4 / Mite Box /Hat Sunday / 9am Worship / 10:30am Sunday School/Bible Study / 11:30am Cookies	5 / 12:30pm Wm Bible Study(C) / 5:30pm WoHC Non-Progressivce Dinner @ DVC / 7pm Boy Scout (PH, L)	6 / 4pm UB Tutoring(E) / 7pm Choir Rehearsal	7 / 10am NFS Holiday Buffet @ Norseman, carpool at 10am / 5:45pm Advent Midweek Supper / 7pm Advent Midweek Service	8 / 4pm UB Tutoring(E)	9	10
11 / 9am Worship / 10:30am Sunday School/Bible Study	12 / 12:30pm Wm Bible Study(C) / 1:30pm Bridge / 7pm Boy Scout (L)	13 / 4pm UB Tutoring(E) / 7:15pm Choir Rehearsal	14 / 1pm Senior Brd (L) / 5:45pm Advent Midweek Supper / 7pm Advent Midweek Service	15 / 4pm UB Tutoring(E)	16	17
18 / 9am Worship / 10:30am Sunday School/Bible Study	19 / 12:30pm Wm Bible Study(C) / 6:30pm Church Council / 7pm Boy Scout (L)	20 / 4pm UB Tutoring(E) / 7:15pm Choir Rehearsal	21 / 11:30am NFS Christmas Holiday Celebration	22 / 4pm UB Tutoring(E)	23	24 / 6 pm Choir Rehearsal / 7pm / Christmas Eve / Service
25 / Christmas Day / 9am Worship / 10:30am Sunday School/Bible Study / 11:30am OUTREACH	26 / 7pm Boy Scout (L)	27 / 4pm UB Tutoring(E)	28	29 / 4pm UB Tutoring(E)	30	31

December 2011

(cl= Choir Loft, C=Conference Room, E=Ed Bldg, H=Parish Hall, L=Library, W=Wing Room)

Holy Cross Lutheran Church, LCMS
1092 Alberta Way
Concord, CA 94521

Holy Cross Lutheran Church, LCMS
1092 Alberta Way
Concord, CA 94521
(925) 686-2000
(925) 686-6894 FAX
info@holycrossconcord.org
Www.holycrossconcord.org
Www.ctsmemberconnect.net
Pastor: Bill Chu
President: Mike Liebe
Vice President: Gregg Syrovatka
Council Secretary: Carrie Kroeger
Financial Secretary: Scott Stadler
Treasurer: Cheryl Syrovatka
Head Trustee: Allen Brueckner
Elders: Bill Riechman, George Oatis, John Coyne,
Eric Roman, Herb Neumann
Secretarial Staff: Sue Reiter
Newsletter Editor: Grace Gin
Worship Schedule:
Sunday Service 9:00AM
Communion 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays
Adults Bible Studies 10:30AM (Library & Conf. Rm)
Sunday School 10:30AM
Advent Midweek Service: 7:00PM (starting week of 11/27)
Week Day Bible Study Schedule*:
Monday 12:30PM Conference Room, Ladies Only
Wednesday 7:00PM Parish Hall
Choir Rehearsal:
Tuesday 7:15PM—8:45PM
Outreach:
Fourth Sunday of each month, 11:30AM
Publication Deadline:
Bulletin: Noon, Tuesday
December Cross Currents: November 18
Office Hours: M-F 9AM-1PM

Worship Schedule:
Sunday Service 9:00AM
Communion 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays
Adults Bible Studies 10:30AM (Library & Conf. Rm)
Sunday School 10:30AM
Advent Midweek Service: 7:00PM (11/30, 12/7 & 14)
Week Day Bible Study Schedule*:
Monday (Ladies) 12:30PM Conference Room
Wednesday (all) 7:00PM Parish Hall
Choir Rehearsal:
Tuesday 7:15PM—8:45PM
Outreach:
Fourth Sunday of each month, 11:30AM
Publication Deadline:
Bulletin: Noon, Tuesday
January Cross Currents: December 20
Office Hours: M-F 8:30AM-1PM

Page # Cross Currents s December 2011

(Continued on page #, Good Work)

(Continued from page #)

(Continued on page #)

(Continued from page #)

Thanks to all who participated in the Women of Holy Cross Christmas Adopt-a-family. All gifts are to be returned unwrapped with a gift receipt attached by Sunday, December 4.
Please save your receipts so WoHC can get matching funds from Thrivent..

Midweek Advent Service
Wednesdays: Nov.30, Dec. 7, 14
at 7:00PM
A light supper will be served at 5:45PM before each service.
Christmas Eve Service
Saturday, Dec 24th at 7:00PM
Christmas Day Service
Sunday, Dec 25 at 9:00AM