NEWS & EVENTS
What’s Happening at PCOC
Worship, music, fellowship, education, and mission are filling the halls at Church of the Cross! Keep reading to learn about our news and events. Be sure to sign up for our education and activity programs. As you will read, church life is picking up. We’re excited for a full calendar of activities.
Worship Schedule
We are on our fall/winter/spring schedule.
- Worship is held on Sundays at 9:00 in the Sanctuary and 11:10 in the Sanctuary and on livestream
- Sunday School is at 10:00 a.m.
- Church office hours are 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday.
Starting on September 17, we are switching the time of our livestream. We will livestream the 11:10 service each week. A recording is available after the service is over. Services are available for a full year, so please explore our sermon library for all available sermons and services.
Church Calendar
The church is active every day of the week!
Power of Prayer
Submit a prayer request to our church’s prayer team using our new online form. Prayer requests are confidential and shared only with members of the prayer team.
Cross Care Connections Support
The last several years during the pandemic have been challenging on both our physical well-being and our spiritual lives. Sometimes, we just need a friend or companion to walk with us. Church of the Cross has a wonderful care giving team known as Cross Care Connections. Learn more about this program and how our deeply caring providers can assist you.
Cornerstone will resume in September
- Bible Study for children in Preschool – 7th Grade and two classes for adults
- Confirmation Class for 8th Graders.
- Choir for children in 1st Grade – 7th Grade and Adults
- Dinner for all
Vacation Bible School ~ July 9 -11
Tuesday Bible Studies
Our Tuesday Bible Studies will continue to study the New Testament book of Hebrews. Newcomers are always welcome; just bring your favorite Bible and join us in the classroom in the Welcome Center!
- Men’s Bible Study from 7:00-8:00 a.m. in the Courtyard Room (Note this is a men’s study only. If you are interested in a women’s only Bible study, check out the Presbyterian Women’s Morning Circle).
- Afternoon Bible Study from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. in the Courtyard Room and on Zoom
PCOC Updates for The Week
Associate Pastor Position Announcement
Presbyterian Church of the Cross (PCOC), in Omaha, Nebraska is currently seeking an Associate Pastor for Congregational Care. PCOC is the largest PCUSA church in Nebraska with a specific vision to be mission-oriented, inclusive and welcoming, and open to new ideas. Please share this announcement (via link to our PCOC homepage) with anyone you know who is in the ministry (whether they are seeking a new call or not) as well as with anyone who knows people in the ministry. Read job posting.
Update
The Associate Pastor Nominating Committee is in the process of reviewing candidates and discussing qualifications. To date, we have had multiple applicants who found our Associate Pastor announcement through postings at seminaries, presbyteries, word of mouth and our own webpage and we have been pleased with the interest! Thank you to everyone who has shared our announcement with friends and family. Your support and prayers are appreciated as we continue moving forward in the process.
Joys and Concerns
The flowers this morning in the chancel are given by Nancy Koehler and Susan Price in loving memory of husband, father, and grandfather, Roger.
Lois Decker has been moved to the Josie Harper Hospice House.
PCOC Birthdays for This Month
Each month, we list upcoming birthdays, so you can extend your good wishes to one another. You can find member contact information in the online directory
4/2 Betsy Conway, Will Morris, Scott Stalnaker, Ardith Clary
4/3 Max Darling, Janelle Davis
4/4 Jeff Friesen, Tim Goodman
4/6 Ron Bowers
4/7 Sue Allen, Jim Chapin, Matt Darling, Jeff Schiessler, Nancy Utman
4/8 Sophia Buda, Charles Knight
4/9 Evalyn Mathia, Frank McMullen
4/10 Marilyn Fitch, Penny Morgan, Rita Seiler
4/11 Joan Carnaby, Jim Miller, Craig Moore
4/12 Sunny Karges
4/14 Everly Lorentzen, Lucien Kebeh
4/15 Logan Voss
4/16 Erika Cornett, Jacquie Kluck
4/17 Diane Hammang, Jackson Morris
4/18 Jamie Bougger, Sue Kiel
4/19 Adalyn Spielman
4/20 Kerri Davelaar, Zachary Metzger, Ethan Vannerman
4/21 Matt Karges
4/22 Lily Haas, David Paul
4/23 Michael Kussman, Marsha Marron, Darrell Stuedemann, Judy Sundberg
4/24 Brynn Stalnaker
4/25 Evan Graumann, Sue Meusey
4/26 Moira Hopp, Meghan McClain
4/27 Paul Holubeck, Laura Linder, A J Sundberg , Mike Hall
4/28 Pauline Lundgren
4/29 Paul Thomas
4/30 Timothy Harrison, Daniel Hinz, Garrett Moore, Emily Murray
Best wishes from your church!
Junior and Senior High Fellowship will be going to the zoo after the late service. They will meet in Fellowship Hall.
Vesper Concert on Sunday, May 5 at 3:00 p.m.
We are so excited to welcome Dr. David von Behren to the Vesper Concerts stage for our season finale on Sunday, May 5, at 3:00 p.m.! The award-winning organist, pianist, violinist, and teacher is a Nebraska native who is currently serving as the Assistant University Organist and Choirmaster of the Memorial Church at Harvard University. Dr. von Behren will perform solo pieces on the organ and several pieces in collaboration with a small string ensemble.
This concert has been aptly named the “Vesper Legacy Concert” as a tribute to our founder, Dana Sloan. It’s a celebration of the rich tradition and musical journey that started 35 years ago, a legacy that continues to inspire and captivate us.
In addition to the Sunday afternoon concert, Dr. von Behren will serve as our guest organist for our worship services the morning of May 5th.
Mission Volunteer Opportunity’s
If you have a few hours you might like to contact Kathy Moore about volunteering to assist with a Family Wholeness Fair on Saturday, April 27th from 1:00 – 4:00 at Skinner Magnet Elementary. Kathy serves on the Courageous Conversations planning committee that will be sponsoring the event which is focused on building connections between “those who need support and those who offer it”. (see the flyer)
The Family Fair will include games and activities for children and youth of all ages, food trucks and numerous learning opportunities for parents including service providers ready to sign them up for needed programs. The school is located at 4304 North 33rd and T-shirts will be provided for all volunteers so children and families can easily identify them. Please call, text or email me if you would like to learn more about the event and consider volunteering. Questions? Contact Kathy Moore
Reverand Ronnie D Osborn Retirement
You are invited to join as we celebrate the retirement and faithful service of Reverand D St. Charles Presbyterian Church from 2005-2024. The worship service is at 10:30 a.m. with a luncheon following at 12:00 p.m. at St. Charles Church, 131 Gamble Street, St. Charles, MO 63301. Any questions, refer to St. Charles Church at 636-946-4467.
Children and Youth Ministry Volunteers Needed
If you love working with children and building relationships with youth, this is the job for you! Contact Heather for ways you can make a difference in the lives of our children and youth.
Presbyterian Women on May 2 and Ongoing Donation Drive
Special meeting time at 10:00 a.m. in Room 15
We will have a salad luncheon after Carol Sorensen shares Lesson 9, Sacred Encounters: People Encounter Jesus Through the Work of the Disciples. Bring a salad to share as this is our last meeting until September. Questions? Contact Cindy Nisley at 402-850-0889.
Our Gifting Gals Project, benefiting the lady clients at Heartland Hope Mission, wraps up with a Miscellaneous category. During May, we are asking for your donation ideas that we might have missed. New make-up, flip-flops, a book, jewelry, wallet, scrunches… you get the idea. Whatever you feel these ladies might need or would enjoy. We want to thank you so very much for helping us with this project this year. You have made it a success, and gave wonderful support and blessings to the ladies.
Join us 49ers on May 7
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Wheatfields in One Pacific Place
Our speaker will be Matthew Hansen, editor of the Flatwater Free Press, Nebraska’s first statewide nonprofit news source. Hansen, a 16-year veteran of Nebraska newspapers, has previously worked as a reporter at the Lincoln Journal Star and then a reporter and metro columnist at the Omaha World-Herald. During his time in newspapers, he travelled to Cuba and Afghanistan and won multiple state, regional and national awards for investigative stories, feature stories and columns. He will speak about Flatwater, their approach to journalism and the importance of preserving journalism through nonprofit news.
We meet for lunch at 11:30 a.m. at WHEATFIELDS, 1224 South 103rd Street (One Pacific Place). We order from a special menu provided for our group. Everyone is welcome – whether you are 49, younger, or older – come join us! For reservations and/or questions, please contact Mary Ott or Judy Sundberg. Or, sign up in the white binder at the Information Desk.
Tuesday Bible Studies
Our Tuesday gatherings continue to study the Old Testament book of Hebrews. We are currently in chapter 20, where Moses receives the Ten Commandments. Newcomers are always welcome; just bring your favorite Bible and join us in the classroom in the Welcome Center at 7:00 a.m. (men’s only) or 1:00 p.m. (everyone).
Stay Active with Tai Chi and Music & Movement
Tai Chi meets at 10 a.m. on Mondays and Thursdays. No class on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, or New Year’s Day. Drop in anytime if you’d like to attend a class. Questions? Contact Paula Allen.
Music and Movement exercise classes meet 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. every Monday and Thursday to encourage and support each other while staying active and healthy. New people are welcome to join our Music and Movement ensemble any time! This group will take a holiday break from Dec. 18 through January 1, resuming on January 4. Questions? Contact Betty Baddley.
Active Minds
Active Minds will play 10-point Pitch in May. Please drop in when your schedule allows. Lower level, great room, 2-4 pm on Tuesdays in May. We have patient teachers and an option for 4-point Pitch. Questions? Contact Earl Uhrig.
Pancake Man June 2
The Pancake Man will be here on June 2nd following worship. The cost is $5.00 per person or maximum of $20.00 per family. This year we will also have some entertainment by youth violinists and clowns doing face painting and balloons. Join us for what is sure to be a fun day!
Gifts and Memorials
Presbyterian Church of the Cross is fortunate to have a long-standing and functional Gift & Memorial program that allows for memorial funds or individual gifts to be designated for specific items, portions of items, or ‘Ongoing Giving Opportunities’ from the Session approved “Gift and Memorial Items List.” The items or missions selected are then recognized in worship, the bulletin, and the Memorial Book, where records have been kept since 1957. Please see this May 28 bulletin for memorial designations and gifts that occurred during the past year. These selections are all appreciated, and each will enhance the life of our congregation in a special way.
Home-Delivered Meal Volunteers
– a message from Deacon, Kathy Moore –
One of the many caring ministries at Church of the Cross is the Deacons’ Home Delivered Meals program. We try to provide a meal or two to church members who have been hospitalized, are facing a surgery, had an accident, or have lost a family member. This is a small token of our care and concern, and many have expressed how much this meant to them during what was otherwise a very challenging time.
When one of our ministers or I learn of a household in need, I send out a group email to our Home Meal List and ask for volunteers to take a meal, indicating approximately when the meal would be helpful. I provide the number of people in the household and any dietary restrictions and preferences that I can. There is often somewhat short notice of this need, and we may be soliciting a meal to be provided within the next few days or weeks. On average we deliver 6 – 10 meals per month and have almost 40 volunteers on the list so you don’t have to provide a meal very often.
If you like to cook and could fix an extra meal or two occasionally, this Home Meal Committee is for you. If you don’t like to cook, you could volunteer to pick up a To-Go meal from a grocery store or restaurant. Either way, if you’d like me to add you to the Home Meal Volunteer List, please sign up at the Information Desk or email Kathy Moore. Feel free to call me with any questions.
MoW Volunteers needed
Meals on Wheels (MoW) is a program run by the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging which has for over 40 years filled the nutritional needs of homebound individuals by providing hot, noon meals, personally delivered by a team of volunteers every Monday through Friday.
PCOC partners with MoW to deliver meals every Tuesday and Wednesday to about 10-12 individuals who live near PCOC in surrounding neighborhoods. The meals are already prepared and packaged and stored in coolers which are picked up next to St. Timothy’s church on 93rd and Dodge. Delivering those 10-12 meals takes a car and about 1.5-2 hours
We currently have a need for volunteers to take open delivery spots in May and June, particularly Tuesdays. Volunteers can sign up for a single day or for multiple days in May and June. If you are not sure and would like to just “stick your toe in the water,” please consider riding along with one of our current PCOC volunteers to see how it works before you commit to trying it on your own.
If interested, contact John or Patti Sparks.
Vacation Bible School
July 9 – 11
9 a.m. to noon
Cost is $10/student.
Register online now!
Meet Lu (short for Lumen) the lightning bug! Lu will teach us ways we can put our trust in God when we are afraid, challenged, or called to do God’s work and to share the Good News of God’s love through Jesus Christ. We’re forming our leadership team now! Contact Heather to serve on this very important team. Parents and grandparents, we cannot do this without you. Please consider serving.
Sign up Online
May 19 is Pantry Sunday!
Bring your food and hygiene items to Sunday worship on the 3rd Sunday of the month, or drop them inside the circle drive doors at church anytime. The most needed items are listed below.
Food Items:
- Peanut Butter
- Canned Fruit
- Canned Corn
- Mac & Cheese
- Cereal
- Pasta & Pasta Sauce
Hygiene Items:
-
Baby Diapers (all sizes but biggest need is sizes 4-6)
-
Baby Wipes
-
Full-Size Shampoo and Body Wash
-
Toilet Paper
-
Toothpaste
Book Group May 15
5:15 to 6:30 p.m.
Room 13
Book group will meet to discuss LIGHTNING STRIKE by Kent Krueger. All readers are welcome!
Questions? Contact Charlotte Hubbard.
Cross Currents Deadline is Friday, May 17
Please send your content for the June 2024 issue to communications@pcoc.us.
Presbytery Men’s Retreat at Camp Calvin Crest May 17-18
Camp Calvin Crest in Fremont, NE is hosting a Men’s Retreat. Rev. Stephen Niles, a member of the Alleluia Singers, is on the planning team. The featured speaker will be Rev. J. D. Georlett, Senior Pastor at Dundee Presbyterian Church. Bob Bennett, an award-winning musician, will be the retreat’s song leader. All men from our presbytery are invited to attend. Registration is held on the Calvin Crest website. For more information and pricing details talk with Stephen Niles or go to CalvinCrest.org/men.
New Travel/Study Opportunity in Lithuania
Our friend and Mission Worker Ellen Smith is collaborating with Carl Horton of the PC(USA) Peacemaking Project to host a Travel/Study Tour titled “Lithuania: Healing the Legacies of War and Oppression,” in October, 2024. The tour will be a more in-depth study of the history we were introduced to when Jean Waters, Karen Morey, and Jon and Irene Boomgaarden traveled with Ellen to Lithuania in winter of 2023. Of that trip, Jean Waters said, “When visiting Lithuania, you experience a charming old European country, cathedrals and castles, alongside Soviet-style housing. It is important to see that the people of this country suffered, and they acknowledge their history so that they, and none of us, will repeat it.”
PC(USA) is now recruiting participants for this Travel Study Tour, who will begin their journey in Lithuania’s capitol, Vilnius, then move to Klaipeda, learning about various phases of Lithuania’s history, from the Nazi and Soviet occupations to today’s Ukrainian refugee crisis. Applications are being accepted now, online at https://www.presbyterianmission.org/story/what-does-lithuania-have-to-teach-us-about-war/.
The deadline for applications is June 14, but the size of the group will be limited, so the sooner you consider this opportunity, the better! For additional information, check the website above or contact Karen Morey or Jean Waters.
CE Recognition Sunday May 19
Many thanks to our Sunday School Teachers, Shepherds, Cornerstone Staff, Youth Advisors, Advent Workshop Leaders and Helpers, Christmas Pageant Directors, Confirmation Mentors, VBS Leaders and Helpers, Lenten Study Facilitators, and The Christian Education Committee. These folks give their time, energy, and love to help us grow in our faith and in our relationship with God. They willingly come back, week after week, with the hope that they will make a difference in the lives of our children, youth, and adults. On behalf of the Christian Education Committee, I’d like to express our sincere gratitude for the work you are doing. Your efforts DO matter, and you ARE making a difference!
All are invited to celebrate our volunteers on Sunday, May 19. Volunteers will be recognized during both worship services and at a reception at 10:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.
Thank you to all who help keep our CE programs running smoothly! We couldn’t do it without you.
Women’s Choir/Men’s Choir Opportunity
You are invited to join the choir for Women’s and Men’s Choir rehearsals, even if you aren’t currently a regular member of the choir. All singers who are high school age or older are welcome to join us on the following days and times:
– Women’s Choir Rehearsals on May 15 and 22 and 7:00 p.m., and sing in worship on May 26
– Men’s Choir Rehearsals on May 29 and June 5 at 5:30 p.m., and sing in worship on June 9.
Youth Sunday May 5
We hope you join us on May 5 to celebrate our youth. This one-of-a-kind service is presented entirely by our youth, from scripture to liturgical readings, to music to senior faith talks. Graduates and their families will enjoy a brunch hosted by the Deacons that morning between services.
Breast Cancer Support Group
For anyone currently diagnosed with breast cancer.
Stay tuned for our next meeting date.
Questions? Contact Karen Morey or Heather Berry.
Using Our New Welcome Center Spaces
With our new Welcome Center finished, we are now actively using the new rooms. You will see these locations mentioned for some of our activities.
- Courtyard Room – This is the new official name for the large classroom in the Welcome Center.
- Hearth Room – This room has a fireplace, couch/chair seating, and a piano.
- Quiet Room – This room is just off the Hearth Room and features rocking chairs. This room is attached to the family restroom.
- Kitchenette – This is the small kitchen area in the Welcome Center.
Ushers Needed
Looking for a way to serve the church? Join an usher team, or sign up to usher on a Sunday that works for you this fall! Questions? Contact Mary Ott or Mary Lynn Bennett.
Greeters Needed
Your smiling face is needed to greet on Sunday mornings. We’ve made it easy to sign up online! Just choose your preferred service and door (north door by Fellowship Hall or south Welcome Center door).
Friday Night Gourmets on Friday, May 10
Charlene and Stan Weyand, Don and Cindy Hiltgen will be your hosts at Hacienda Real Party Room at 78th and Cass Street. We will order from a special menu and pay for individual tickets. Thank you. Sign up at the information desk. Questions? Contact the hosts. Charlene and Stan Weyand, and Don and Cindy Hiltgen.
Churchwide Garage Sale on July 27
It’s getting closer to our churchwide garage sale, and we need your help! We can’t accept your donations just yet, but you can start setting aside donations, hangers, boxes, and plastic bags in your home.
We accept:
furniture, toys, small sporting equipment, household goods, baby and children’s items, clothing (no t-shirts), and shoes. Please make sure your items are clean and in working order.
We cannot accept:
Electronics older than circa 2000, mattresses, tires, tube tv’s, VHS videos/players, cassette tapes/players, or liquids of any kind. We must pay to dispose of these items, so please do not bring them to church.
Drop off your donations:
Sunday, July 14 at 9 a.m. at the north entrance
We are unable to accept donations before this date. Please keep your treasures at home until then.
Donations will not be accepted after July 19.
Volunteer to help with prep work:
July 15 – 19 and July 22 – 26
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Help or Shop on Garage Sale Day:
July 27 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Thank you for your donations and for your help! We hope to see you there!
New Quilting Process for Piecemakers
In Fall 2022, with an inventory of 10+ completed quilts on hand, Piecemakers have decided to take a well-deserved break from meeting every week. The quilting will continue with a new format. ALL quilters in the PCOC congregation are invited to participate in a new process to ensure we continue to welcome newborns to our church family with handmade quilts. You will be invited to use the patterns, fabric, and even equipment available in Room 11.
If you are interested in joining this new Piecemakers process, please contact Linda Miller, Judy Arms, or Karen Morey for the details.
Dinner Servers Needed on May 12
Did you know that Siena Francis House provides nearly 400,000 meals each year? PCOC serves meals on the 2nd Sunday of each month. Our serving time is 4:15 to 6:15 p.m. We need 4 to 6 volunteers.
On the Sunday serving date, please sign in when you arrive for your signing shift. If you have questions, call or email Keith Allen.
Sometimes we run short on needed volunteers for our serving dates. If you are willing to be contacted by Keith Allen (Coordinator) when we need volunteers, please add your name to our list.
Celebrating Women Baskets Silent Auction
Do you have a special woman in your life that deserves to be pampered? Not sure what to get her? Well, look no further because SHF is assembling baskets just in time for Mother’s Day. The silent auction begins April 14 and ends on May 5. Come by the Lobby and find the perfect gift for the woman in your life. You’ll be notified right after late church on May 5 if you win. As always, SHF thanks you for your support!
Time to Play Ball
BATTER UP! SAFE! IT’S A HOME RUN! These are words you will hear on the AllPlay Miracle Buddy League at Seymour Smith Field , May 4th. Over 400 players are registered and need volunteers to help with a wide variety of activities to make a great experience. Game Day volunteers include concession stand servers, greeters, game umpire, AllPlay mascots, game announcers, field set-up and take down, picnic helpers, special events (I.E. Pancake man, Santa) and many more. Each volunteer time slot is for approximately, 2 hours (two games).
It is easy to sign up on our link in the Friday news and on the Allplay web site under Buddies and Volunteer Activities. This is also an excellent place to have your group volunteer, such as a sports team or school group community outreach.
Any Questions? Contact Sandi Stuckey
sandi_stuckey@yahoo.com
Art and Music Camp
Summer Camp Opportunity for kids finishing 1st through 5th grade. Mark Your Calendars for June 11-14. It’s Back! 2024 Art Camp and new this summer, announcing 2024 Music Camp!
CHOOSE YOUR TRACK
TRACK 1
Art Camp 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Gathering Space
$25 for materials
Back by popular demand: Tie Dye, Clay, Canvases, and Watercolors
New this year: Mosaic, Airplanes, and Shrink Art Sue Thomas, instructor
Lunch break 12:00 – 12:30
TRACK 2
Music Camp from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
NO COST
Singing, Bucket Drums, Folk Dancing
Jayne Frederickson, Mary Lynn Bennett, and Kristi Treu, Instructors
TRACK 3: Art Camp AND Music Camp
Sign up to participate or volunteer to help at www.churchofthecrossomaha.org. Questions: contact Sue Thomas at satnebraska@gmail.com or Kristi Treu at kristi@pcoc.us.
Habitat for Humanity Build on May 18th
We need your help to make the dream of decent, affordable housing a reality for all our neighbors in Omaha! Presbyterian Church of the Cross will again be participating in a Habitat build day. (8a.m.- 3p.m.) Registration is available online here: https://cerv.is/0119gBpaWmz
Registration is limited to the first ten volunteers. Must be 16 years of age and no tools or previous construction experience is required. Please contact Matt Darling with any questions on the registration process.
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