the PATHWAYNEWSLETTER

MESSAGE FROM THE RECTOR:

As many may have heard, I turned the big 4-0 just a few weeks ago. No, I did not have an immediate mid-life crisis, but I did start to reflect on some things, particularly the idea of legacy. To think about what will be remembered of us when we leave this world is something we can all reflect on no matter what age we might be. I know for me, I’m not the guy who wants on my tombstone “He was funny,” or “He had great hair.” If those things happen to be true, I don’t mind people remembering them, but I don’t want that to be the lasting impression of my life. There is much more to life than these things. When I breathe my last, I want to have made an impact for the kingdom of God, and I would bet that if I ask you the question of legacy, your answer would go deeper than mere attributes, too.

Jesus wanted the church to leave a legacy that was lasting and impacting. He wanted the crowds of followers and his disciples to be people who made a difference and impacted a change. The eleven, and later 12 when Judas was replaced, did just that. They were unapologetic as they preached and proclaimed the gospel. They didn’t compromise to please the crowd they happened to be surrounded by on any particular day, whether that was in the synagogue or in the high court while on trial. No, what they knew people needed was the changing power of the Gospel. They asked the questions that were upfront and, in your face, concerning people’s relationship with the risen Christ.

We can learn a lot from the way the 1st Century Christians lived out the boldness they found through their relationship with Jesus. It seems, and I do not exclude myself from this statement, that we are too afraid to offend or too much the people pleasers, that we often sugar coat the truth of the Gospel. I’m not saying we should stop caring about people’s feelings; however, I would argue that the Gospel is actually speaking to the deepest feelings of every human being, and we do a great disservice when we skirt around it hoping not to upset. The legacy I hope to leave has everything to do with what I have done with the Gospel and little to do with the people I have pleased apart from the Almighty Lord himself.

So, these thoughts beg the question, what will your legacy be when you are gone? The Kingdom is here, and the Gospel is for now. Your legacy begins today!

Wes

senior WARDENa message f rom our

Cameron Cole, Director of Children, Youth and Family, gave a very inspirational program following our Wednesday night fellowship dinner May 15th. Cameron and his wife Lauren’s three-year-old son Cam died unexceptionally in 2013 which led Cameron to write his book on grief Therefore I Have Hope. Cameron’s book can be purchased on Amazon or at Barnes and Noble at the Summit. We also have a copy available for loan at Holy Cross.

On Wednesday night, June 19th, The Lovelady Center will share their “Cardboard Testimony” as well as a program on the services this local ministry provides. Please join us for dinner with “the Loveladies” at 6:00 pm with the program to follow. There will be no Wednesday night fellowship programs during the months of July and August. Our front entrance drainage project is scheduled to begin May 28th and should be completed by the middle of June. If all goes according to plan there should be no more flooding in the Narthex whenever we have a big rain. Thank you, Reese, for coordinating this project!

Our first 9:30 am combined service was well attended, and all seemed to enjoy the Brunch hosted by our Vestry members after the service. Please continue to join us this summer as Holy Cross unites our two services in worship. Our regular 8:00 am Rite I and 10:30 am Rite II services will resume on July 21st.

God’s Blessings for a safe and fun-filled summer!

Cindy Wester

205.655.7668 | www.holycrosstrussville.orgRector: The Rev. Wes SharpDeacon: The Rev. Dn. Susan SouthwickOrganist & Director of Music: Justin R. FinchChildren’s Minister: Heather JohnsonStudent Minister: Jason VarnadoreParish Administrator: Janice Ridgeway

Holy Cross is dedicated to raising up faithful disciples of Jesus Christ, committed to genuine Worship, loving Fellowship, and passionate Mission.

June/July 2019

ALTAR GUILD...is still in need of team members!! Please seriously consider if this is an area the Lord might be calling you to serve.

RWANDA BLT/RUMMAGE SALE FUNDRAISING EVENT On Saturday, June 29th, we will have a BLT sandwich and drink sale at the Farmers’ Market. We will also have a rummage sale the same day in the Genesis Room. If you have items to donate from your “spring cleaning,” we will begin collecting sale items in the Genesis Room on Monday, June 24th.

MISSIONS - The LOVELADY CENTER This month’s Missions focus has become near and dear to our Senior Warden, Cindy Wester. Cindy’s love and passion for the women served by the Lovelady Center is very evident. At our Third Wednesday program on June 19, we will all have a chance to receive the same insight when a number of the ladies join us for fellowship and discipleship. You can read Miss Brenda and the Loveladies so I won’t repeat the founding story. The Lovelady Center empowers women through faith-based initiatives, so they can return to society as well-equipped women of God. The programs provide empowerment, hope and a belief in the value of each and every human life. The Lovelady Center helps rebuild lives and teaches how to overcome barriers to success. In doing so, the center seeks to break the cycle of poverty and incarceration by empowerment through Christian principles rather than just charity. Please join Holy Cross on June 19 as the Loveladies teach us the power of God’s empowerment in their lives. Julie Barnard, Chair, Missions Committee

CROSS LIFE UPDATE Summer time is here, and Cross Life (EYC) has some plans for June and July! In addition to our weekly dinner and Bible study, we will hold our second Lock-In on June 7-8. The youth will come for dinner, games and a movie on Friday night and have breakfast and group activities on Saturday morning. More details to come! On June 2 and July 7 (both Sundays) we will go on an afternoon hike at Ruffner Mountain. All are welcome to join in on the hike. Just let me (Jason) know if you’re interested. Enjoy the sun!. -Jason

what’s HAPPENING?

H A P P Y

BirthdayT O Y O U !

Jason Brannan June 30Joseph Adamson June 17Jordan McQueen June 20Michelle Hall June 20Christina Patterson June 22

JULYTessa Luttrell July 7 Quinn Williamson July 20Ella Finch July 8 Becky Wester July 20

what’s HAPPENING?MOVIE ON THE LAWN – SATURDAY, JUNE 22Will be Disney’s 1993 remake of the classic film Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey in which two dogs, Chance (Michael J. Fox) and Shadow (Don Ameche) and a cat named Sassy (Sally Field) set out on a hazardous trek through the Sierra Nevada in search of their human family. Food trucks (Kuntri Kitchen, Pazzo’s Pizza, and Urban Pops) will arrive at 6:00pm and the band, Mobile Home Boys, will also be playing.There will be a bounce house for the kids. Movie begins at dark (around 8:00pm). ECW LUNCHEON MEETINGS Will be Wednesday, June 26th and July 24th at 11:15am in the Genesis Room. Bring your own sandwich and ECW hosts will provide the rest. Also, we need your ideas and input for summer fundraisers.

HOLY CROSS HAS A NEW ACCOUNTANT Welcome to our new accountant, Sheri Harbison, who will replace Hollie Johnson.

TEAMSnacks, juice boxes, “summer” food for kids are needed now that school is out. Please leave your donations in the Narthex. Thank you!

AED DEFIBRILLATOR TRAININGTwo classes have been scheduled for Sunday, July 7th, 1:00pm to 4:00pm and Wednesday, July 10th, 6:30pm to 9pm in the Genesis Room. Sign-up sheets for both classes are on the ministry table in the Narthex.

VBS PLANNING MEETING- SUNDAY, JUNE 9 FOLLOWING SUNDAY SCHOOL. All interested volunteers should attend, if possible. For more information, contact Heather Johnson at heather@holycrosstrussville.org.

YEE-HAW – VBS – FRIDAY & SATURDAY, AUGUST 2 & 3Saddle up for a trailblazing weekend of fun! Kids will kick up their heels at Yee-Haw VBS as they stampede through the wild frontier and celebrate the greatest truth of all – God is good!!! (Ages 3 to 12). The weekend schedule is: Friday – 5:30pm to 8:00pm and Saturday – 9:00am to 1:30pm. To register online, go to onrealm.org.

Richard Turner July 11 Donica Creasy July 21 Karen Bain July 12 Matthew Pate July 21Greg Wynn July 17 Keith Bain July 26Harold Jones July 18 Chris Crawford July 26Caroline Underwood July 19 Justin Finch July 27Dianne Adams July 19 Conrad Crews July 31

JUNE Henry Amberson June 5 Noah Johnson June 25Jacob Brannan June 10 Nick Bramblette June 28Stuart Turner June 11 Jane Kerr June 29Jean Barron June 17

CondolencesWE WISH TO EXTEND OUR CONTINUED HEART-FELT CONDOLENCES to Joanne Carnes, and Terrie, Emma, and Rebecca Percy on the recent death of their beloved son, husband and father, Dwight Percy. “I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord; He that believeth on me, though he were dead , yet shall he live; And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.”

The Commission on End of Life, Aging, and Grief of the Diocese of Alabama is planning a weekend retreat for those 65 and older who wish to have some special time at Camp McDowell this Fall. The camp will be held from September 6-8, 2019.

The cost is $360.00 per couple, or $178.00 if you share the room. Scholarships will be available.Registration will begin June 3 and continue to August 16 with a $50.00 deposit for each person required to hold reservation. The rest is due on the first day of camp.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to talk with me.

Susan +

DEACON’S CORNER