PARTNERS NEWSLETTER

June/July 2021

Dear Partner in the Gospel,

I loved Summer as a child. Long days of absolute freedom with no scheduled activities. Simply lying in the grass and staring up at the sky. Hours of uninterrupted reading time. Swimming. Card playing. Picnics. Baseball. Fami- ly. This Summer I eagerly anticipate some time away from cell phones and computers and deadlines and all other activities that both keep me going and leave me exhausted. I will treasure some time for re-creation of my spirit, mind, and body.

I also look forward to devoting more focused time on the strategic work that, by God’s grace and power, will for- ward the ministry Holy Cross at the beginning of our next 75 years.

You can see an overview of my work and that of my Senior Leadership Team colleagues by going to page 5 of “Bold Steps Overview .” (That can be found by going to the internet link https://www.holycrossfw.org/welcome . . . then clicking on Strategic Plan . . . and then clicking on Bold Steps Overview.)

I intend to focus on two particular items on my list: 1. A ministry innovation will be creating a worship service that employs more in-depth Biblical teaching. Greater emphasis will be placed upon participant interaction with the Biblical text and with each other. Think of it as a Bible study within a worship format. 2. A ministry expansion will be launching a capital campaign for school expansion, particularly in the area of our preschool. Our teachers provide outstanding learning in space originally intended for church offices. This also has implications for congregation amenities such as improved restrooms and meeting space.

Fourteen months of COVID has disrupted our plans and delayed our schedule for implementation. However, the Lord is good and we have learned much during these challenging months. In my case, this has led me to a greater appreciation of the importance of my five focus areas.

I have asked my SLT colleagues to comment on their areas of focus, including how they see these areas helping you to be “equipped and sent to make a Christ-like difference in the world.” Please read carefully what they write and how it can impact your God-given life and ministry.

And, while you’re at it, take a few moments to lie down in the grass and look up at God’s great big beautiful sky!

God’s continued and richest blessings be with you!

Rev. Thomas R. Ahlersmeyer, Ph.D. Senior Pastor

HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN CHURCH 3425 Crescent Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46805 PH 260-483-3173 Website: www.holycrossfw.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/HolyCrossFW

Worship Notes Pressing On Together

Dr. Patricia Cotton, D.S.M. Minister of Worship & Music

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3: 13b-14

Through a tough year of pandemic with changes to our worship practices constantly, it has been a team effort to offer our various worship opportunities and the means of grace. I am so grateful to our phenomenal team that has included Usher Captain and Communion Assistants Director Jim Carl, Altar Guild Director Roxanne Kelker, Parking Lot Usher Extraordinaire Rick Neuhaus and Technical Team Assistant Andrew Horber! These four individuals have continued to ‘press on’ to serve our Lord amidst our changing circumstances and have organized many others to do so. In worship on Sunday, June 13 at 9:00 a.m., we will recognize these folks for their service and give them our thanks. We will also celebrate, at that time, Jim Carl’s retirement of faithful service after 15 years of Usher Captain and 9 years of Director of Communion Assistants. (He’s been an Usher since 1985! Praise the Lord!) In addition, we will lift up Rick Neuhaus who will assume these re- sponsibilities and who will restructure and reorganize our Ushering and Communion Teams coming out of pandemic. Lastly, we will also hold up Paula and Jeff Kanning and Artees Hart- ley who will assume shared Director Positions for our new Hospitality Team (formerly Greeting Ministry) and begin scheduling the numerous folks who have indicated a willingness Jim & Dawn Carl to help out on our new Bold Steps Hospitality Team. I sincerely hope you’ll join us in appreciating the leadership of these Holy Cross members and perhaps consider serving on one of these teams.

Rejoicing with you in worship as we press on together.

Congratulations

We also celebrate Music Director Award Winner, Isabel Lugo (8th Grade Graduate) for her commitment to Choir and Band with 3 years of choir and 4 years of band at Holy Cross.

In addition to her award, Isabel is the recipient of a $500.00 Scholarship from the Music Dept. which will be used towards her tuition for four weeks of Lutheran Summer Music camp at Val- paraiso University! Congratulations Isabel & keep pressing on!

2.

Outreach Spotlight

Comfort Dog Ministry Expanding

Judy Kiess, Outreach Director Under “Bold Steps” which Pastor Ahlersmeyer referred to in his opening article is a chart titled “Ministry Improve- ments/Expansion Priorities” and in that chart is listed “expand Comfort Dog Ministry”. In this month’s article, Karen Albertin shares with us Jared’s trip to Indianapolis, the Spiritual First Aid training 8 members of the team took, and future plans for the Comfort Dog Ministry. In April, Jared , along with six other Comfort Dogs, was deployed to serve people affected by the FedEx mass shooting in Indianapolis. LCC received a request for Comfort Dogs to come share mercy, compassion, and presence with people who were experiencing a difficult time. The first few days, the dogs spent time at the hotel where the victims’ families stayed and brought comfort and presence to them as well as to the hotel staff. All seven dogs and handlers were privileged to attend the prayer vigil. Over the next several days requests came in for the dogs to visit others who had been affected by the shootings. Jared visited the 911 Call Center, Eskenazi Hospital, two fire stations, the Coroner’s Office, and the Indy Island Water Park. The people were able to have Jared on their laps, pet him, and talk about whatever was on their hearts and minds with the handlers. Statements heard were: “The dogs are wonder- ful”, “This really helps”, “We needed this”, and “Just looking at the dogs makes me feel better”. Our team is thankful we were able to help victims and workers in a time of need. Recently, 8 Team Jared members had the opportunity to take the Spiritual First Aid Training. They learned how to be good listeners when visiting with people who are in stressful situations and to ask questions in such a way to help people prioritize their most pressing need. How to share practical ways of helping was part of the training. Team Jared sees this training as one way to make our mission of bringing the mercy, compassion, proclamation and presence of Jesus Christ more effective for all the people we meet with Jared. For the future, Team Jared is working on a collaboration with PFW (Purdue Fort Wayne) for the Fall of 2021. Some seminarians are starting a Bible Study ministry and they would like Jared to be a part of that. We are looking forward to taking part in any event Jared can attend on a regular basis.

3.

Cross†Gen Focus Enhanced ArticleCommunication Title Here

Chad Van Meter, Minister of Community Engagement One of the Strategic Plan Bold Steps that fell into my area of focus was to improve communications and storytelling at Holy Cross. At a church and school ministry as large at Holy Cross this is no small job. Not to mention there are various generational communication preferences and constant technology changes. And with communication there is more than simply the details (who, what, when, where), there is the story, the why behind the things that are happening. Of course this all became more vivid during the onset of COVID and shutting down. We knew it couldn’t be business as usual. We would have to get very deliberate and innovative with how we shared important information with people. And wow, I am SO proud of our team! Mark Lange and Tamber Schorey do such an incredible job week in and week out getting communications out that cover enormous amounts of details. We have also been blessed to have Ethan Kesar (former Technology Teacher of the school, now full-time owner of Golden Toucan Video Productions) around. He is an integral part of how we have been able to keep our online pres- ence over the last year. Kudos to him! We’ve been busy. Over the last couple years we have made the following improvements to Holy Cross’s communi- cations infrastructure: 1. We transitioned to a new online member portal/database (through Church Community Builder). Not only is this a church management system but it also allows us to stay more engaged with our families and their needs. 2. We transitioned to a new online giving platform – Pushpay (also connected to CCB). We now have the ability to text-to-give and create one-time or recurring gifts quickly and safely. 3. We recently launched a new Holy Cross App (available on any app store). This will be a great tool to keep our Holy Cross community aware of news and information and even devotional materials as we move into the fu- ture. 4. We have been working with Crown Jewel on upgrading our website. These upgrades will include our stream- lined messaging and storytelling to the community outside of Holy Cross. Our website is a pivotal first stop for many visitors and new people to the area. With all these upgrades we can really start to sink our teeth into some storytelling. I know there are some incredible stories in the people of Holy Cross. We even look forward to streamlining our announcements to video. (Pastor A sat down with our new Shepherd of School Jacob Koehler to talk about his ministry transition. Click here for the inter- view.) Thanks for all your support and patience through this time. We continue to look for ways to improve our communications and appreciate your support and ideas! Thank you, Holy Cross.

4.

Cross†Gen Focus ConnectingYour Health Each & Senior Generation Saints

Phil Pelz, Director of Youth & Family Life

One of the Bold Steps that I’m really enthusiastic about is expanding our young adult programming. What we heard from the church during the planning meetings was we see so many kids graduate from our system and then we nev- er see them again. This isn't just a Holy Cross problem either- it’s one that we see across the country! This summer we will be starting some “Twenty-somethings” nights at The Garden. Anyone post high school and still in their twen- ties will be invited to join in fellowship and discussion. I’m grateful for a colleague like Chad who volunteered to pitch in and help with this. Another priority area will be in making intentional connection points with those students who go off to college. Texts, emails, and care packages can go a long way in making the bond stick between them and their home church.

The other Bold Step that I am championing is “Foster multigenerational relationships and learning”. This one will be more focused on next year, but the goal will be to get different generations talking and learning together. This is one of the reasons we have parents and students come to our Stepping Stone events together. We desire to see multigenerational relationships being encouraged in the church! As we move forward in our discipleship plan, we will be better equipped to do this as well. We will share the common knowledge and language where people of all ages can ask the following ques- tions: “What’s God saying to you?” and “What are you gonna do about it?” Wouldn’t it be great to see adults and children, or college students and the elderly, answering those questions with one another at church?

Join Us for Fellowship & Learning By Mervin Koehlinger, Coordinator

“Best trip ever!” “Outstanding!” “We learned so much!” “A real eye opener!” “I was astounded at the quality of the exhibits, grounds, facilities, presentations, and staffing!” “The behind-the-scenes opportunities were a delightful bo- nus!” “A great two days with a wonderful group!” These are a few of the comments from participants on our over- night to Kentucky to visit the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter. While we can’t guarantee that every event will rise to the level of that one, we promise to continue to offer opportunities for our senior Partners at Holy Cross to gather for food, fun, and fellowship as we seek to grow through study, service, and celebration. Watch your mail for a calendar of events for the last half of the year, including our annual Advent/Christmas Dinner. Join us!

 Pastor Ahlersmeyer continues our semi-monthly Bible study at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, June 2 & 16 and Wednesdays, July 7 & 21, in the Welcome Center.

 On Wednesday, June 9, Pastor Goff will join us at 11:30 a.m. at Hall’s Gas House downtown on Superior Street for our monthly Lunch with the Ministry Team. There is plenty of free parking on site. We have reserved a room with seating for 40.

 Join us at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, June 25. Holy Cross’ own Dan Heath will be presenting a concert in the Welcome Center. There is no cost, but we need to know how many to expect so that we have sufficient refreshments. Call Suzette with your reservation (413-0501).

5.

School Connection Counseling & Growth

Emily Johnson, Principal Jacob Koehler, Shepherd of School

By Emily Johnson

Summer has arrived! This year took a lot of grit and determination, but by the grace of God, the school year is complete!

Pastor mentioned that while the implementation of our strategic plan has been disrupted, great things continue to happen at Holy Cross! Starting in February of 2020, the school worked with Crown Jewel, a local marketing company, to improve our branding and marketing plan. We have had many successful social media campaigns and a well-produced virtual experience of Holy Cross!

Other areas of focus for me are school counseling and growth with enrollment. One way we are starting to address the need for counseling is through our Shepherd of School, Jacob Koehler. He will be involved in many ways with students, including continuing to be a mentor and role model for our students! I am also working with The Lutheran Foundation on implementing a counseling program for Holy Cross, where we will have a dedicated counselor consistently in our building.

Our marketing efforts withCrown Jewel are connected to growing enrollment. We have had a steady flow of tours in the month of May and I am hopeful that June will continue in the same pattern! God be praised for new families seeking our Christian environment!

There are still many opportunities ahead for Holy Cross to reach out into the community and help students come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior! I am excited for the fu- ture and anxiously await to see how God continues to provide! Gods’ Blessings!

By Jacob Koehler

As the newest member of the Senior Leadership Team you will not see my name appear on the “Bold Steps Overview” that Pastor Ahlersmeyer referenced in his article. But I cer- tainly intend to be highly involved in the implementation of this strategic plan in whatev- er ways I can. I look forward with great anticipation to the ministry transition that is before me dur- ing these summer months!

Specifically, I am eager to collaborate with Dr. Cotton as we work to plan and prepare midweek wor- ship services for the children and hopefully parents, too! I would like for this sacred time to be the highlight of their week as they enter the sanctuary to receive the Lord’s gifts. I desire that they learn even more about what God has done for them and as a result, respond in praise, thanksgiving, and love for their classmates. A life of worship is something that makes us uniquely different than other schools. Not only do we have good academics, competitive athletics, and tremendous fine arts, but we keep our focus in all things on Jesus!

I hope that your sons and daughters know without a doubt that their teachers care for them. As a teacher without a home- room I did not have much opportunity to listen to students' concerns and challenges. Now, however, I am glad to be another set of listening ears that can help the children through the hardships that they may face. One thing that a number of our facul- ty will be doing this summer is attending a Christian Care and Counseling conference at Concordia Theological Seminary. We will use these tools to uplift, support, and encourage God’s dear children here at Holy Cross.

We will continue to pray for your children by name during these summer months, that they might be kept safe and continue to grow in knowledge and in faith! 6.

SupportingAugust 2015 God’s Reporting on Mission July 2015 Results

Deep Engagement for Deacons

Mark Lange, Executive Director

I hope you are getting excited as you have read through this edition of Partners! Even though we have been in the midst of a pandemic, mis- sion and ministry has been moving forward at Holy Cross. The Strategic Plan Anchors of Extravagant Welcome, Passionate Worship, Transfor- mational Connections, Innovative Equipping and Deep Engagement are the driving principles behind it all.

I have had the privilege of meeting with our dedicated group of Deacons over the past four months as they have been getting to know one another better and learn about each other’s individual passion for ministry. We have looked at the mission and Ends (the unique purpose and impact) for which Holy Cross exists and how they as individ- uals, and as a group, can help make a kingdom impact for the Lord.

One of the Ministry Innovation priorities that falls under the Deep Engagement category in the Strategic Plan is to expand the role of the Deacons. I’m sure that for most of you when you hear “Deacon” you think of someone who helps with liturgy during one of the worship services. While “service at the altar” is certainly one of the areas of min- istry that a Deacon can participate in, it is certainly not the only one or even a requirement to be a Deacon.

It has become obvious that the ministry needs at Holy Cross are great and that many dedicated lay workers are re- quired to grow the ministry. The goal is for each one of these Deacons to use their God given talents to make a unique purpose and impact at Holy Cross through focusing on a specific area of ministry. If you think that the Lord might be leading you to join this dedicated group let me know. We are looking at starting the next round of training in the fall. I would love to talk with you about your passion for ministry!

April Financial Update Year To Date April April April Income Actual Budget Act. vs. Budget April was a breakeven month to budget (-$1,000). Giving 502,128 502,239 (111) Music Accounts 0 0 0  Income was -$15,000 to plan. Giving was $4,000 Tuition and Preschool 505,499 517,798 (12,299) below budget. Matching Funds 14,052 10,000 4,052 All Other 15,482 16,336 (854) The Garden 15,209 22,602 (7,393)  Expenses for the month were $14,000 favorable. Income from External Sources 34,734 61,582 (26,848) Year-to-date we are +$60,000 to budget. Reserve Revenue/COVID 92,658 92,658 0 Total Income 1,179,761 1,223,215 (43,454)  Income is -$43,000 to plan. This is mainly driven Expenses by the delay in staffing the Shepherd of School Outreach 11,433 15,582 4,149 School 11,159 21,676 10,517 position and the corresponding funding start Education Support 35,068 37,052 1,984 from The Lutheran Foundation. Giving is right on Salaries 672,297 717,320 45,023 Payroll Taxes and Ben's 249,839 288,332 38,493 plan. The Garden 12,304 22,001 9,697 Utilities & Maintenance 94,689 82,023 (12,666)  Expenses are $103,000 favorable. The majority Music Expenses 24,543 17,140 (7,403) ($84,000) is savings in salary & benefits from All Other 12,313 25,686 13,373 Total Expenses 1,123,645 1,226,812 103,167 open positions. Thank you for your continued sacrificial support Net Income/(Loss) 56,116 (3,597) 59,713 during these challenging times. You are a blessing! 7.

HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN CHURCH PARTNERS NEWSLETTER 3425 CRESCENT AVE FORT WAYNE IN 46805

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Worship Notes Pg. 2 Outreach Spotlight Pg. 3 Cross†Gen Focus Pg. 4 & 5 School Connection Pg. 6 Supporting God’s Mission Pg. 7

Coming in June 2021!

Sanctuary: Sat @ 5:00 p.m., Sun @ 9:00 a.m. Parking Lot: Sun @ 10:30 a.m. 2:42 Gatherings: Mon @ 5:30 & 6:00 p.m. (Wel Ctr) SIGN UP needed for 2:42 Gatherings ONLY!