THE HOLY CROSS BLIND OUTREACH NEWSLETTER Holy Cross Lutheran Church 2003 NE Englewood Road Kansas City, MO 64118 www.holycrosskc.org (816) 805-7333 August’s Monthly Meal: August 28, 2010, 12:00-2:00 PM GREETINGs 1 Cor. 10:13: “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. A painting called “Checkmate” hung in a museum. It showed a chess board where one player’s king was trapped in the corner by his opponent’s queen and other pieces. One day a well-known chess champion was touring the museum. Seeing the painting, he gestured with a shout: “It’s a lie! The king has another move.” We, too, feel hemmed in like there’s no escape. At such times, we lash out when well-meaning help seems to slow or robotic? We grow agitated when aches and pains and sadness and stress overwhelm us. We feel powerless to misfortune. One moment, we vent. Then, we recoil even from those who care for us. Self-pity sets in. Our self-esteem plummets. We feel cornered with no way out. At such times, we fear, suspect, and distrust the things folks do for us. We get squeezed between self-preservation and pushing away the gifts our Lord gives us to support our body and life. The pious solution sounds so trite! “Just trust! Have faith! Cheer up. Be positive.” We’ve heard and tried to heed all such platitudes and fallen--crushed by their weight….cornered like that king who seemed to have no escape. But, thanks be to God, who has saved us who cannot help ourselves. God did not spare His only Son, but handed Him over for us all. Jesus, the Son of God, really bore our limitations. He, too, was hungry, despised, mistreated, tired. He, too, faced temptations to give in, to surrender to Satan’s craving for power. Thanks be to God. He overcame such temptations. And, because He overcame them, He, our Lord, Savior, and champion gives us more than just a way out of a corner. He came to show us His and our heavenly Father is not removed and distant but cares for each of us amidst our greatest needs. He comes aware of our weaknesses and frustrations because, though sinless, He faced them all in our place. Jesus returns our sad, depressed lack of assurance to His cross. There, nearly two thousand years ago, He took our disrespect, our anger, our impatience, upon His nail-pierced, thorn-punctured body to death. What a throne for a King, our King!—hanging crucified while Roman soldiers cast bids for His clothing and Jewish leaders hurled their snears at Him! He was cornered—like one who had no way out! But, Jesus triumphed over all our sin, over all the world’s jeering, over all our complaints and anxiety. That’s why He turns us to His reward—free for the trusting. Jesus has provided His cross—the way out of our sin, doubt and spiritual weariness. For we know that Satan, the world, and our sinful flesh would guide us into believing there is no hope or way out. That unholy triple alliance would have us think we are checkmated. But, Jesus restores our trust through the consolation of friends, relatives, and pastors. He speaks through the words of Scripture which we read in daily devotion. He still provides those helping hands and all we need to care for our body and life. The King, our Lord does have another move. Soon, He will come to take us to heaven for life eternal. WHAT’S FOR DINNER? This month, we are having sandwiches, chips, fruit salad, and ice cream sandwiches. As always, let us know if you have any dietary needs. We look forward to seeing you at the blind outreach meal of the month. You don’t have to join anything to join us for an afternoon of food, fun, and fellowship! IT’S A GREAT DAY FOR SINGING What’s your favorite hymn or spiritual song? This month, we will have a casual hymn sing. No worries if you don’t know all the words! Print and Braille copies of several songs will be provided. Remember, you don’t have to join anything to join us for dinner, devotion, fun, and fellowship on August 28 from 12:00-2:00 PM. REMINDERS 1. CD’s of previous weeks’ services at Holy Cross will be available at the meal. 2. 2. We offer the newsletter in large print, Braille, and email formats. 3. 3. We offer free rides to and from each meal of the month. If you so desire a ride, please, let us know by Wednesday, August 25 so we have time to arrange everyone’s transportation. 4. 4. If you are taking Share A Fare to and from the meal, remember to schedule it at least a day in advance for the address at the top of this newsletter. It is helpful if you let me know you are coming by Share A Fare also or are coming with a spouse/family member, etc. so that we know how much food to prepare. 5. 5. Do you wish to receive a devotional magazine in Braille, large print, or on cassette? Call the Lutheran Library for the Blind at (888) 215-2455. They have a wide selection for people of all ages. TIME FOR TALENT In September, we will host a talent show to conclude our time together. So, bring your humor and make us laugh with some jokes. Bring your voice and sing. If you can play piano, let us hear your song. It’ll be one way we can get to know each other better. COMMUNITY CALENDAR September 3, 2010: Allied Workers of the Blind; call Terrie Arnold to find out more about meeting times and location at (816) 363-6658. September 6, 2010: Labor Day September 11, 2010: First Steps for the Blind; call Cathy Pyper at (816) 455-5219 for more information and meeting times. September 15, 2010: First Steps for the Blind; an evening alternative. September 16, 2010: Blinded Veterans of America; call Ed Reyes at (816) 454-3312 for more information and resources. September 18, 2010: Progressive Council of the Blind; Call Scott Vrogendewy for more information at (816) 213-8222. September 18, 2010: National Federation of the Blind; Call Ruby Polk to learn more about the NFB at (816) 505-9993. September 25, 2010: Holy Cross Blind Outreach meal of the month; Call David Rosenkoetter at (816) 805-7333 or Ruby Polk at (816) 505-9993 for more information and to reserve a ride to and from the meal. Worship at Holy Cross Lutheran Church: Sunday morning: Worship at 8:00 and 10:45 AM Bible Class at 9:30 AM Wednesday evening: Worship at 7:00 PM Please call the church office at (816) 452-9113 to find out more about Holy Cross Lutheran Church. David Rosenkoetter, Director (816) 805-7333 Assistants: Ruby Polk (816) 505-9993 Shirley Grauel: (816) 587-5406 Now, may the Lord direct your days and your deeds in His peace. ____________________________________________________________ Notre Dame Certificates 100% Online Programs in Negotiation Leadership and Mgmt. 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