ADULT EDUCATION

Join our Next Adult Sunday School Book Study


Starting on February 2, Pastor Ed will be leading a study of Sebastian Junger's book Tribe: On Homecoming & Belonging. We'll be meeting February 2, 9, 23 & March 2 at 9 AM. (no class on February 16). 


From the book's description: "Combining history, psychology, and anthropology, Tribe explores what we can learn from tribal societies about loyalty, belonging, and the eternal human quest for meaning." While not explicitly a Christian book, Tribe can inform us about our life together as a congregation and Pastor Ed will bring in a 'church component' to each session. 


Contact Pastor Ed if you would like to receive emails for the class or need a copy of the book ($12). 

DINNER CHURCH - FEB 5

Join us once again for a soup supper and short worship service on the first Sunday of the Month: February 5 from 6 PM to 6:50 PM. 


We aim for these experiences to be an opportunity for warm fellowship and a chance to take a deep spiritual breath in the middle of a busy week. Please talk to Pastor Ed if you have any questions.

Men's Bible Study Fellowship - FEB 15

Hey fellas, what a great new year's resolution - come join the Men's Bible Study Fellowship. We will be starting a new study of the Book of Acts looking at what happened after the death and resurrection of Jesus. We meet on the first, third and fifth Saturday's of each month at 8:00 in Fellowship Hall. Strengthen your faith; have good fellowship with other Christian men. COME JOIN US!


Upcoming Dates: Feb 15; Mar 1, 15, and 29


BOOK GROUP - FEB 24

The February book is The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store, by James McBride. The discussion will be held on February 24. For questions about the book group contact Alice Miley.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Family Game Day - February 8

A family game day will be held at Cross and Crown on Saturday, February 8 from 2-5 pm. There will be games for all ages or bring a favorite game of your own. You are encouraged to invite friends, neighbors and relatives to join you. Bring your own snacks and drinks will be provided. A Sign-Up Genius link will be provided in the weeks ahead. Come join in the fun and maybe win a prize!

 

Calling all Sports Fans - March 14

Please join your Cross and Crown friends for an Indy Fuel hockey match against the Kalamazoo Wings as part of Family and Faith Night on Friday, March 14 at 7pm. The event will be held at the new Fishers Event Center and there will be a reserved block of seats. The cost is $22 per person and a link to purchase tickets will be provided in the in the weeks ahead. Come join us for a fun and exciting evening!  

YOUTH UPDATES

Children's Sunday School

Sunday School for kids ages 3 – 6th grade is at 9:15 am. We need 3 volunteers each week to help lead our Sunday school classes. Click the button below to see dates and times that volunteers are needed. Snack signups are included as well. Volunteers are welcome to lead just once or on a more regular basis. Any time you can offer is valuable! 


If you have any questions, or would like more information about volunteering, please contact Lisa at lisastocks@cclutheran.com.


SEE VOLUNTEER SLOTS & SIGN UP



Paper Doves

Help us create paper doves for the MLK, Jr. service. Visit the table in the narthex to fold one (or more) paper doves to help us decorate for our annual MLK, Jr. service. If you have any questions, please contact Lisa.  


All Paws In!

The Cross and Crown Youth Group needs your help! We are collecting items for the Indy Humane Society as part of our Christmas service work. We are looking for donations of:

  • New, unexpired canned cat and dog food (most urgent need)
  • Soft cat and dog treats
  • New cat and dog toys
  • Bags of dry cat and dog food
  • New or gently used blankets, towels, sheets and wash clothes

Please drop off donations in the Narthex. Thank you for your help!

VIA DE CRISTO UPCOMING SESSIONS

Are you looking to strengthen your walk with Jesus?

Are you looking to have a deeper understanding of God's grace for you?

Do you enjoy good food and good fellowship as well? 


If so, you are invited to come attend a Via de Cristo (The Way of Christ) weekend!

There is no charge to those that want to attend. 


There are Men's (Feb 20-23) and Women's (Feb 27-Mar 2) weekends coming up at Camp Lakeview. For more information, please email Jim Ficorilli, Ray Smith or Fred Winter.

WELCOME TO THE C&C TEAM, ALYSSA ROBERTS!

The Cross & Crown council is excited to announce that a youth director has been hired: our very own Alyssa Roberts! She will be guiding our post-Confirmation students on their faith journey. Alyssa is excited to begin working with the youth. She has an education back ground and likes working with teenagers!

MUSIC NOTES

Thank you to all musicians who participated in summer musical offerings. If anyone in the congregation wishes to continue to offer music in worship during

the prelude or postlude from September to May, please reach out to Gayle Sarber and she will make it happen.


Cross and Crown vocal choir will resume rehearsals on Wednesday, September 4 at 7:00 pm. If you can sing a hymn you are welcome to join the choir! 


If you're interested in handbell choir, please contact Gayle as well. Practices are held on Sunday immediately after worship. There is always room for additional people!

INVITATION FOR LITURGICAL ARTISTS

In previous years, many of our members have created artwork for each Sunday’s reading. It was featured on bulletin inserts, sanctuary screens, and the hall bulletin board. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Our community has been deeply blessed by this creative and faith-filled art!


For 2024/25 we are excited to announce a new opportunity for artists of all ages and skill sets within our community! Pastor Ed has proposed a new Narrative Art Project: “to enhance the worship experience at Cross & Crown…to journey through the overarching story of Scripture.”


Overview of Two New Approaches to Our Artwork

  1. Seasonal Bulletin Covers: With background information given from Pastor Ed, artists will consider the biblical and liturgical themes and images for their designs on bulletin covers (Reformation, Advent, Lent, ‘Ordinary Time’ etc).
  2. Bulletin Doodles: Artists will create their original small drawings for personalized touches throughout our worship bulletins (Gather, Psalm, Creed, Blessing, etc).

Your artistic talents can bring these themes to life and enrich our worship experience.


Sign Up

If you feel called to contribute, please join our 2024/25 Design Team! Sign-up poster in the Narthex. Specifics for artists will follow in the coming weeks.


Questions? 

Ask Pr. Ed, Carolyn Ramsey, or Pam Ruble

Sharing Place

Volunteers Needed

The Sharing Place is in urgent need of additional volunteers. They have several areas where you can help: shoppers, sorting/stocking, and housekeeping. 


SEE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES


Donations

Also, keep those donations coming! Corn Flakes, egg noodles, pork 'n beans, spaghetti and sauce, toilet paper or money to Stan. Thanks for your help. Let's keep up the good work!

STEPHEN MINISTRY

Becoming a Stephen Minister is a life-transforming experience…an opportunity to serve God, help others, and grow in faith. Through a series of regular articles in the Connection, we will share what it means to become a Stephen Minister.

 

What Do Stephen Ministers Do?

Stephen Ministers make a real difference in the lives of people who are hurting. They walk alongside people going through life challenges like grief, divorce, a medical crisis, job loss, and more. They offer care, support, and encouragement, connecting hurting people with Christ’s healing love during some of the hardest times in their lives.


Stephen Ministers see God at work through their ministry. While trusting God is at the core of their ministry, Stephen Ministers regularly say how their faith deepens as they experience the training, learn to use distinctively Christian caring tools, and witness God at work in the lives of their Care Receivers.


Upcoming Classes

Stephen Ministry classes begin the week of Sept 9 and will conclude the first week of January, 2025. A list of the class topics are posted on the Stephen Ministry bulletin board in the hallway. The daytime classes will last approximately 90-120 minutes with some homework. Breaks in classes will be made for Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you are interested please speak with Pastor Ed or Ron Hanson.


Learn More

For more information about becoming a Stephen Minister please contact Pastor Ed at (317) 849-4500 or Ron Hanson, Stephen Leader, at (317) 430-2173 for a confidential conversation. Classes will begin in September at Cross & Crown.

Email Chris Lantz with Questions



Text Alerts

If you would like to be included on the church text alerts, send Chris Lantz an email with the mobile phone number you would like to receive the messages. This method of communication will not be used for prayer requests. 


Simply Giving

If you are tired of writing checks for your offerings and would like the convenience of electronic giving, then we invite you to consider the Simply Giving program. Contact Chris Lantz for details.


OFFERING

It takes financial resources to accomplish the work God has called us to do. Your generous offerings enable Cross & Crown to fulfill its mission to grow in faith, serve all in need, and gather every person to Christ. Our giving funds the daily operations of the church, fuels special projects, and supports our many core and outreach ministries. Remember our offerings are an important part of our worship even though we are not meeting in person.


Giving Options

  • Cash or Check - Checks should be made out to “Cross & Crown Lutheran Church.” At in-person services, checks or cash can be put into the offering basket. You can also mail your offering to Cross & Crown Lutheran Church, 5233 E. 79th St., Indianapolis, IN 46250.
  • Electronic Giving  If you would like to give via regular automated withdrawls, you can find more information and a sign up form here. Complete the form and mail it into the office along with a voided check.
  • Donate Online - We also offer secure online donations via our tithe.ly site. Click on the button below to make an online donation.

JOY FUND

If you find your self in financial hardship during the pandemic, Cross and Crown has a designated fund, called the Joy Fund, to help with unexpected nonrecurring expenses. Email Stacy Reid for more information.