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 January 15.
- 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
Lenten Study
March 9 – April 13, 2025
Sign Up Online by February 15 – choose your class time when you register.
- Sundays at 10 a.m.
- Sundays at 10 a.m. (geared for choir members)
- Sundays at 5 p.m. – at Paul and Kathy Nickel’s home
- Mondays at 1:30 p.m
- Tuesdays at 7 p.m. on Zoom
Tuesday Bible Studies
Join us on Tuesdays this winter starting January 14 as we study Paul’s New Testament letter to the church in Rome. 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 Charlotte Hubbard in honor of parents. There is also one red rose bud in honor of Verta and Gene Pugh’s 70th wedding anniversary.
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
1/1 – Linda Dobry, Nolan Hopp, Chris Voss, Frank Watt
1/2 – Barbara Haar-Rightmyer, Dick Kelley, Nancy Koehler, Dan Olson
1/3 – Gene Pugh, Meg Whaley
1/4 – Conlin Grady, Janey Miller
1/5 – Kim Banat, Liz Breci, June Karges, Josh Murray, Cindy Nisley
1/6 – Andrew Ebert
1/7 – Keith Allen, Heather Berry, Bill Hanley, Diane Holubeck, Tim Johnson, Blake Kahler, Diane Kratz, Madisyn Spielman
1/8 – Quinn McFadden, Jeff Quine, Ann Schmidt, Joan Thorson, Marilyn Willis
1/9 – Megan Davelaar, Bob Hoisington, Ryan Kort, Sharon Sievers
1/10 – Andrew Berry
1/11 – Jennifer Arnold, Sheri Cunningham
1/12 – Linda Bauer, Aurora Quartoroli
1/13 – Sam McClain, Katie Rock
1/14 – Evelyn Aziamoe, Gail Hille, Danial Holdren
1/15 – Taylor Koch, Dwight Peterson, Max Rieke, Carol Sorensen
1/16 – Brad Dittman, Stephanie Voss
1/17 – John Broderick, Emmie Fuller, Launie Lambert
1/18 – Franny Bartling, Anna Ellinghaus, Sharon Marvin-Igel, Lois Morris, Sharon Rich
1/20 – Alta Empkey, Charlotte Thiessen
1/21 – Michael Anderson, Loni Williams
1/23 – Amy Ellis, Mary Beth Gust
1/24 – Kaitlynn Evers, Joan Miles, Josephine Tot
1/25 – Quinn McGuire
1/26 – Becky Bianchi, Brad Jacobi
1/27 – Spencer Kussman, Marissa Mathia, Hadley McDaniel, Tyler Zimmerman
1/28 – Peg Hiles, Anne Laws, Rose Lippincott, Jessa Sherlock
1/30 – Jonathan Fritz, Edward Huff, Jr.
Best wishes from your church!
Senior High Fellowship will be playing going to Skyzone.
Junior High Fellowship will be playing games at the church.
A Valentine Vesper Concert on Sunday, February 16, at 3:00 p.m.
Our February performers are Darci Gamirl and David Downing, partners in life and on the stage in the Bel Canto Duo. Darci and David formed the Bel Canto Duo in 2016. The duo was awarded Outstanding New Artist by the Omaha Entertainment Awards (2023) and was a finalist (American Prize) for chamber music composition and the Ernst Bacon Prive for the performance of American music. The Bel Canto Duo’s concert is entitled “Visions of Love,” a fitting theme for a concert near Valentine’s Day. The concert is free, and everyone is invited to attend. Stay after the concert for cookies! Have questions about any of these, contact Kristi Treu at kristi@pcoc.us.
Heartland Hope Mission
A huge thank-you to those who provided gifts for 11 – 14 year olds and your monetary donations to Heartland Hope Mission’s Christmas celebration this year. HHM scheduled 12 sessions over 7 days to provide gifts for children of local families in need and a Christmas dinner to cook at home. PCOC collected and delivered over 300 gifts this year for this annual event.
Thanks also to the PCOC congregation for supporting the pantry collection every 3rd Sunday of the month. Your donations every month have averaged about 150 lbs of groceries and 25 lbs of hygiene each month! Keep it up!
Finally, 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.
Ash Wednesday — March 5
You’re invited to a meaningful service with the imposition of ashes. The service will begin in the Sanctuary at 6:45 p.m. following Cornerstone dinner. The service will be livestreamed also.
Triennium 2025 – As If We Were
Dreaming – RSVP Now
The nationwide gathering of high school youth that meets every three years has been on hold since the pandemic. I’m happy to report that it’s back! Teens from all over the country will meet in Louisville, Kentucky the last week of July where they will worship, learn, fellowship, and play as a hopeful and joyful community of faith at the 2025 Presbyterian Youth Triennium. The experience will be one of those life-shaping faith-forming events that they will never forget!
Parents, a $100 deposit is required to reserve your youth’s spot for Triennium.
Please submit payment to Heather before Christmas.
If you need financial assistance, please let Heather know.
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 February 6
Join the Presbyterian Women’s Circle of Love on Thursday, February 6th at 9:30 am in the Courtyard Room. Carol Sorensen will continue our Bible study from Growing Older & Wiser by Dale & Sandy Larsen. This month’s topic “They Don’t Always Listen” from 1 Kings 12: 1-20. All church women are invited to join us. Please contact Cindy Nisley at 402-850-0889 with 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.
Registration information to come!
Active Minds in February
Active Minds will be adding Pinochle to our games in February. Newcomers and friends are always welcome. Tuesdays, 1:30-4:00 in the lower level Great Room. We have very patient teachers available every week! Please join us as your schedule allows. You are welcome to join us after Bible Study. Contact Person, Earlene Uhrig, 402-650-5077
February 9 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, February 9. 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.
Adult Education in the New Year – Register Online Now
There are opportunities for learning and growing together on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, beginning January 12. Start the year off right by joining one (or more!) of these groups:
Theologians, Composers, Spirituality and Icons of Sacred Music – Part Two led by Cindy Sloan on Sundays at 10 a.m.
Ten Values for the Modern Family (a parenting class) led by Josh and Emily Murray on Sundays at 10 a.m.
Tuesday Bible Study led by Pastor Marshall on Tuesdays at 7 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Cornerstone Adult Ed Class led by Kirk Ryckman on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Agape for All opportunities offered on various days and at various times
Register Here
February 16 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 February 19
5:15 to 6:30 p.m.
Room 13
PCOC Book Group will meet February 19 in Room 13 from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. to review James by Percival Everett. All readers are welcome!
Questions? Contact Charlotte Hubbard.
Save the Date for April 8th
“Divisible,” a documentary by Lizzy Barrett
What you know about redlining – both from an historical perspective and the residual effects felt in Omaha today?
We will gather with other churches in Omaha to watch this remarkable film, by Lizzie Barrett, listen to a panel discussion, and enjoy food from Myrtle and Cypress Coffeehouse.
Watch for sign ups – but for now – Save the date!
Agape for All Martin Luther King Day Events
Some event opportunities will present itself on Martin Luther King Day, Monday, January 20. Events include an MLK Day of Service at The Venue at Highlander Accelerator, supported by United Way of the Midlands. Enjoy food from Big Mama’s, the Rib Shack, and Aleece’s Sugar Shoppe at the annual MLK Luncheon from 12 – 1:30. Then from 2:00 – 4:00, also at The Venue, volunteer and help assemble snack packs for the Bright Minds program of the Empowerment Network.
Several of us have visited the wonderful Highlander Accelerator facility, which houses The Venue, Big Mama’s, and No More Empty Pots, for tours and lunches.
The Venue event center and No More Empty Pots are located at 2120 North 30th Street
The Highlander Accelerator – 2112 North 30th Street
We will share more information about MLK Day events as it becomes available.
So, let’s continue to find new ways to Embrace our wonderful Community Connections throughout 2025!
Cross Currents Deadline is Friday, February 21
Please send your content for the March 2025 issue to communications@pcoc.us.
2024 Winter Clothing, Coat and Shoe Drive Update
We wrapped up our 2024 Winter Clothing, Coat and Shoe Drive Event for OPS schools Bancroft, Sherman, Walnut Hill, Dodge, King and, new this year, Wakonda Elementary. Thank you letters and e-mails have been coming in and Timara Kroeger the school nurse at Sherman Elementary writes… “On behalf of the Sherman administration and families we would like to take the time to say thank you for all your congregation does each year to support our school community.”
A big special thank you goes out to Kristin Johnson and Julie Buehler who seamlessly handled all of the buying and delivery of to each school in the days before Thanksgiving. This season PCOC supplied 104 long and short sleeve shirts, 16 pairs of gloves, 19 pairs of boots, 106 winter coats, 21 pairs of tennis shoes, 184 sweatpants, 400 pairs of socks, 700 pair of underwear and a partridge in a pear tree. We are truly blessed each year to have a congregation and a mission committee so willing to meet these needs. Happy New Year to all!
Presbyterian Men January 25
On Saturday, January 25th at 9:00 am, PCOC men are invited to attend a continental breakfast and program in the Welcome Center. Our speaker will feature Josh Planos, VP of Marketing, Communications & PR, at Better Business Bureau of the Midwest Plains. He will speak about “Scam Prevention” covering key strategies to protect yourself from scams and what to be on the lookout for in today’s increasingly digital world. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to safeguard your finances and personal information. Please sign-up to attend at the Information Desk by Sunday, January 19th, and feel free to invite a friend to join you! Contact Jon Boomgaarden at 402-981-7164 with questions.
Presbyterian Men February 22
On Saturday, February 22 at 9:00 am, PCOC men are invited to attend a continental breakfast and program in the Welcome Center featuring Jim Dingman. He will speak about Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), personal experiences and the ways he is giving back. Please sign-up to attend at the Information Desk by Sunday, February 16th. Invite someone to attend with you. Contact Jon Boomgaarden at 402-981-7164 questions.
49ers on February 4
Our program for Tuesday, February 4, 2025, will be Amanda Stastny:, Bumbling Bee Native Wildflowers. She will be presenting information regarding the locally native and pollinator wildflowers and grasses which are beneficial for Nebraska and for our environment at large. She recently was featured in the Omaha World Herald. We are limiting our reservations to 40 individuals due to space constraints.
The lunch location is Wheatfields, One Pacific Place, at 11:30 a.m. Every one 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, 402-201-4103, or Judy Sundberg, 402-333-6981. We also have a sign-up sheet at the Information Center.
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).
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.
Dinner Servers Needed on February 9
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.
OSS Needs Back-to-School Supplies
Omaha Street School (OSS) has a list of needed supplies available through an Amazon Wish List. You can also make a donation online, so OSS can purchase supplies.
Hear a Minute for Mission at both services on October 23 from Linda Reimer, Executive Director of OSS. Linda will be in Fellowship Hall between services, so please stop by, say hello, and learn more about OSS.
Friday Night Gourmets on February 7
The Friday Night Gourmets will meet for an early Valentine Day Dinner Outing. We will meet at Farmer Brown’s Steakhouse at 2620 River Rd Dr, Waterloo NE. There is a social hour starting at 6:00p.m. and dinner is at 6:45p.m. We will have a special party menu and pay with individual checks. Sign up at the Information Desk by February 2. Any Questions? Contact the hosts Mike Howland (402-290-5242 or Linda Matson (402-290-5452).
GALS on February 22
Join GALS as we take a guided 1 hour tour of the Joslyn Museum from 10:30 – 12:30. It will be a morning of fellowship, beauty, and learning. We will meet inside the main entrance of the museum, with the guided tour starting at 11:00. Following the tour, you are free to enjoy lunch at the onsite café, visit other museum exhibits, or proceed with your other Saturday Events. There is no cost for the tour, but the museum accepts donations, if you so choose. Any Questions? Contact Anne Wattles or Staci Voss.
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