1. Art and Diseño

GRAPEVINE
No. 264
February 2015
Thank you all for Pastor Erik’s Farewell and God’s Speed
A heartfelt day was shared by many as 330 people attended the worship
service and ‘Farewell and God’s Speed’ for Pastor Erik, Desta, and Family
on Sunday, December 21st. Thank you to the entire congregation for your
attendance and support for the Goehner Family. We celebrated Pastor
Erik’s ministry with us in style. As he was outfitted in many stoles of
thanks we expressed our love and appreciation for his ministry among us.
Amazing describes the Farewell Committee for organizing a grand sendoff and reception. Thank you! Thank you also to the members of the
Church Council, Committees, and Ministries of the congregation for your
contributions to the day.
Sunday, February 1, 2015
4th Sunday after the Epiphany
Lesson Focus: Teaching and Healing/Jesus’ strong
Beats evil’s wrong.
GOSPEL: Mark 1:21-28
Worship: 8:30 & 10:00 AM
Faith Journeys: 9:45 AM
Sunday, February 8, 2015
5th Sunday after the Epiphany
Lesson Focus: Jesus heals/Jesus is what we’re
searching for.
GOSPEL: Mark 1:29-39
Worship: 8:30 & 10:00 AM
Faith Journeys: 9:45 AM
Sunday, February 15, 2015
The Transfiguration of our Lord
Lesson Focus: The Transfiguration/Jesus
highlights God’s love.
Lesson focus : Mark 9:2-9
Worship: 8:30 & 10:00 AM
Faith Journeys: 9:45 AM
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Ash Wednesday
Service at St. Columba’s at 7:30 PM
1251 Las Posas Rd., Camarillo
Sunday, February 22, 2015
First Sunday in Lent
Lesson Focus: God wants us to love and obey.
*FIRST READING: Genesis: 9:8-17
Worship: 8:30 & 10:00 AM
Faith Journeys-9:45 AM
* The Old Testament reading will be the sermon text.
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Lenten Service
Soup Supper at 6:00 PM
Worship Service at 7:00 PM
The Grapevine is a monthly publication of Mount Cross Lutheran Church, 102 Camino Esplendido, Camarillo, CA 93010 • 805.482.3847
website: www.mountcross.com • email: [email protected] • Pastor: John W. Soyster • Editor: Sheri Groenveld
Living Witnesses
I’m thinking of having a T-shirt made. On the front it will say: “When
you know the Greek root for the word ‘witness,’ the idea of simply talking to someone else about your faith doesn’t seem so scary.” Printed on
the back of the shirt will be a single word: martyr. Wouldn’t you rather
be a living witness than a dead one?
In Acts 1:8, Jesus gave his followers a job that must have seemed impossible. “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to
the ends of the earth.” Twenty centuries later, even with the internet and air travel, this still seems a daunting task. This can be especially true in a church culture like ours, which tends toward the shy side when it
comes to sharing that which we confess and sing to be most important in our lives. Nevertheless, when I look
at what is going on at Mount Cross these days, I am encouraged, not discouraged. But apparently not everyone shares this view.
At our last Church Council meeting we heard reports that suggested some (or maybe just one) feel we are in
such a state of decline that the closing of the church is a near certainty. I don’t know who might feel this way,
but I am pretty sure they were not part of the search process for our new Praise Band director last summer.
That group was clearly forward looking and thinking when they chose Devin Milligan to be the new leader.
They were also not part of the very long and very intense search process for a new director for our ministry
with children, youth and their families. When Meredith Gardner accepted the position the committee (and
Council) took a collective deep breath of relief, not that the search was over, but because we’d done something decisive to insure our future. We’d found someone who had a combination of all the gifts for which
we’d been looking.
They were also not part of the extensive work of the Budget & Finance Committee and the Church Council
that went into the presentation of a budget for the coming year. They just presented a balanced budget that
allows us to rebuild our reserves so that we are financially secure into our future.
While the one or more who may have voiced such concerns about our future missed out on the change to
be present at these events, there may still be time to mingle with those who believe what God tells us in
Jeremiah 29: “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare and not for
harm, to give you a future with hope,” (to borrow from a devotion given at a recent Church Council meeting).
They will have a chance to join with Council members and others who care about this place at our annual
Leadership Retreat on January 31, as we chart a course through 2015, to be sure. But more than that. We
are already looking at how we celebrate the entire year 2016 (our 50 th) as a springboard to fifty more. Consider yourself invited.
Speaking of turning 50… Many of you remember (perhaps with some horror) how your AARP card seemed
to magically appear in the mailbox almost exactly on the day of you celebrated that milestone birthday. Let
me assure you that if an AARP (American Association of Retired Parishes) card arrives in the Mount Cross
mailbox, there will be many eager to send it back!
Pastor John
Faith Journeys…. This program is designed for children four years old and up, but for younger children nursery care is available each week. We want to emphasize that faith is not something we just learn about, but
rather an on-going journey we live out every day. While children get a grounding in the Biblical story, our
overall goal is to help them experience God’s love and encourage them to put it into action because research shows that faith is more caught than taught.
NEWLY ELECTED. Here are the election results from last Sunday’s Annual Meeting.
Church Council: Marion Cole, Linda Frantz, Harry Griffith, Dottie Keough, Bev Rueckert & Denise Sobolik.
Nominating Committee: Don Hauser, Suzanne Ingram, Susan Prosser & Bill Rowley.
Voting Members to Synod Assembly: Dmitry Altshuller, Mary Altshuller & Stan Patscheck.
Mediation Board: Dmitry Altshuller, Barbara Meyer and & Nils Rueckert. Audit Committee: Bob Winters.
Endowment Committee: Brian Fisher & Bob Brundage.
Mount Cross Kids Shutterfly Share Site- Mount Cross has a site for our families that allows us to share photos that are private and secure. The Shutterfly share site allows for lots of information to be shared: Calendars, Reminders, Announcements, and Snack Sign ups. You can request to become part of this group, just
send an e-mail to the church office ([email protected]).
Schedule on Sunday mornings:
9:45 AM—we start in the church sanctuary.
9:55 AM—students go with their Faith Guides to small group time with their age group.
10:40 AM—students return to the church sanctuary to join families in worship.
11:00 AM—worship ends and we are sent to serve in the world!
Fun with Faith….. This ministry is for first through fifth graders who want to deepen their faith, enjoy activities, crafts, services projects and fun with their peers. Invite a friend!
 Wednesday, February 11—4:00-5:30 PM @ Church
 Bring a friend to Fun with Faith and get a special treat!
 Please note that during Lent you’re invited to attend all Wednesday Lenten Soup Supper and Services.
The first Lenten Soup Supper and Service is on February 25 at 6:00 PM for supper and 7:00 for the service.
Confirmation
 Wednesday, February 4 —Confirmation (6:00:-8:00 PM) Dinner: Laskey Family
 Wednesday, February 11—Confirmation (6:00:-8:00 PM) Dinner: Rose Family
 Wednesday, February 18—NO Confirmation– Ash Wednesday Service at St. Columba’s Episcopal
Church at 7:30 PM
 Wednesday, February 25—6:00-7:30 PM (note time change) Soup Supper at 6:00 PM, Confirmation
gathering at 6:30 PM, worship service at 7:00 PM, end at 7:30 PM.
Confirmation Winter Camp– February 13-15, 2015 at El Camino Pines, Frazier Park
Cost: $145, make checks payable to Mount Cross with “Winter Camp” on the Memo Line
Meet Friday at Mount Cross at 5:30 PM and we will return Sunday early afternoon.
Mount Cross Lutheran Church
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
102 Camino Esplendido
Camarillo, CA 93010-1717
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NEXT Newsletter Deadline is Thursday, February 19, 2015
If you would like to receive this newsletter electronically only, please notify the
church office ([email protected]).
Welcome Reception
for Meredith Gardner
Child Development Center
Open Enrollment for 2015-2016 &
Summer School
Sunday, February 8, 2015
9:30 & 11:00 AM
Director of Children, Youth & Family
Ministries
Mount Cross church members may register
their children in our preschool anytime during
the month of February. The registration fee is
50% off for members ($65). Children may start
at 2 years and 6 months of age. We are also
enrolling for Summer school which begins on
June 23 and ends on July 16, 2015. If you would
like to tour our school or have any questions
please contact Cathy Channels at 482-9706.
Come meet and introduce yourself to our NEW Children,
Youth and Family Ministries Director. Please wear your
name tags while Meredith is learning new faces at Mount
Cross. This is a great opportunity to introduce yourself
and your family and join us at Mount Cross if we haven’t
seen you in awhile. Meredith is extremely excited to start
working with our families and youth. Please spread the
word.
Church Council Update for January 2015
Council approved the hiring of Meredith Gardner for
the full time position of Children, Youth and Family
Minister. Meredith is a member of Mount Cross and
since being in our own youth group has graduated
college, attended seminary for one year, worked in
children and youth ministries, camp counselor and
the YMCA. We will welcome Meredith officially on
Sunday, February 8th. We are excited about the gifts
Meredith will bring to these ministries. Thank you to
the Learning Committee and the Staffing Search Committee for their perseverance, expertise and just plain
hard work throughout this entire process.
The church council thanks Herb Holler for volunteering to be our church bookkeeper. This will save us the
expense we expected to incur. Thank you also to
Susan Prosser for taking on the task of Treasurer for
the month of January until we have a new council
volunteer for this position. Our deepest thanks to Tim
Schneider for his superb work as Treasurer/
Bookkeeper the last two years and for assisting in the
.
passing of the baton to our new volunteers.
The Leadership Retreat is set for Saturday, January 31
beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the church. All leaders and
are invited to attend a morning of planning and coordinating for 2015-2016. This is where we work to set
our goals, evaluate and plan our future.
Church Council and Committee Reports can be
viewed at mountcross.com and click on resources.
-Gayle Johnson, President
Worship Assistant Training—February 7
Training for all ushers, worship assistants, readers,
communion assistants and altar guild will be Saturday, February 7, beginning at 10:00 AM. Training will be staggered. Ushers beginning at 10,
worship and communion assistants at around 11
and the rest to follow at 11:45 or so. We are hoping everyone who helps with worship can attend.
Thank you for your service to Mount Cross!
Any questions? Please call the church office.
PRAYER CONCERNS
Drs. Mark and Elena Altshuller (parents of
Dmitry Altshuller), Robert Andes (nephew of
Scott & Nora Fajnor), Cheryl Avery, Ben
Beamer (friend of the Prossers), Bret Bentzen, Margaret
Borjon, Dewayne Brady, Geri Bradley, Nichole Brickley,
Phil Carr (brother of Tom Carr), Janet Colby, Kimberly
Colby (daughter-in-law of the Colbys), Brandi Cole (friend
of Scott Fajnor), Wendell and Rosemary Couch (uncle of
Al Watts), Ken Dahlberg (brother of Betty Hough), Casey
& Steve Davis, Beau Draper, Steve Engh (friend of Mount
Cross), Craig & Debbie Fajnor and Family (brother of
Scott Fajnor), Pam Franz, Gary (former roommate of Bill
Emery), Maxine Gamboni, Jo Ann & Bill Goth (parents of
Peggy Cambell), Collin Diller (grandson of Diana Hagen),
Maurie Hahn (uncle of Joan & Bob Brundage), Family of
Brian Hamilton, Anna Bailey (sister of Mona Neuhaus),
Inga Hazer (aunt of Betty Hough), Sean Hoffman, Matt
Iden (nephew of Kathleen Miller), Karen Johnson, Arloa
Kelsen (aunt of Barbara Burke), Keith Jacobson (brother
of Lynn Osslund), Dawn Juricic, Phillip Kent (friend of
Justin Bricker), Kristyn King (friend of Randy & Jennifer
Churchill), Pam King, Michelle Klapoetke, Kris Korzan,
Lynn Kuchera, David Lee (nephew of Avis Miley), Cynthia
Leroy (sister of John Colby), Stefan Leroy (grandnephew
of the Colbys), Marcia Mann (friend of the Brickleys), Jack
Marsh (Mary O’Donnell’s son-in-law), Mike Martinez ,
Jennifer McCord, Barbara Meyer, Frank Miley, Caroline
Murphy, Mary O’Donnell, Ray Olson, Patrick O’Neal and
parents Gene & Buelah O’Neal, Randy Ortega, Peter
(roommate of Bill Emery), John Palatino, Kathleen
Reardon Palmaro, Margaret Penza, Allan Perry (cousin of
Barb Sletten), Jeffrey Prosser, Marion Sanders, Pauline
Schmidt (mother of Mary Altshuller), John Scott (uncle to
Mark Saner), Sheppard Family (friends of Emily Loomis),
Gerry Slade, Danita Spence (friend of Mike & Diane
Scoggins), Pat and Bob Springer (mother and father of
Joan Brundage), Jason Stevens & Family, Marold Strand,
Tara Tapangco, Bernice Vang, Louise Vincent, Lindy
Watts (sister in law of Lois Watts), Toy White, Denise
Woodruff (aunt of Kimberly Sandlin), Michelle Woodruff
(cousin of Kimberly Sandlin), Carol Young, Lydia Young
(relative of Lu Family) .
Thank You!
Dear Mount Cross Lutheran,
We at LSS Community Care Center would like to
thank you for your generous donation of $254 to
Lutheran Social Services with the proceeds from
your Bake Sale. The funds you have donated stay in
Ventura County and work to improve the lives of
individuals and families. Thank you again for your
support and commitment to LSS and the community
we serve.
Sincerely, Leslie Orth
Area Director, Ventura County
Dear Mount Cross Family,
Thank you for your amazingly generous response
to the Gifts of Hope project this year! We surpassed
the goal for Habitat for Humanity of Ventura
County by the second week - raised the goal, passed
it again, raised it again - and still went beyond that!
More than $5000 was raised - and many hours of
service were given - to help give a family a hand up
out of poverty! Look for pictures on the kiosk of
Rigoberto and Hirais home - it's almost complete.
They, and we, are grateful for your generosity!
Peace, Your Service and Missions Team
We want to thank all of you for your gifts to Hickory House.
They are so appreciative of the 99¢ gift cards and enjoyed
singing Christmas carols accompanied by Barbara D'Addario
on the piano and eating cupcakes and ice cream. And thanks
to all who helped at the party.
-Mary Goodenough and Rita Carolan
Habitat/Thrivent Builds Update
We had a small group from Mount Cross who braved the rain
and worked on the Santa Paula house on December
20th. Since then, all the doors (inside and out) and all of the
siding has been installed. The inside has been painted and the
kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities are being installed
now. Painting the outside and installing fences and landscaping are on the near horizon.
You can volunteer at the site Wednesday thru Saturday if you
have some time. I usually volunteer on Wednesday's and
would be glad to carpool with all who can help. I will be setting up a Mount Cross day soon so please contact Gordon
Henry for more information. The latest photos will be on the
Kiosk.
A Great Big Thank You from Karl
Goebel!
Thank you to all the Mount Cross
members for your generosity and for
making my Eagle Scout Project Bake
Sale such a big success! You helped me raise $310
towards my goal. I am very excited about being able
to give back to Mount Cross for all the years of support and belonging.
Additional Fundraising for Karl’s
Eagle Project
I am collecting aluminum cans and
plastic bottles, which can be deposited in the marked container in
the church office. I am also in the process of coordinating an e-waste recycling event, and will get that
information out as soon as possible, so please hold
on to your old TV’s, computers and electronics for a
little while longer. Monies raised above what is
needed for my Eagle Project will go back to Mount
Cross.
Lent Soup Suppers are coming!
The tradition is back. Every year at Mount Cross, you are
invited to spend your Wednesday evenings during Lent at
church. We start with a simple supper of soup and bread at
6 pm, then move to a short worship service together in the
church at 7 pm. Plan to join us every week during Lent,
starting February 25th. Look for the signup chart on the
patio or in your Friday email (if you prefer to sign up online)
to share when you would like to help. We need people to
bring soup or bread, but we also need people to help setup
the room, and to help cleanup after the meal is over. If everyone who participated signed up for one job - the chart
would be full. It's easier than cooking a whole meal - and
you get to try many different varieties of soup! Yum! Hope
to see some new faces this year. Don't forget to invite a
friend to join us.
3D—February 6, 2015 at 1:30 PM
Dessert, Devotions, & Discussion
Phil Chandler from Right at Home will be here at Mount
Cross. Right at Home provides non-medical in home assistance to seniors or anyone with disabilities. Phil will be
offering a great presentation on continuum care and information on resources and support groups for issues seniors
may face.
Happy Hour Fellowship Event
Photos from the Santa Paula Build Site on Trinity Lane
Photos by: Gordon Henry
Happy hour at Altshuller residence, Saturday, February
7, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. Bring a bottle of wine to share
and/or an appetizer. Look for the sign-up sheet on the
patio Sundays and in the church office mid-week. Due
to limited space only 20 people admitted. Due to limited parking spaces, carpooling is strongly suggested.
Non-alcoholic beverages will be offered.
Mark your calendar!
April 25, 2015
Annual Dinner & Auction
What is Make Bake Celebrate? A unique offering of
various items that have been made, baked or donated
by members and friends of the church. Enjoy an incredible dinner with friends while bidding on everything
from cookies and pies to artwork, dinners to tapestries
and everything in between – the sky is the
limit! Mark your calendar! It promises to be a night
you will remember. Remember, your attendance is as
important as a donation.
What will You Donate?
Baked goods, dinners, quilts, paintings or the gift of
time? What about donating the GIFT OF TIME or
TALENT?
Here are some ideas to get you going:
· Offer to put up/take down Christmas lights
· Babysitting - love kids? Offer an evening of free babysitting!
· Yard work - Saturday Morning of yard work - offer to
arrive with donuts and coffee!
· Handyman Services - Help someone out with those
Honey Do’s!
· Cooking Class - love to cook? Offer afternoon cooking
classes then sit down and eat together!
· Cook a dinner or desert for someone.
· Animal/House Sitting - a weekend of house/pet sitting
Once you think of an idea, contact your Make Bake
Celebrate Committee so we can add it to the growing
list! [email protected] or 444-1768.
February 1
Do you want to see photos from the
Goehner Family Godspeed & Farewell?
Come check out the photos on the church
patio on Sunday!
Happy Birthday to…
1 Dan Nelson
Barbara Buenger
2 Chance Fairchild
Pat Gallagher
Chris Rebbe
4 Jan Beat
Rosanne Stevens
5 Brian Stouch
7 Abbie Hobbs
Sean Rose
Jessica Stoll
Bob Winters
8 Charles Angelastro
Kevin Davis
Shawn Gallagher
9 Linette Angelastro
10 Mark Seal
11 Terri Boyer
Doug Posthauer
Melinda Sheller
12 Sharyl Gallagher
Melissa Lennox
Brian Martin
13 Vicki Ramirez
16 John Bricker
Carol Fehr
Matthew Griffith
Erik Johnson
17 Michael Fickenscher
Melissa Henry
18 Joshua Kienitz
Miera Stouch
Daniel Hurault
19 Kevin Churchill
Sophia Valencia
Jackson Valencia
20 Jeanne Kuchera
21 Dave Fox
22 Caroline Sheller
Lauren Stoll
23 Kathleen Jones
Kristen Keough
24 Suzanne Ingram
25 Sally Jo Martin
Kathleen Miller
26 Julie Fox
27 Genevieve Hoffman
Madaline Statton
Happy
Anniversary to…
12 John & Leslie Soyster
15 Jerry & JoAnn Oakley
21 Raimond & Gail Weed
Mission of the Month: Souper Bowl of Caring/St. Columba’s Food Pantry
The Souper Bowl of Caring is February 1!
Please bring a can of food (or more!) with you to church or drop $1 (or more!) in the soup pots that
will be available. Donations will be matched by Thrivent Financial. For every $3, they will donate $1 more!
In 1990, the Souper Bowl of Caring began with a simple prayer from a single youth group: "Lord, as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us to be mindful of those without even a bowl of soup to eat." Since
then, more than $100 million have been raised for local charities across the country through the Souper
Bowl of Caring.
Be part of this movement that begins in our own backyard and reaches across the nation, sharing God's
love with those who need our compassion and care. Please give generously as our church collects donations on Super Bowl Sunday. Every penny and can collected will go to St. Columba's Food Pantry to help
our neighbors in need.
For more than 25 years, Mount Cross has had a partner in St. Columba's Food Pantry. Rather than run
our own food pantry, we have utilized their facilities to assist our neighbors in need. We collect donations
and our faithful volunteer carries them over. Then we refer neighbors in need to them. This has worked
beneficially for both congregations, and we hope our partnership continues for many more - although in
the food pantry business, you hope that you actually put yourself out of business!
Flower Chart Openings
We still have openings to give altar flowers on Sundays in 2015. Dates still available are: February 1 & 8, March 1 &
8, April 12, May 24, August 16 & 30, September 13, 20 & 27, October 25, November 8 & 29 and December 6, 20
& 27. The cost is $30/arrangement. If you would like to either give flowers on any of the dates listed above, or on
any other Sunday, please contact the church office with the date and the dedication for the bulletin at
[email protected] or 482-3847.
First Communion Workshop
Sunday, February 22, 2015
11:15 AM
You and your student are invited to join us for our annual First Communion Workshop. This is an experience where children can learn about different images and meanings of communion.
Here are the basics:
 The workshop is for Kindergarten to third graders or children who are older, but are not yet
receiving communion.
 A parent, godparent, or other trusted adult is required to attend with the student.
 First Communion Sunday will be on March 1 at 10:00am worship.
If you and your child would like to attend the First Communion workshop please RSVP
by February 20 at 482-3847 or to the church office at [email protected].
If you need childcare for younger siblings let us know and we can help arrange for it to
be provided.
CROP Hunger Walk –March 8
Monthly Fair Trade Sale
It's time again for the CROP Hunger
February 1st (Super Bowl Sunday) s your
Walk. This is either a 5k or 10k - your
next opportunity to purchase fair trade
choice! And if you aren't able to
food items. Come see us on the patio for
walk, please consider donating to the
some delicious and just treats!
Mount Cross team - we have a group
goal of $2500 this year. Don't forget - 25% of the
funds raised stay here in Ventura County at seven local food banks (including St. Columba's Food Pantry).
Our host this year is our neighbor, Padre Serra. We'll
SAVE THE DATE
be walking a different rout, through the Mission Oaks
We have a blood drive coming up on
area. Sign-ups for our team will begin on the patio
March 15, 2015. This is a great way to make a posisoon - so look for the red CROP stop sign and table! Or
tive difference in the community.
contact Gordon to participate.
Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to
arrive at its destination full of hope.
- Maya Angelou