LENT & EASTER SCHEDULE
Wednesday, Feb 18 - ASH WEDNESDAY
Sunday, Mar 29 - PALM SUNDAY
Thursday, April 2 - MAUNDY THURSDAY
Friday, April 3 - GOOD FRIDAY
Sunday, April 5 - EASTER
ASH WEDNESDAY - FEB 18
The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18. There are two opportunities to participate in this solemn day. Pastor Ed will be offering "Ashes to Go" in C&C's sanctuary from 7 AM to 9 AM (takes approximately 2-3 minutes). There will also be a Worship Service at 7 PM with the imposition of ashes and Holy Communion in the sanctuary.
LENTEN BOOK STUDY - STARTING FEB 22
Join Pastor Ed and Carolyn Ramsey for a study of Walter Brueggemann’s book Remember You Are Dust. In this thoughtful and timely work, Brueggemann reflects on how remembering that we are dust creates space for God’s steadfast love to meet us right where we are—holding together two essential truths at once: we are dust, and we are beloved.
Copies of the book will be available in the Narthex beginning Sunday, February 15, for $10. You’re welcome to read the book on your own using a study guide provided by the congregation, or you can join a discussion group that will meet after worship on Sundays during Lent, beginning February 22.
If you have questions, please see Carolyn or Pastor Ed!
MISSION TRIP MEETING - FEB 22
Our intergenerational trip is set for July 12–16! Once again, we’re headed to beautiful western Pennsylvania for a few days of service, faith formation, and mountaintop adventure.
The cost is $400, and anyone age 12 or older is welcome (participants under 18 must be accompanied by a designated adult).
We will hold our first planning meeting on Sunday, February 22, after worship. This meeting is open to those who are already planning to attend as well as anyone who is still considering joining us.
If you’re unable to attend in person, please reach out to Laura Strietelmeier for an online option. Laura is also happy to answer any questions and can be reached at 419-309-9358.
MIDWEEK SOUP SUPPERS & HOLDEN EVENING PRAYER - STARTING Feb 25
Beginning February 25 and continuing Won ednesday evenings until March 25, Cross & Crown will be offering a midweek soup supper at 6:00 pm, followed by Holden Evening Prayer at 6:45 pm.
Host teams will provide set up and clean up, and volunteers will provide the soup.
Due to our current situation, this is a carry-in and carry-out event. If you provide a soup, please bring a ladle. If you are attending the supper, please bring your own dinnerware.
The service will be over in time for choir practice.
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY - SUNDAY SCHOOL RESTARTS
Sunday School
Children ages 3 – 4th grade are invited to join us for Sunday School beginning at 9:15 on Sunday, February 1. We will gather in the Sunday School Room (Room 107).
Volunteers & Donations Needed
We are looking for help to make our year a success. Please consider signing up to help share the good news with our youngest members. We are in need of volunteers to share a bible story and lead a craft or game each week. All materials, training, and support are provided. We also need donations of a peanut- and tree-nut-free snack each week for 25 children. If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Stocks.
Text Updates
Interested in joining the Children's Ministry text updates? These Saturday updates will provide reminders about programming and other opportunities for kids. If you would like to be added to the list, please text CCLKIDS to 888-232-1950. If you have any issues signing up, please talk to Pastor Ed or Lisa.
MEN'S BIBLE STUDY - FEB 21, MARCH 7, 21
The Men's Bible Study meets every other Saturday at Cross & Crown. Upcoming discussions are on Saturday, February 21, and March 7 and 21, 2026, at 8 am. For questions about the men's bible study, contact Ron Hanson.
Peter Panda Preschool Registration Now Open!
Registration is open for the 2026–2027 school year! Peter Panda Preschool welcomes children ages 1–5 for a nurturing, play-based program.
Days: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday
Time: 9:00–11:30 a.m.
Extended day: Available each day until 2:00 p.m.
Ages: 1–5 years
For more information, please contact Angie Carroll, Director
Email: peterpanda@cclutheran.com
Phone: 317‑370‑5380
Please share this information with anyone you know that has a preschooler.
SUMMER DAYS TOGETHER - SAVE THE DATE: June 7-11
Save the Date
Summer Days Together will be held this year from Sunday, June 7, to Thursday, June 11. Summer Days Together is open to congregation members, friends, and family of the congregation. Children and a caregiver come together for worship, service, fellowship, and fun each day. More details and registration information will be coming soon. If you have any questions before, please reach out to Lisa.
Purchasing Replacement Items for C&C
As the restoration at Cross & Crown continues, we are grateful for the many ways our church family wants to help.
Unfortunately, many of the church’s contents were not salvageable and will need to be replaced. While our insurance will cover these costs, we ask that any replacement items be approved by the appropriate ministry leader before purchase.
Please take a moment to consult with your ministry leader before purchasing anything. Your care and attention help ensure that resources are used wisely as we continue to restore our church home.
Ministry leaders will share monthly updates with the Church Council on all purchases, large and small, so that the whole community can stay informed and connected in this work.
Below are the ministry leaders and their contact information:
Sharing Place ALERT
Temporary Facility
The facilities that house our Sharing Place food pantry are undergoing renovations. As a result, they will be temporarily relocating operations to Servants of Christ Lutheran Church on Oaklandon Avenue.
The pantry will be closed briefly from February 19 through March 2. During this time, please hold your donations for one Sunday—February 22. After that, we will return to our usual routine.
Their current needs remain the same: Corn Flakes, pork and beans, toilet paper, spaghetti and sauce, cooking oil—or monetary donations (please see Stan).
Thank you, as always, for your continued generosity and support!
DONATIONS FOR OUTREACH INDIANA
Outreach Indiana is in need of a lot of things to help the children ages 14 to 26 that are either homeless or are living on a couch in someone else’s home, or in a home with no support. Whatever you can put in the barrel in the Narthex, will get to them. Thank you in advance!
Clothes
Personal hygiene items:
Snacks & Water
Thank you all for your support, the staff at Outreach are so appreciative.
“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.” (Mark 9:37)
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.
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
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.
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