NEWS & EVENTS

What’s Happening at PCOC

Worship, music, fellowship, education, and mission are filling the halls at Church of the Cross! Keep reading to learn about our news and events. Be sure to sign up for our education and activity programs. As you will read, church life is picking up. We’re excited for a full calendar of activities.

Worship Schedule

We are on our fall/winter/spring schedule.

  • Worship is held on Sundays at 9:00 in the Sanctuary and 11:10 in the Sanctuary and on livestream
  • Sunday School is at 10:00 a.m.
  • Church office hours are 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday.

Starting on September 17, we are switching the time of our livestream. We will livestream the 11:10 service each week. A recording is available after the service is over. Services are available for a full year, so please explore our sermon library for all available sermons and services.

 

Church Calendar

The church is active every day of the week!


Power of Prayer

Submit a prayer request to our church’s prayer team using our new online form. Prayer requests are confidential and shared only with members of the prayer team.

Cross Care Connections Support

The last several years during the pandemic have been challenging on both our physical well-being and our spiritual lives.  Sometimes, we just need a friend or companion to walk with us.  Church of the Cross has a wonderful care giving team known as Cross Care Connections.  Learn more about this program and how our deeply caring providers can assist you.

Cornerstone January 10-March 13
  • 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
  • Register by January 1!

Learn More & Sign Up

Lenten Study

February 18 – March 24, 2024
Sign Up Online
by February 1 – 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
  • Tuesdays at 7 p.m. on Zoom 
Tuesday Bible Studies 

Our Tuesday Bible Studies will continue to study the New Testament book of Hebrews. Newcomers are always welcome; just bring your favorite Bible and join us in the classroom in the Welcome Center!

  • Men’s Bible Study from 7:00-8:00 a.m. in the Courtyard Room (Note this is a men’s study only. If you are interested in a women’s only Bible study, check out the Presbyterian Women’s Morning Circle).
  • Afternoon Bible Study from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. in the Courtyard Room and on Zoom

 

PCOC Updates for The Week

 
Associate Pastor Position Announcement

Presbyterian Church of the Cross (PCOC), in Omaha, Nebraska is currently seeking an Associate Pastor for Congregational Care. PCOC is the largest PCUSA church in Nebraska with a specific vision to be mission-oriented, inclusive and welcoming, and open to new ideas. Please share this announcement (via link to our PCOC homepage) with anyone you know who is in the ministry (whether they are seeking a new call or not) as well as with anyone who knows people in the ministry. Read job posting.

new & events - Joys and concerns

Flowers in the chancel this morning are given by Alta Greer Empkey in loving memory of her mother, Mabel Greer.

Don Sievers passed away on March 11.  Don’s funeral service will be this Friday, March 22, at 11:00 in the sanctuary, with lunch to follow, provided by our Deacons.

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

3/1 Walter Karges
3/2 Chase Spencer
3/3 Mary Cramer, Anna Paul
3/4 Adam Goodwin, Drew Ritchie
3/5 Stan Garner, Mike Howland
3/6 Austin Curtis, Chase Jenkins, Sandy Johnson,
Dick Miller
3/7 Len Juarez
3/8 Robbie Baddley, Charlotte Hubbard, Marsha
Smith, Barb Woods
3/9 Elizabeth Swedlund
3/10 Brandon Fisher, Lloyd Meyer, Kathy Nickel,
Anna Sumner
3/11 Euloge Sekle
3/12 John Goodwin, Doug Patten, Diane Wetuski
3/13 Mitch Pirnie, Anna Whaley, Pam Lindsey
3/14 Brad Burch, Chuck Krumme, Dan Scanlan
3/15 Paul Cornett, Melissa Marvin, Mary Ott, Henry Spann
3/17 Mary Kate Broderick, Mary Haddock
3/18 Valerie Fuller, Betty Goodwin, Karin Hjerpstedt, Heather McDaniel, Bob Swartzbaugh
3/19 Jennifer Bennett, Peg Conley, Kathryn Harrison, Stan Hille
3/20 Dave Berry, Xander Huff
3/21 Jill Bobek, Lena Florent, Carol Hale, David
Moore, Cody Thorson
3/22 John Dyer, Brooks Luth
3/23 Jessica Downes, Nancy Long, Adam
Lundgren, Jennifer Paul, Parker Spann
3/24 Judy Book, Brock Bougger, Bob Foehlinger
3/25 Gerry Reid
3/26 Darold Bauer
3/27 Lucas Bumsted, Karen Butler, John Conley,
Paul Kratz, Gladys Kuster, Adeline Lorentzen, Lissa Treu
3/28 Dave Arnold, Molly Florent, Scott Morris, Jill
Rath
3/29 John Swenson, Nathen Holdren, Ryan Sherlock
3/30 Jeremy Cunningham, Rebecca Weyant
3/31 Elise Arnold, Dylan Spencer

 

Best wishes from your church!

 

Junior High Fellowship will meet in the Great Room for a St. Patrick’s Day Party on March 17.
Senior High Fellowship will have their rescheduled Lock-In Friday, March 15 at 6:30 and meet in the kitchen for the Chopped! Competition on Sunday, March 17.

Vesper Concert on Thursday, April 9 at 7:00 p.m.

Vesper Concerts is thrilled to present The Queen’s Six Vocal Ensemble in concert on Tuesday, April 9, at 7:00 p.m. The Queen’s Six is a world-class vocal group renowned for their performances for the British Royal Family and Royal events, is making a rare appearance in the United States in 2024. With only four stops scheduled, this is an event you don’t want to miss.

Make sure you are on our email list to get up-to-date information about other fun events we are scheduling around The Queen’s Six. You can sign up on our website, www.vesperconcerts.org.

Learn more

Mission Volunteer Opportunity’s

Please join us on Saturday, April 13th at the Heartland Hope Mission’s West O location at 15555 Industrial Road from 10AM – 12 Noon. You will be packing pre-made pantry boxes for clients, stocking pantry shelves, or collecting and sorting pantry donated items. Only children over the age of 12 will be allowed to volunteer. If you are a first-time volunteer with Heartland Hope Mission, please complete the form provided with this link.  https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/e7MJ110dH76CmILb7YGREg

If you have volunteered for an HHM event in 2023 or 2024, you should have received an invitation to a Fiesta volunteer appreciation lunch at HHM’s South Omaha headquarters at 2021 U Streeet , Omaha on Friday, April 12th at 11 am.  Please consider attending this appreciation luncheon and thank you for your continuing support of Heartland Hope Mission! Heartland Hope Mission’s demand for services has increased over 60% in 2023 over the previous year.

Questions? Contact John Bennett

 

If you have a few hours you might like to contact Kathy Moore about volunteering to assist with a Family Wholeness Fair on Saturday, April 27th from 1:00 – 4:00 at Skinner Magnet Elementary. Kathy serves on the Courageous Conversations planning committee that will be sponsoring the event which is focused on building connections between “those who need support and those who offer it”.  (see the flyer)

The Family Fair will include games and activities for children and youth of all ages, food trucks and numerous learning opportunities for parents including service providers ready to sign them up for needed programs. The school is located at 4304 North 33rd and T-shirts will be provided for all volunteers so children and families can easily identify them.  Please call, text or email me if you would like to learn more about the event and consider volunteering. Questions? Contact Kathy Moore

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 Sacred Encounters on April 4 and Ongoing Donation Drive

All church ladies are invited to join us on Thursday, April 4 at 9:30 am in Room 15. In Lesson 8, Sharon Walsh will share the story of Lydia Encountering Jesus in Worship. Acts 16:11-15.

Our Gifting Gals Project continues as we collect Sunglasses and Sunscreen in April. Our bin is next to the Missions food bin in the circle drive. We appreciate your donations for our project as do the lady clients at Heartland Hope Mission. If you have questions,  please contact Cindy Nisley. 

Join us 49ers on April 2
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Wheatfields in One Pacific Place

Our speaker will be Ken Gruber, President of Omaha Rapid Response.  He  will speak about Rapid Response’ ongoing efforts to help the tornado victims in Kentucky and Mississippi.  He will update everyone on Rapid Responses’ 2024 trips to Ukraine (war), Fort Meyers (hurricane), and the continued rebuilding of houses in King Lake, NE.

If we have a few extra minutes, he  might give an update on the show The Chosen, as he will have just returned from filming Season 5 the weekend before our time at Wheatfields. We meet for lunch at 11:30 a.m. at WHEATFIELDS, 1224 South 103rd Street (One Pacific Place). We order from a special menu provided for our group. Everyone is welcome – whether you are 49, younger, or older – come join us! For reservations and/or questions, please contact Mary Ott or Judy Sundberg. Or, sign up in the white binder at the Information Desk.

 

Tuesday Bible Studies

Our Tuesday gatherings continue to study the Old Testament book of Hebrews. We are currently in chapter 20, where Moses receives the Ten Commandments. Newcomers are always welcome; just bring your favorite Bible and join us in the classroom in the Welcome Center at 7:00 a.m. (men’s only) or 1:00 p.m. (everyone).

Stay Active with Tai Chi and Music & Movement

Tai Chi meets at 10 a.m. on Mondays and Thursdays. No class on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, or New Year’s Day. Drop in anytime if you’d like to attend a class. Questions? Contact Paula Allen.

Music and Movement exercise classes meet 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. every Monday and Thursday to encourage and support each other while staying active and healthy. New people are welcome to join our Music and Movement ensemble any time! This group will take a holiday break from Dec. 18 through January 1, resuming on January 4. Questions? Contact Betty Baddley.

Active Minds

We’ll continue in April by playing a unique card game called Spades. You can learn this game in one week. Patient teachers attend every week, so feel free to drop in any Tuesday that your schedule allows. We meet in the Lower Level Great Room, from 2-4 p.m. Questions? Contact Earlene Uhrig.

March 10 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, April 14. Tell them you’re with PCOC, and 20% of your bill comes back to us to support next year’s JHF Mission Trip.

Gifts and Memorials

Presbyterian Church of the Cross is fortunate to have a long-standing and functional Gift & Memorial program that allows for memorial funds or individual gifts to be designated for specific items, portions of items, or ‘Ongoing Giving Opportunities’ from the Session approved “Gift and Memorial Items List.”  The items or missions selected are then recognized in worship, the bulletin, and the Memorial Book, where records have been kept since 1957.  Please see this May 28 bulletin for memorial designations and gifts that occurred during the past year. These selections are all appreciated, and each will enhance the life of our congregation in a special way.

Home-Delivered Meal Volunteers

– a message from Deacon, Kathy Moore –

One of the many caring ministries at Church of the Cross is the Deacons’ Home Delivered Meals program. We try to provide a meal or two to church members who have been hospitalized, are facing a surgery, had an accident, or have lost a family member. This is a small token of our care and concern, and many have expressed how much this meant to them during what was otherwise a very challenging time.

When one of our ministers or I learn of a household in need, I send out a group email to our Home Meal List and ask for volunteers to take a meal, indicating approximately when the meal would be helpful. I provide the number of people in the household and any dietary restrictions and preferences that I can. There is often somewhat short notice of this need, and we may be soliciting a meal to be provided within the next few days or weeks. On average we deliver 6 – 10 meals per month and have almost 40 volunteers on the list so you don’t have to provide a meal very often.

If you like to cook and could fix an extra meal or two occasionally, this Home Meal Committee is for you. If you don’t like to cook, you could volunteer to pick up a To-Go meal from a grocery store or restaurant. Either way, if you’d like me to add you to the Home Meal Volunteer List, please sign up at the Information Desk or email Kathy Moore. Feel free to call me with any questions.

You can join our mailing list by signing up online!

Easter Egg Hunt March 30

Easter is just around the corner! Hop on over to the east lawn on Saturday, March 30 for our annual Easter Egg Hunt. We’ll begin at 10:00 a.m. with crafts in Fellowship Hall, then move on to the east lawn for the hunt at 10:30 a.m. Be sure to bring a basket to collect eggs. And keep an eye out – maybe you’ll spot Peter Cottontail! We are accepting donations of individually wrapped candy for the egg hunt. If you would like to donate, look for the collection box in the Lobby. Thank you!

Register for Tables for Eight Spring/Summer Session
The deadline for registration for the Spring/Summer Session (May, June, July, and August) is April 10. New participants (couples or singles) are definitely welcome to join this fellowship opportunity. You can choose to be a “regular” or a “substitute.” Find questions and answers about “Tables for Eight” on the registration form. Forms are available at the Information Desk in the Welcome Center and online.

For the upcoming Spring/Summer Session, current “regular” members are automatically assigned to a new group and “substitutes” will remain on the list unless you notify Pam Otto. If you dropped out last session and want to return as a regular or substitute, please contact Pam by phone, text, or email.

Learn More & Sign up Online!

 

Alleluia & Chamber Singers present “Behold the Lamb of God” on Good Friday March 24 at 7:00 p.m.

Experience a unique evening of music on Friday, March 24, at 7:00 p.m. as we use the power of music to solemnly reflect on the crucifixion and death of Jesus. The Alleluia and Chamber Singers, accompanied by a professional orchestra and soloists, will present choruses and arias from Handel’s Messiah, congregational hymns, and anthems, creating a truly immersive and spiritual experience.

April 21 is Pantry Sunday!

Bring your food and hygiene items to Sunday worship on the 3rd Sunday of the month, or drop them inside the circle drive doors at church anytime. The most needed items are listed below.

Food Items:

  • Peanut Butter
  • Canned Fruit
  • Canned Corn
  • Mac & Cheese
  • Cereal
  • Pasta & Pasta Sauce

Hygiene Items:

  • Baby Diapers (all sizes but biggest need is sizes 4-6)
  • Baby Wipes
  • Full-Size Shampoo and Body Wash
  • Toilet Paper
  • Toothpaste
Book Group April 17

5:15 to 6:30 p.m.
Room 13

Book group will meet to discuss THE ALCHEMIST by Paulo Coelho . All readers are welcome!

Questions? Contact Charlotte Hubbard.

Cross Currents Deadline is Friday, April 19

Please send your content for the May 2024 issue to communications@pcoc.us.

 
New Travel/Study Opportunity in Lithuania

Our friend and Mission Worker Ellen Smith is collaborating with Carl Horton of the PC(USA) Peacemaking Project to host a Travel/Study Tour titled “Lithuania:  Healing the Legacies of War and Oppression,” in October, 2024. The tour will be a more in-depth study of the history we were introduced to when Jean Waters, Karen Morey, and Jon and Irene Boomgaarden traveled with Ellen to Lithuania in winter of 2023. Of that trip, Jean Waters said, “When visiting Lithuania, you experience a charming old European country, cathedrals and castles, alongside Soviet-style housing. It is important to see that the people of this country suffered, and they acknowledge their history so that they, and none of us, will repeat it.”

PC(USA) is now recruiting participants for this Travel Study Tour, who will begin their journey in Lithuania’s capitol, Vilnius, then move to Klaipeda, learning about various phases of Lithuania’s history, from the Nazi and Soviet occupations to today’s Ukrainian refugee crisis.  Applications are being accepted now, online at https://www.presbyterianmission.org/story/what-does-lithuania-have-to-teach-us-about-war/.

The deadline for applications is June 14, but the size of the group will be limited, so the sooner you consider this opportunity, the better! For additional information, check the website above or contact Karen Morey or Jean Waters.

 

Lenten Study 2024

This year’s churchwide Lenten Study begins this Sunday. We’ll be studying Magrey DeVega’s book, Savior, What the Bible Says about the Cross. By exploring the mystery of salvation through the cross, we can deepen our love for God and others and strengthen our commitment to follow Jesus. The lists of who is in each small group is posted on the church office windows.

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.

Sign up online.

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).

 

Volunteers for Cleanup April 6

It could be YOU! It could be a family outing helping to prepare our church grounds for the growing season. Work gloves come in all sizes and colors. There are plenty of jobs to keep everyone occupied and working together joyfully. Everyone is welcome to join us.

In the spring we trim back plants, clean off winter debris, and rake up leaves. Bring tools, wheelbarrows, and good cheer. We always share treats, juice, and coffee with our fellowship time. B&G would encourage all members to join us for this workday. Taking care of God’s creation is our first calling from the Bible!

April 6, 9 am to NOON! Meet in Fellowship Hall.

Friday Night Gourmets on Friday, April 12

Betty Goodwin, Kim Banat, Inga Wagner & Alta Empkey will be your hosts at GORAT’S, 4917 Center St. Omaha, NE. We will have a social time from 6:00—6:30 p.m. and Dinner orders will be taken at 6:30 p.m. We will order from a special menu and pay for individual tickets. Thank you. Sign up at the information desk. Questions? Contact the hosts. Betty Goodwin, Kim Banat, Inga Wagner & Alta Empkey.

Churchwide Garage Sale on July 27

Our goal is to raise $5000 for the senior high mission trip. Your donations will make this possible! Start saving your treasures now but keep them with you. We don’t have room to store anything prior to July 14.
Here are the items we will not accept:
Tv’s, tires, mattresses, candles, liquids, VHS movies, cassette tapes, items that are broken, missing pieces, ripped, stained, or dirty.

New Quilting Process for Piecemakers

In Fall 2022, with an inventory of 10+ completed quilts on hand, Piecemakers have decided to take a well-deserved break from meeting every week. The quilting will continue with a new format. ALL quilters in the PCOC congregation are invited to participate in a new process to ensure we continue to welcome newborns to our church family with handmade quilts. You will be invited to use the patterns, fabric, and even equipment available in Room 11.

If you are interested in joining this new Piecemakers process, please contact Linda Miller, Judy Arms, or Karen Morey for the details.

Dinner Servers Needed on April 14

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.

Sign up online.

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.

Add My Name to the List

Celebrating Women Baskets Silent Auction

Do you have a special woman in your life that deserves to be pampered? Not sure what to get her? Well, look no further because SHF is assembling baskets just in time for Mother’s Day. The silent auction begins April 14 and ends on May 5. Come by the Lobby and find the perfect gift for the woman in your life. You’ll be notified right after late church on May 5 if you win. As always, SHF thanks you for your support!

 

 

Time to Play Ball

The AllPlay Miracle Baseball League’s Spring season runs from May 6-June 22. You can help make game days great for these special needs kids as they have fun playing baseball. Registration for players is now available online at registration.info@allplay.org. Watch for the sign up to volunteer in the bulletin.

One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS)

During Lent, OGHS is the single largest way that Presbyterians come together every year to work for a better world. This special offering enables us to share God’s love with our neighbors in need around the world by providing relief from natural disasters, food for the hungry, and support for the poor and oppressed. You may use the special envelopes in the pew racks to donate, write “OGHS” on the memo line of your check, or donate online.

Our Sunday School children received their Gracie fish banks and during Lent, children are encouraged to fill up their banks, and bring them back to church on Easter March 31.

MoW Volunteers needed

Meals on Wheels (MoW) is a program run by the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging which has for over 40 years filled the nutritional needs of homebound individuals by providing hot, noon meals, personally delivered by a team of volunteers every Monday through Friday.

PCOC partners with MoW to deliver meals every Tuesday and Wednesday to about 10-12 individuals who live near PCOC in surrounding neighborhoods.  The meals are already prepared and packaged and stored in coolers which are picked up next to St. Timothy’s church on 93rd and Dodge.  Delivering those 10-12 meals takes a car and about 1.5-2 hours  

We currently have a need for volunteers to take open delivery spots in May and June, particularly Tuesdays.  Volunteers can sign up for a single day or for multiple days in May and June.  If you are not sure and would like to just “stick your toe in the water,” please consider riding along with one of our current PCOC volunteers to see how it works before you commit to trying it on your own. 

If interested, contact John or Patti Sparks.

 

Vacation Bible School

July 9 – 11
9 a.m. to noon
Cost is $10/student.
Register online now!

Meet Lu (short for Lumen) the lightning bug! Lu will teach us ways we can put our trust in God when we are afraid, challenged, or called to do God’s work and to share the Good News of God’s love through Jesus Christ. We’re forming our leadership team now! Contact Heather to serve on this very important team. Parents and grandparents, we cannot do this without you. Please consider serving.

Sign up Online

Art and Music Camp

Summer Camp Opportunity for kids finishing 1st through 5th grade. Mark Your Calendars for June 11-14. It’s Back! 2024 Art Camp and new this summer, announcing 2024 Music Camp!

CHOOSE YOUR TRACK
TRACK 1
Art Camp 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Gathering Space
$25 for materials
Back by popular demand: Tie Dye, Clay, Canvases, and Watercolors
New this year: Mosaic, Airplanes, and Shrink Art Sue Thomas, instructor

Lunch break 12:00 – 12:30

TRACK 2
Music Camp from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
NO COST
Singing, Bucket Drums, Folk Dancing
Jayne Frederickson, Mary Lynn Bennett, and Kristi Treu, Instructors

TRACK 3: Art Camp AND Music Camp
Sign up to participate or volunteer to help at www.churchofthecrossomaha.org. Questions: contact Sue Thomas at satnebraska@gmail.com or Kristi Treu at kristi@pcoc.us.

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