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 14
Register by January 1
- 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
- Are you saved or are you Presbyterian?
- Finding God in the Abyss—The Holocaust
- Names for the Messiah—An Advent Study By Walter Brueggemann
- Behold the Beauty of the Lord A Simple Christmas: How the Amish Celebrate the Beauty of the Lord
- The Gospel of Luke: Good News for All – The Kerygma program
- What Do You Believe? An Introductory Theological Survey
Lenten Study
February 22 – March 29, 2025
Register for the Study HERE
- Sundays at 10 a.m.
- Mondays at 1:30 p.m
- Tuesdays at 7 p.m. on Zoom
Tuesday Bible Studies
Join us on Tuesdays this fall beginning September 9 as we study the Old Testament Book of Jeremiah. 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
Flowers in the chancel this Sunday are given by Bob and Mary Ott in honor of their 50th 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, CJ Collins-Durant
1/2 – Barbara Haar-Rightmyer, Dick Kelley, Nancy Koehler, Dan Olson, Linnea Wilkinson Graalfs
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, Fred Crum
1/7– Keith Allen, Heather Berry, Diane Holubeck, Tim Johnson, Blake Kahler, Diane Kratz, Madisyn Spielman
1/8 – Quinn McFadden, Jeff Quine, Ann Schmidt, Marilyn Willis
1/9 – Megan Davelaar, Bob Hoisington, Ryan Kort, Sharon Sievers
1/10 – Andrew Berry
1/11 – Jennifer Arnold, Sheri Cunningham, Matt McFadden
1/12 – Linda Bauer, Aurora Quartoroli
1/13 – Sam McClain, Katie Rock
1/14 – Evelyn Aziamoe, Gail Hille, Danial Holdren
1/15 – Taylor Jacobsen, Dwight Peterson, Max Rieke, Carol Sorensen
1/16 – Brad Dittman, Stephanie Voss
1/17 – John Broderick, Emmie Fuller, Launie Lambert, Arlene Meester
1/18 – Franny Bartling, Sharon Marvin-Igel, Lois Morris, Sharon Rich
1/20 – Alta Empkey, Charlotte Thiessen
1/21 – Michael Anderson, William Davey
1/23 – Amy Ellis, Mary Beth Gust
1/24 – Kaitlynn Evers, Joan Miles, Josephine Tot
1/25 – Quinn McGuire
1/26 – Becky Bianchi
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!
JHF and SHF on January 25
Junior High Fellowship at 4:45 p.m. – Junior High Fellowship will be having a PJ movie night at the church.
Senior High Fellowship at 4:45 p.m – Senior High Fellowship will be playing games at the church.
Vesper Concerts presents “Mozart Masterpieces” on February 5
Enjoy an evening of all Mozart compositions performed by some of Omaha’s best musicians. Among the evening’s repertoire is Mozart’s famed Oboe Concerto in C major. The featured oboist is Heather Baxter, Assistant Principal Oboe of the Omaha Symphony. Thomas Kluge, Principal Viola of the Omaha Symphony, will conduct the chamber orchestra.
This FREE concert is on Thursday evening, February 5, at 7:00 p.m. Invite a friend to join you for this magnificent Mozart concert.
Heartland Hope Mission February 6
Heartland Hope Mission’s West Omaha pantry schedule to distribute grocery and hygiene items to the clients they serve has changed from Saturdays from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm to Fridays from 12:30 – 3 pm. HHM decided that they needed a weekday instead of a weekend day to serve clients. If you would like to volunteer to stock the pantry on Saturday morning at the West O location, you may volunteer from 9:30 – 11:30 am. All volunteer opportunities at HHM are listed below for both the South and West Omaha locations.:
West Omaha location – 15555 Industrial Rd.
Pantry distribution – Fridays, 12:30 – 3 pm
Warehouse stocking – Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, 9:30 – 11:30 am
South Omaha location – 2021 U Street
Pantry Distribution:
Tuesdays: 6 pm – 9 pm,
Thursdays: 1 pm – 5 pm
Saturdays: 9 am – 1 pm
Please contact John Bennett if you are interested in volunteering or have any questions at (402) 618-6991 or mljbennett85@gmail.com. Thank you for generously supporting Heartland Hope Mission.
Bingo and Soup with
SHF and The 49’ers
The senior high youth group would like to invite the 49’ers to an evening of food and fun! Join SHF on Sunday, February 22, from 5 – 7 p.m. for Soup and Bingo. Please let us know you’re coming by signing up on the sheet at the Information Desk in the Welcome Center or by registering online. If you have any questions, please contact Heather. We hope to see you there!
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 5
Presbyterian Women are back on schedule meeting the first Thursday of the month on February 5. We meet at 9:30 am in the Courtyard classroom and all women at Church of the Cross are invited to join us. This month as we continue in the Dale and Sandy Larsen Bible study from Images of the Spirit, we will read John 14: 15-27. Jacquie Kluck will lead us in Lesson 5 “Counselor” as we discover more about the Holy Spirit in our lives. We hope you will come study with us. If you have questions, call Cindy Nisley 402-850-0889.
Sunday School for Children and Youth
Growing in Grace and Gratitude is our Sunday School Class for three-, four- and five-year-olds that haven’t been to kindergarten yet. This class will meet upstairs in Room 7. Anna Flairty and Libby Whitlow will team up to lead our preschoolers.
Bible Explorers is what we call our Sunday School program for our elementary aged children. They will meet downstairs in the Gathering Space for a short lesson with Sue Thomas. Then they will split up into different age groups and experience various workshops in rooms 8, 9 and 10. Classes are taught by volunteer adults that change with each unit.
Our youth classes follow the same curriculum, Feasting on the Word. It is a lectionary-based curriculum from the PCUSA. Our 6th, 7th and 8th graders will meet downstairs in Room 11 with Holly Baddley while our 9th – 12th graders will meet downstairs in the Great Room with Dan Kerr.
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.
Calvin Crest Information and Updates!
Enrollment is Open!
Hey Parents, guess what?! Camp Calvin Crest is open for 2026 summer enrollment! What a great way to get your child out of the house (and your hair) for up to a week to experience God’s love in community and nature. There are camps for all ages – from completing first grade all the way through high school; even employment opportunities for your college student! Have younger children? Come experience camp with your entire family at Family Camp weekend! Check out calvincrest.camp for more information.
Camp Scholarships also available!
Camp 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 the 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. We encourage you to take advantage of this resource.
We are Seeking a Wedding Liaison
We are looking for a helpful person for the position of Wedding Liaison. This important person attends the rehearsal (usually the night before the wedding) and works with the couple to make sure everything goes smoothly the day of the wedding. The Wedding Liaison handles arrangements for building needs and access, setup, flower delivery, and decorating. The position includes a stipend. We typically have no more than a couple of weddings each year, so the time commitment is minimal. If you are interested, please contact Kristi Treu at kristi@pcoc.
Meet people and serve the Church. New Ushers are needed!
Ushers are the welcoming face of our church when people first walk in the doors. Ushers are passionate about Presbyterian Church of the Cross and helping those who come to worship have a positive experience. It all starts with a smile, a warm handshake, and a bulletin. We are looking for people to join an usher team one Sunday a month, especially since we have several long time ushers retiring in April/May. If you would like to be a part of an usher team, a substitute, or have questions, please contact Mary Lynn Bennett at Bennettmtbc@gmail.com or 402-618-6992.
Summer Youth Mission Trips
Our junior high and senior high youth groups travel out of state every summer for their summer mission trips. Our JHF group will be traveling to Des Moines, Iowa on Friday, June 26 and returning home on Sunday, June 28. Our SHF group will be traveling to Newaygo, Michigan and staying at Camp Henry, June 7 -13.
Registration forms were mailed home and available online. Deadline for registering is March 1.
If you have any questions, please contact Heather.
Register Here
January 18 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 January 21
5:15 to 6:30 p.m.
Courtyard Room
PCOC Book Group will meet January 21 in The Courtyard Room from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m.to review The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon.. All readers are welcome!
Questions? Contact Charlotte Hubbard.
Agape For All Starts the New Year at The Durham Museum in March
On Saturday morning, March 7th , we will kick off our New Year of learning and exploring with an exhibit coming to the Durham Museum. They are bringing in The Negro Motorist Green Book. This powerful exhibit offers an immersive look at the reality of travel for African Americans in mid-century American and how the annual guide served as an indispensable resource for the nation’s rising African American middle class. The exhibit was created by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and Omaha is fortunate to have it on our schedule.
We will have a guided, 30-minute tour of the exhibit at 10:00 a.m.
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.
Save the Date:
Senior High Mission Trip – June 6-14
Art & Music Camp – June 16-19, 9 – 3 p.m.
Junior High Mission Trip – June 26-28
Vacation Bible School – July 7-9, 9 a.m. to Noon
Garage Sale – August 1
Registration information to come!
Cross Currents Deadline is Friday, February 20
Please send your content for the March 2026 issue to communications@pcoc.us.
New Member Discussion January 18, 2026
Are you looking for a church home? Our next New Member Discussion will be on Sunday, January 18, 2025 at 12:15 after the late worship service. The discussion will last about an hour, and a light lunch will be provided. Sign up online or call the church office to register!
Sign up HERE
Presbyterian Men Continental Breakfast January 24
Presbyterian Men invite you to join us on January 24th at 9:00 for a special continental breakfast event featuring our distinguished guest speaker Dr. Michael J. Paulus, Jr., University Librarian, Creighton University, who has authored three books about Artificial Intelligence.
Join us for insightful conversation and fellowship as Dr. Paulus shares his expertise on the impact of Artificial Intelligence in today’s world, its benefits, dangers and ethical concerns. Sign up early at the Information Desk as seating is limited.
49ERS on Tuesday, February 3
Our speaker for February will be Terry Anderson. Terry Anderson is a Nebraska born and bred farm boy who headed to the city as soon as he could (but still shares ownership of the family’s Century Farm). Since then, he spent a career in newsrooms and also performed with a men’s group from his church for about 10 years. Now in retirement, he finds himself as a professional usher at many metro Omaha concert and sports venues. And he is kept very busy with church leadership, neighborhood groups, social media and grandchildren. He could speak on just about any topic, because we all know that journalists think they have to know everything. 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, 402-201-4103, or Judy Sundberg, 402-333-6981. We also have a sign-up sheet at the Information Center.
Active Minds in February
Active Minds will be playing two card games in February that are familiar to many. We will review Spades one week and Hearts the next. We have patient teachers if you have never played these card games. Lower Level Great Room, Tuesdays, 1:30-4:00. Join us when your schedule allows.
February 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, February 8. Tell them you’re with PCOC, and 20% of your bill comes back to us to support next year’s JHF Mission Trip.
Friday Night Gourmets on February 13
Mike Howland, Linda Matson, & Toni Craig invite you all to come celebrate an early Valentine’s Day dinner with great food and great company at Casio’s Steakhouse! Mark your calendars for 6:00 p.m., Friday, February 13. We must pay with one check; so when you sign up, designate your entrees, combine your meal costs, and write a check to Mike Howland for that amount. A sign-up sheet with menu options and prices will be at the PCOC Information Desk in the Welcome Center along with an envelope for your payment. Prices listed fully include all taxes and tips. We will have four yummy entrees to select from. An individual tab cash bar will also be available. Your hosts will provide a special Valentine’s Day dessert. Casio’s is located at 1620 S 10th Street, Omaha, NE. The last day to sign up will be Sunday, February 8 after the 11:10 service. See or call Mike, (402)-290-5242 or Linda (402)-290-5452 with any questions.
Presbyterian Men February 21
Presbyterian Men invites you to join us February 21 at 9:00 am for a continental breakfast and motivational program in the Welcome Center featuring guest speaker Keith Holt. Keith is a nephew of Jim Chapin, one of our own. He will speak about how his passions for hiking and running have unexpectedly blossomed later in life. These inspirational activities have enriched his friendships and allowed him to conquer challenges he never expected. Keith will share stories and learnings from hiking rim-to-rim in the Grand Canyon, climbing several 14,000-foot mountains in Colorado, and running distances he never imagined. Please sign-up to attend this inspirational event at the Information Desk by Sunday, February 15th. Contact Jon Boomgaarden with questions.
Exciting International Mission Opportunity
The Mission Committee is offering travel scholarships to PCOC members who wish to attend an international conference at LCC University in Klaipeda, Lithuania, from February 26 to March 1, 2026. Ellen Smith will be leading a delegation from the Eastern Europe Partnership Network to participate in the conference, “Creating Resilient Communities for Peace and Justice.” Presenters at the conference hail from countries including Ukraine, Croatia, Germany, Ireland, Lithuania, Cameroon, South Korea, USA, Turkey, Nepal, and Kazakhstan, while participants come from many more nations worldwide. Lithuania’s proximity to ongoing conflicts, its experience of civil society movements, and its position bordering several countries experiencing geopolitical and social unrest lend special poignancy to this gathering.
The deadline for early registration for the conference is December 20, 2025. Final registrations are due by February 10, 2026.
For more information about the conference, click HERE. Contact Karen Morey for trip plans and scholarship information
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.
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.
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).
Dinner Servers Needed on February 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.
Our Location
Childcare
Accessibility
Communion
Leadership
