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.
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 the Fall
- 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
Winter Classes
- Theologians, Philosophers, Composers, and the Persuit of Beauty
- More Than Words – 10 Values for the Modern Family
- Blessed Are You, The Beatitudes of Jesus in Scripture and in Life
Tuesday Bible Studies
Join us on Tuesdays this winter starting January 14 as we study the Book of Mark. Both groups will look at the same passage each week. We’ll read these and discuss how these themes still apply to our lives today. 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
Joys and Concerns
The flowers in the chancel this Sunday are given by Neal and Charlotte Hubbard in memory of their mothers.
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
5/1 – Jean Lynn, Jerry Cornett, Rob Bailey
5/2 – Ed Leach, Adrian Hinz, Marian Lewis, Lucah Sekle, Anne Wattles
5/3 – Jimmy Downes, Doug Gollehon, Duncan Koch, Ben Miller, Mary Ann Pederson, Sherryl Shannon
5/4 – Peyton Holubeck, Niel Hamill
5/5 -Twink DeRoin, Bud Miles, Joan Sacco-Grosskopf
5/6 – Josh McFadden, Susan Price, Jo Anderson
5/8 – Elizabeth Darling
5/9 – Brinly Lehmann
5/10 – Catherine Brady, Brooklynn Evers, Pat Hoisington
5/11 – Ally Hopp, Morgan Koch, Bobbi Swedlund, Brenda Hamilton, Justion Gibson
5/12 – Finn Mooney
5/13 – Betty Baddley, Mark Brady, Carl Greiner, Bill Steele, Stella Mae Karges
5/14 – Kylie Berry, Kendall Kahler
5/15 – Jillian Obregon, Michael Shannon
5/16 – Irene Astleford, Jim Butler
5/18 – Daniel Florent
5/19 – Carolyn Will
5/20 – Genevieve Ebert
5/22 – Ben Fritz, Jenny Koch, Gary Lynn
5/23 – Marlys Boyum, Peter Broderick
5/24 – Daley Gibson
5/25 – Owen Rock, Patti Sparks
5/26 – Maggie Ebert, Matt Kahler, Inga Wagner
5/27 – Elaine Holdren, Camille Koch
5/30 – Heather McIntyre-Haas
5/31 – Becca Whitlow
Best wishes from your church!
Youth Group has ended until the Fall.
Heartland Hope Mission June 7
Please consider volunteering on the first Saturday of each month to work at the HHM West pantry at 15555 Industrial Road from 9:30am – 12:30pm. Several members of our church will be there with you and it is a great way to meet the staff, other volunteers and help local clients for a short period of time on one Saturday each month. Please contact John Bennett if interested in volunteering at (402) 618-6991 or mljbennett85@gmail.com. Thank you for continuing to support Heartland Hope Mission.
CE Recognition Sunday May 18
Many thanks to our Sunday School Teachers, Shepherds, Cornerstone Volunteers, Youth Advisors, Advent Workshop Leaders and Helpers, Christmas Pageant Leaders, Confirmation Mentors, VBS Leaders and Helpers, Lenten Study Leaders, and the Christian Education Committee. These folks volunteer their time and energy 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 18. Volunteers will be recognized during both worship services and at a cake reception at 10:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.
Thanks to all who help keep our CE programs running smoothly. We couldn’t do it without you
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 June 5
It’s time for our annual salad luncheon. Charlene Weyand will lead us in lesson 9 from Growing Older & Wiser titled “Lifelong Trust”, based on Psalm 71: 14-24. In praise and joy of our 9 months of Bible Study, we will share lunch. Please bring a salad to share at our Thursday, June 5th last meeting until September. Reminder: The time is later – 10:30 a.m. – in the Courtyard Classroom. Contact Cindy Nisley at 402-850-0889, if you have any questions.
Tuesday Bible Studies
Our Tuesday gatherings continue to study the Old Testament book of Joshua. 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.
Summer Fun for Children and Youth
Registration for summer camps and activities in our community has begun, and we don’t want you to miss out on our activities here at Church of the Cross.
Put these dates on your calendar now:
Senior High Mission Trip – June 1 – 7
Junior High Mission Trip – June 27 – 29
Vacation Bible School – July 15 – 17, 9 a.m. to Noon
Senior High Youth Triennium – July 28 – 31
Art & Music Camp – August 5 – 8, 9 – 3 p.m.
Active Minds in June
The Active Minds adult fellowship group looks forward to spending time with the youth as we play cards and games. Any PCOC youth is welcome to join us in June, as their schedule or transportation allows –on any or all of the June Tuesdays, 1:30-4:00 pm, in the Great Room.
Parent/Grandparent drivers are invited to join us also. Each youth may bring a non-PCOC friend if they choose. There will be an online signup form that will go to Heather. Youth may bring Wii if they wish to set it up and teach us during the last half of any week’s session. Please direct questions to either Heather or Earlene Uhrig (call or text 402-650-5077).
Sign up HERE
June 8 is a Caring & Sharing Day!
Stop by Don & Millie’s at 108th & Center to grab lunch from 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 8. Tell them you’re with PCOC, and 20% of your bill comes back to us to support next year’s JHF Mission Trip.
Bible Explorers Sunday
School Classes
Our Sunday School for children in kindergarten through 5th grade is called Bible Explorers. They use the curriculum, Deep Blue – A Weekly Adventure Through the Bible. The children enjoy rotating through different workshops, like Art, Games, Science, Cooking, Drama, Spiritual Practices, and Mission, learning about the same Bible story in many ways.
Our first unit was Abraham and Sarah, where we learned that God promises to be with us. Our current unit, Moses and His Sister, reminds us that we are all a part of God’s family. The last unit of the year is Celebrate the Birth of Jesus, where we will celebrate the birth of God’s only son.
Sunday School begins at 10:00 a.m. We meet in the Gathering Space for a short introductory activity with Sue Thomas, and then we split up into our groups and attend class. Class ends at 10:50 a.m. and parents can pick up their children in the Gathering Space. We would love to see your children on Sunday mornings! If you have any questions, please contact Heather.
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.
GALS July 2
Please join GALS for fun and fellowship as we enjoy a summer evening listening to live music at Lauritzen Gardens Tempo of Twilight featuring Radio Eclectic on Wednesday, July 2 from 6-8pm. Tickets are $15 ($5 for members). More information on SignUp Genius. Contact Staci Voss or Anne Wattles with any questions.
The Calvin Crest Experience
Most of you are familiar with the little gem we call Calvin Crest just down the road in Fremont. Calvin Crest offers opportunities for fun, community, adventure, and growth during the summer through their summer camp experience. Calvin Crest is purposely low-tech, which means that they focus on building relationships without the big toys and high adventure that other camps offer. Campers spend their days in Bible Study, games, activities, and recreation that builds each other up and makes those meaningful connections between campers and staff.
Summer camp registration is now open, so go online and sign up now: www.calvincrest.org
If finances are preventing your child from attending, PCOC offers scholarships to Calvin Crest, and Calvin Crest has a fund to offer need-based financial aid as well. Contact Heather for more information.
Camp Scholarships
Our Scholarships are available for children and youth that attend Camp Calvin Crest. To be considered for a scholarship, please fill out the form located on our church website before paying for camp. Also let Calvin Crest know that you have applied for a camp scholarship. Calvin Crest will contact Heather to verify the scholarship amount. The CE Committee determines the amount and frequency of scholarships per camper.
Heather will notify parents of the amount of the awarded scholarship. PCOC will send payment directly to Calvin Crest. The scholarship amount will be deducted from the total cost of the camp. Parents are responsible for paying the remaining balance.
Dinner Servers Needed on June 8
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.
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.
June 15 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
PCOC Book Group on June 18
5:15 to 6:30 p.m.
Courtyard Room
PCOC Book Group will meet June 18 in The Courtyard Room from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. to review The Warm Hands of Ghosts by Katherine Arden. All readers are welcome!
Questions? Contact Charlotte Hubbard.
Brad & Dawn Gibson Retirement Reception
Brad and Dawn have served as Senior High Fellowship youth leaders for over 10 years. Can you guess how many hours they have spent with our senior high youth these past 10 years? Well, my trusty calculator tells me it’s about 2,500 hours! They have sacrificed time with their own families to spend time with our youth. They deserve our thanks. Come celebrate their faithful service on Sunday, July 13 at 11:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. There will be cake and a short program.
Cross Currents Deadline is Friday, June 20
Please send your content for the July 2025 issue to communications@pcoc.us.
Presbyterian Men Work Projects
Each year, the Men of PCOC volunteer for work projects at Camp Calvin Crest. They have a couple work projects for us to do on Friday, June 6 (8-4pm):
- Replace & staple screens on 6 bunkhouses at Ranch Camp.
- Replace flexible ductwork under Cabin 8 in a crawl space.
- Split firewood and stack in piles.
If you are interested, please sign up at the Information Desk in the Welcome Center.
We will carpool at 7:15am (more details later) and have a no-cost lunch.
Wear your Mission T-Shirt, if you don’t have one, contact Jon with your size & he’ll get you one. Questions? Contact Jon Boomgaarden at jonoboomgaarden@cox.net or 402-981-7164.
2025 Art Camp/Music Camp
Art Camp
August 5 – 8, from 9:00 to 12:00 noon
For Children who have finished Kindergarten through 5th grade
$25 for materials Gathering Room in the lower level Presbyterian Church of the Cross Instructed by Sue Thomas
Discover water color techniques
Tie Dye t-shirts
Sculpt with clay
Print making across mediums
Understanding Origami folds
Creating Monet like art
Creating optical illusions
Painting stepping stone
Sign up to participate or volunteer to help will be on the PCOC Web Site.
Music Camp
August 5 – 8 , following Art Camp
Lunch 12:00 – 12:30
Music Camp – 12:30 to 3:00
Sign up HERE
49ers on June 3
Our program for Tuesday, June 3 will be Amanda Stastny. Amanda owns and operates Bumbling Bee Native Wildflowers where she grows native, pollinator friendly garden plants from seeds out of her home. These plants are Nebraska or regionally native and existed here before the European settlers arrived, which means they have important interactions with our insect populations, for example, serving as host plants for butterflies. Amanda has been featured in the Omaha World Herald for her expertise. The lunch location is Wheatfields, One Pacific Place, at 11:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome, whether or not you are 49, younger or older, come join us! We will order from a special menu. For reservations or questions, please contact Mary Ott, or Judy Sundberg. We also have a sign-up sheet at the Information Center.
Vacation Bible School
Road Trip – On the Go with God
Tuesday – Thursday, July 15 – 17
9 a.m. to Noon
4 yrs – 5th Grade (completed)
Join us in a fun-filled adventure on the open road, taking all the kids (Travelers) on thrilling journeys to exciting destinations. Led by the Navigator and an adventurous pup Scout, kids will learn that God is always with them. Through engaging stories from the Navigators’ Guide (the Bible), Travelers will delve into timeless tales of faith from the Old and New Testaments. Get ready for twists, turns, and excitement as they face new challenges and find strength in God’s presence on this unforgettable trip! Register online by May 1.
Adults and teens, we need YOU! We are forming our leadership team now. Contact Heather to serve our children.
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).
New Learning Series – Behold the Beauty of the Lord
This series will enrich our congregation and community through interactive discussions and presentations from visual artists, composers, musicians, architects, dancers, writers, and poets from our church and the larger community of Omaha. The artists will discuss how their artistic creativity informs their faith and how their faith manifests itself in their creative pursuits.
Goals:
Introduce our congregation/community to the wonderful artists among us in our congregation.
Learn how these artists create their works and how their creations reflect the beauty of God and understanding of God.
Welcome new ways we can incorporate creative arts into our own faith journeys and communities.
Introduce participants to the art of other faith traditions, through special guest presenters.
Welcome people from other faith traditions to our church. Build cultural bridges.
“Architecture: Seeking Spiritual Peace”
May 25 at 11:00 a.m.
Courtyard Classroom in the Welcome Center
Lloyd Meyer is our first presenter in our new series. Lloyd views architecture as poetry without words. He holds a master’s degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Architecture and Design and a bachelor’s from the University of Nebraska in architecture. Before retiring Lloyd worked for the Leo A. Daley Architectural and Engineering Firm for 42 years, of which 17 were at the helm of the Omaha office. We hope you will join us!
Register Here
It’s Time for Summer Choir
Summer Choir is an opportunity for singers of all ages to raise their voices together in song. If you’ve ever been interested in singing in the choir, this casual, fun choir is for you. There are three Summer Choir dates: June 15, July 13, and August 10. We’ll meet in the choir room at 9:00 a.m. to rehearse a few simple and fun pieces to sing at the 10:00 worship service. Drop Kristi an email to let her know you’re coming at kristi@pcoc.us.
PCOC Library Spotlight
Judy Arms is Retiring Judy Arms has retired as our church librarian after volunteering for over 20 years. We want to recognize her for the time and dedication she has given to supporting the mission of the library. The next time you see Judy, please congratulate her. Others who worked with Judy are: Kristen Jacobi, Carol Bolton, Eileen Wright, Carol Futhey, Jeremy Cunningham, and Piper Smith.
Our library theme for MAY is Omaha Area Authors. Peek in the library window to see our display.
The Sapp Brothers’ Story: Tough Times, Teamwork, & Faith by Bill and Lee Sapp The story behind that BIG coffeepot in the sky. …Amazon 100% five-stars
Faith in the Game, More than Winning, and On Solid Ground all three by Tom Osborne –
Of course they are about Husker football but also highlight Tom’s Christian faith…Amazon 73 to 81% five-stars
You’ll Never Believe what Happened to Lacey
by Amber Ruffin and Lacey Lamar – Often humorous, often heart-breaking stories of her life as a Black woman in Omaha…Amazon 82% five-stars
A Warrior of the People: How Susan La Flesche Overcame Racial and Gender Inequality to Become America’s First Indian Doctor – by Joe Starita
24th & Glory: The Intersection of Civil Rights and Omaha’s Greatest Generation of Athletes – by Dirk Chatelain
Ahead of Their Time: The Story of the Omaha DePorres Club – by Matt Holland
After One Hundred Winters: In Search of Reconciliation on America’s Stolen Lands – by Margaret Jacobs…Amazon 74% five-stars
The Omaha Street School: My Unexpected Journey with At-Risk Teens – by John Parsons
The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X – by Les Payne…..Amazon 85% five-stars
Your Bridge to History – by Preston and Portia Love
Bilingual, illustrated children’s book on Civil Rights.
What is Synod School?
Synod School is a learning and personal enrichment experience for people of all ages. The week is designed for laity, clergy, individuals and families with classes and activities for adults, youth and children.
People come from all over the country with their friends and families to share in this week of worship, study, play and life together. It is an opportunity to learn something new to continue conversations begun by key speakers with others over meals or a board game, to share talents of creativity and music, to worship without being in charge, to be energized for service and enjoy not having to cook for a week!
To learn more about Synod School go to www.lakesandprairies.org and click on “Synod School” or contact Annie Wattles.
Garage Sale News
SHF will not be sponsoring a church garage sale this summer. Please save your treasures for the 2026 sale
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