What's going on at Church of the Cross?  Check out the following headlines adapted from The Reporter, our monthly newsletter.  For news about our United Methodist Youth Fellowship, see this month's Youth activities page.

• Ash Wednesday

In preparation for Easter, start your observance of Lent on the right spiritual note.  Join us at 7:30 p.m. on February 6 in the sanctuary for our Ash Wednesday service.

• Lenten Bible study offered

Starting Sunday evening, February 10, we will offer an evening Bible study led by Dick Wright. We will meet in the parlor from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30. We will be discussing the parables of Jesus and their application to our lives today. Please contact Dick Wright for more information or to let him know you plan to attend.

• Student from Africa University coming

In June and July, three students from Africa University will be coming to the Dayton area. Church of the Cross has agreed to mentor one of the students. His name is Sylvain Illunga, age 39. He is married and the father of five.  Home for Sylvain is in Ruashi, DRC (Congo) and his emphasis is on evangelism, preaching, and pastoral care. Sylvain speaks five languages:  Kiluba, Swahili, French, Bemba, and English. He is excited to gain a better understanding with others in ministry and learn how the gospel is shared in the United States.

Pastor John will share with Sylvain how he does his work and have Sylvain accompany him on pastoral visits, attend work area meetings and Church Council. Sylvain will also experience the West Ohio Annual Conference with Church of the Cross, June 8-12.

• Family Night and Kid's Adventure Club

Family Night for February 22 has been canceled due to a conflict in schedules.  Our next Family Night is on March 15 and combines with Kid’s Adventure Club for a time of swimming at the Washington Township pool. Parents must accompany their children for this outing.  We will meet there at 1:00 p.m. as we all have to enter as a group. The cost is $4.00 for adults and $2.00 for children.

• Director of Music offers invitation to join the traditional service choir

On Sunday mornings I know that there are singers in the congregation—or people who could become singers with encouragement and practice. For many of you, singing in the Chancel Choir means leaving a spouse or loved one sitting alone. This has been a hindrance to your participation. I would like to invite you to come up to the choir loft just to sing the anthem (no robe) and then return to your seat. This way you can serve, but still be with your family in the pew.

Our Chancel Choir practices Thursday evenings from 7:15-8:30 right in the sanctuary (no stairs). Come and give us a try. We have lots of fun as we learn!

• Kingdom Kids

If you have kids between the ages of 5 to fifth grade, bring them to Kingdom Kids, a music and drama club that meets on Sundays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in room 201.

• Holy Land travel

Twenty five people will be traveling to the Holy Land under the leadership of Pastor Whitaker. The final preparatory meeting for the group will be at 2:30 p.m. on February 3 in our Social Room. The tour will begin with a flight out of Dayton on Sunday, February 17, at 4:45 p.m.. A detailed description of the tour is posted on the missions bulletin board in the church hallway; it is also available online.  The travelers will share their slides and stories with the church at a potluck dinner on Sunday, April 6.

To see a year's worth of archives of this page, visit our Old news page.