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
Fall Classes
- Let Justice Roll Down
- Theologians, Composers, Spiritualty and Icons of Sacred Music
- Nine Essential Things I’ve Learned About Life
- GRIEF PRESENTATION
- Agape for All Speaker Series
Embracing Community Connections
Tuesday Bible Studies
Join us on Tuesdays this fall starting September 10 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
Long-time member Carol Dworak passed away last spring. A Memorial Service will be held for Carol on Monday, November 25, at 1:00 in our sanctuary.
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
11/1 – Joshua Bumsted, Sandy Simpson
11/2 – Charlie Darling, Greg Hanson,
11/3 – Jameson Huff, Chad Justice, Earlene Uhrig
11/4 – Anna Flairty, Kim Petersen
11/5 – Neal Hubbard
11/7 – Liam Frampton, Ruth Madison
11/8 – Ruth Haycraft, Corey Prideaux, Pam Swenson
11/9 – Carla Fritz, McKenzie Johnson
11/10 – Jane Hawkins, Ethan Lindsey
11/11 – Paula Allen, Bridgette Bunjer, Harper Ellis, Dorothy McIntyre, Karen Smith
11/12 – Fred Henry, Margaret Knight, Ashley Sherlock, Rylee Spencer
11/13 – Sandi Stuckey
11/14 – Jim DePooter, Beth McGrath, Garrett Voss
11/16 – Betty Mack, Trudy Meyer
11/17 – Doug Buchanan, Rob Koch, Bob Mooney, Nancy Quine
11/18 – Jean Cambridge, Agustina Lopez, Linda Madison, Evan McFadden
11/19 – Kate Trapp
11/20 – Colton Hansen Holdren, Angela Holdren
11/21 – Lance deStwolinski, Sarah Grady, Natalie Piotrowski
11/22 – Mimi Bauer, Bob Hansen, Judy Thomas
11/23 – Chet Thompson
11/24 – Rod Adams, Sophina Kebeh
11/25 – Liam Kort
11/26 – Libby Graves, Nickie Quartoroli
11/27 – Doug Wells
11/28 – Sharon Jelinek, Carter Kahler, Janis Phelps 11/29 Ginny Redden, Bryant Schiessler,
11/30 – Jayne Frederickson
Best wishes from your church!
Junior High Fellowship will be going to Skyzone.
Senior High Fellowship will be going to It’s Your Pottery.
The Frisson Ensemble, A Classic Christmas on December 5
Celebrate the Holidays with this group of 11 musicians, The Frisson Ensemble, in our beautifully decorated sanctuary at Presbyterian Church of the Cross at 7:00 p.m. The program includes music from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, “Winter” from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Bach’s Brandenburg No. 4, Carol of the Bells, a Christmas Jazz Suite, and traditional Christmas Carols.
Christmas Giving and Volunteer
Opportunities with Heartland Hope Mission
Our Mission Committee, with our mission partner of over 15 years, Heartland Hope Mission, has provided several opportunities for Presbyterian Church of the Cross members to give by purchasing gifts or giving monetary donations for local families in need, this coming Christmas season.
First, for Heartland Hope Mission’s annual Hope-Filled Christmas celebration, we will continue the tradition of having our Giving Tree that will be located in our Narthex beginning Nov. 17th. Every year we have green and red paper angels on the tree with gift suggestions for boys and girls between the ages of 11 – 14 years old. Please take an angel from the tree, shop for a gift, and bring it back to the church by Sunday, Dec. 8th. These gifts will be delivered to HHM and be available for parents to select for their children at one of several December HHM Hope Filled Christmas events.
A second option to support Heartland Hope Mission’s Christmas event is to adopt a local family in need and provide gifts for their children. If you choose this option, you may sign-up in November on HHMs website at heartlandhopemission.org. A final option is to provide a monetary donation to HHM through their website or our church offering.
If you would like to volunteer to help sort gifts, set-up gift tables, assist parents select gifts for their children at one of the Hope Filled Christmas events or participate in adopting-a-family please sign-up online on the HHM website. Approximately 1,500 volunteers are needed. Over 5,000 local children will be provided with gifts who otherwise would probably not receive anything for Christmas.
Another option for giving this Christmas season will be located in the lobby outside of the church offices at a table with a beautiful hand-made wooden Mission Giving Tree placed on top of it. Donation envelopes are provided to donate to your choice of three other PCOC Mission Partners.
I would also like to thank the congregation for your continuing support of the HHM pantry collection at our church every 3rd Sunday of the month and for volunteering at the West O HHM pantry location every first Saturday of the month.
Thank you and Merry Christmas!
John Bennett – Mission Committee
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.
Tables for Eight Winter Session 2025
The deadline for new registrations or making a change for the Winter Session (January, February, March and April) is December 10. If you are currently in Tables for Eight as a “Regular”, you will automatically be reassigned to a new group. However, if you choose not to participate or want to change to a “Substitute” contact Pam Otto 402 830-6375 or pottomt@cox.net. New “Regular” participants or “Substitutes” (couples or singles) are always welcome to join this fellowship opportunity. Questions and answers about “Tables for Eight” are on the registration form, and the form is available at the Information Desk or on the Website (www.churchofthecrossomaha.org.
Presbyterian Women December 5
Ladies come as we continue our Bible study from “Growing Older and Wiser” by Dale and Sandy Larsen. On Thursday, December 5 at 9:30 am in the Courtyard Classroom in the Welcome Center. Sharon Saunders will discuss When the Kids Are Grownups Too based on Exodus 18. Join us or if you have questions, contact Cindy Nisley at 402-850-0889 or cindycoco298@gmail.com.
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.
Active Minds
Active Minds will meet only the first 2 weeks in December, Dec 3 and Dec 10. We will continue to play Canasta and we will be glad to teach you this game. Tuesdays whenever your schedule allows. Lower level Great Room, 1:30-4:00. Questions? Earlene Uhrig, 402-650-5077.
Advent Dinner December 8
Please join us for another wonderful Advent Dinner on Sunday, December 8 at 5:30 pm. Advent Dinner is one of our best-loved traditions at Presbyterian Church of the Cross. It is a festive and meaningful way to start the Christmas season and includes a meal cooked by our Deacons, lots of fun, fellowship, and the long-awaited Christmas pageant by our PCOC children.
This year’s menu is Roast Beef, roasted potatoes, vegetables, and salad (there will also be a Vegetarian entrée).
This year we will also have chicken tenders for the kids! And of course, all the great desserts brought by the congregation – bring your favorite Christmas dessert to share that will serve approximately 8 people. Please drop off desserts early that afternoon. There is no charge to attend this amazing event, but a free-will donation is always welcomed. Make sure to signup online or stop by the Information Desk in the Welcome Center.
Sign up HERE
It’s Time to Order Christmas Poinsettias
The sanctuary is so beautiful during the Advent and Christmas seasons, especially with the addition of the many poinsettias purchased by church members. This year, orders are due by Wednesday, November 20, and will arrive in time for the 3rd Sunday of Advent on December 13. Order forms can be found at the Information Desk or online and will be mailed with the November issue of Cross Currents. The cost for each poinsettia plant is $17. Please make checks payable to Presbyterian Church of the Cross.
December 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, December 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.
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
December 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 November 20
5:15 to 6:30 p.m.
Room 13
PCOC Book Group will meet October 16 in Room 13 from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. to review Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J. Ryan Stradal. All readers are welcome!
Questions? Contact Charlotte Hubbard.
Children’s Christmas Pageant
All are invited to attend the Children’s Christmas Pageant on Sunday, December 8 at 5:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Children of all ages will be participating in the pageant. The Advent Dinner will follow. RSVP for the dinner is required, but all are encouraged to attend the pageant. We hope to see you there!
Cross Currents Deadline is Friday, December 13
Please send your content for the January 2025 issue to communications@pcoc.us.
Classic Shrimp Boil Dinner & Fundraiser November 24
Presbyterian Men are once again hosting an old-fashioned shrimp boil on Sunday, November 24th in Fellowship Hall at 5:30pm. The entertainment will be the Heartland Acoustic Omaha, led by our own Jim Butler. Come and enjoy scrumptious ‘JUMBO’ fresh shrimp (or chicken cordon bleu) served with all the fixins! The suggested donation is only $20 per person. ALL proceeds will go to purchase “baby formula” for Heartland Hope Mission (HHM). Sign up and pay in advance (checks to Presbyterian Men) at the Information Desk by Sunday, November 17th. Contact Jim Miller 402-290-8328 or Frank McMullen 402-980-2943 with questions.
Presbyterian Men Ringing Bells for the Salvation Army December 14
We are ringing bells for the Salvation Army’s Christmas campaign on Saturday, December 14th, at Hy-Vee on 132nd & Dodge. Each volunteer rings during 1-hour shifts from 10am to 4pm (2 persons at the east and west doors/shift). This is an easy, enjoyable opportunity to helping those among us in need during the Christmas season. Please sign-up at the Information Desk by Sunday, December 8th. Contact Jim Chapin at (402) 650-2086 with questions.
Young Adult Christmas Party
All our young adults are invited to the home of Chris and Staci Voss to catch up and reunite on Sunday, December 22 at 5 p.m. Look for invitations in the mail soon!
49ers on December 3
Our program for Tuesday, December 3, 2024, will be Max Meier The title of Max’ presentation is: “My Travel Adventures”. Max managed the old Dick Walters Travelogue for eight years. He has traveled to thirty-six countries, been to Europe at least twenty times, and has been on at least thirty cruises.
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.
PCOC Officer Nominations
The PCOC Nominating Committee requests your recommendations as it seeks to nominate men and women to serve as Deacons and Elders for our congregation. The offices of Elder and Deacon are equal in importance; they differ in function and nature of service. All officers serve after the pattern of Jesus who came “not to be served, but to serve.” (Matthew 20:28)
The Committee is entirely dependent upon your recommendations. The Committee will only consider those who have been recommended.
Every name submitted is considered. Each year the Nominating Committee must select approximately eight persons from among several dozen candidates for each office.
Learn more and Nominate HERE
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.
Treats to Share!
The Congregational Life Committee invites everyone to bring treats to share during Coffee Fellowship on December 22nd. Please have items cut and ready to serve and please label if it contains either peanuts or tree nuts. Thank You!
Hanging of the Greens on November 30
All are invited to help us decorate the Sanctuary at the Hanging of the Greens. Our Sanctuary is such a beautiful place during the Advent and Christmas season. It takes many hands to make it that way, and we hope you can help us! We’ll hang evergreen garlands and bows and decorate trees on the morning of November 30 at 10:00 a.m. Festive music for the season and sweet treats will make for a fun morning. All ages are welcome! Please sign up online so we know how many people we will have to help.
Friday Night Gourmets on December 13
The Friday Night Gourmets will meet on Friday, December 13th, at 6:30 PM at Tim and Kris Goodman’s home, 17206 Fairway Drive. Please sign up at the Information Desk for what you would like to bring. We will supply H2O, Wassal and a Signature Cocktail. Otherwise, BYOB. For questions call Kris at 402-630-5242 or AJ and Judy Sundberg at 402-333-6981. It’s sure to be a festive evening. Merry Christmas to All!”
GALS cookie and candy exchange Saturday, December 7
Please join GALS for a cookie and candy exchange fellowship from 2:00 to 4:00 pm in the Welcome Center at church. In addition to having fun,
you’ll leave the event with a variety of cookies and candies to grace your Christmas treat platters. To participate:
• Sign up online and indicate the name of the item you intend to bring (comment line)
• Bring 4 dozen of one kind of homemade Christmas cookies or candy
• The day of the event bring an empty container for the exchange and a printed copy of your recipe to place by your treats (for those who like to collect recipes) Call Staci Voss or Anne Wattles if you have any questions!
Sign up HERE.
Choir and Orchestra Worship Services on December 22
The Alleluia Singers, Chamber Singers, and Resound Vocal Ensemble, accompanied by professional instrumentalists, will present “Hope for Tomorrow” during both services on Sunday morning, December 22. The program will feature the premiere of an original composition by Omaha composer and Alleluia Singers member Dave Gardner, along with anthems and congregational carols celebrating the birth of Jesus. This annual event serves as an outreach to our congregation and the community. We encourage you to invite guests to join you for a meaningful morning of music.
Dinner Servers Needed on December 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.
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.
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