CROSSWORDS by Pastor John Stiles

By the time you read this summer will be here in full swing… and there’s much to be thankful for in recent weeks! Here are just a few highlights of some of the events of this past month:

Volunteer Appreciation: As we wind up the year, a big thank you to all who helped out around here, from ministry champions and council members to teachers, worship leaders, property helpers, BeFrienders, office volunteers, you name it – there’s too many to list, but each one of you make a huge difference in helping us to fulfill our mission to spread the good news in Oakdale! THANK YOU everyone for your time this past school year! We acknowledge all our volunteers in worship on Sunday, May 18^th.

Sara Dankers, one of our preschool teachers, finished out her last day with us at the end of this school year. Now that all of her kids are in school she is seeking full-time hours elsewhere. It’s been great having Sara on staff! She started here at Holy Cross in the fall of 2005. The staff had a cake and card for her last month to show our appreciation. Best wishes to Sara in her new beginnings! She will be greatly missed around here!

Sweet Home Minnesota Kits: This month we wrapped up (literally) our care package items for the troops and sent them off to MN soldiers. Thanks to Robyn Aiken, with the Army National Guard, who spoke to our youth about the needs of soldiers. Thanks, also to all the members of Holy Cross who donated items for shipment. Pictured here is my brother, Rod Stiles, with his wife, Claire (R) and Ann Howes (L). Rod came to thank our youth on behalf of the USO for their efforts. All tolled, we sent 9 care packages out to Holy Cross soldiers! THANK YOU TO ALL WHO DONATED!

On a related note, there is a deployment ceremony on Saturday, May 31^st at the Minneapolis Convention Center for the 34^th Combat Aviation Brigade being deployed to Iraq. This represents over 700 Minnesota soldiers (11 from Oakdale). The event is free and open to the public.

ServFest ’08: We have been invited by Hope Evangelical Free Church (Oakdale) to take part in their ServFest on Sat. Aug. 9^th from 9-1 p.m. This is a one-day service project to support our area schools (Tartan, Skyview, Eagle Point and Oakdale Elementary). They work in conjunction with custodial staff and administrators to help with basic cleaning, painting and other odd jobs that need doing around the school. Contact the church office if you are interested in helping out. It is also a good way for H2H Confirmation students to earn service hours!

Thank a scout this summer! There’ll be a lot of them busily working toward their eagle projects with retaining walls and landscaping (Nick Boonstra), fencing near the entryway (Cody Fallin) and constructing a playground for our preschoolers (Brandon Deutsch-see photo). For their service and dedication to our community, we offer our heartfelt thanks!

That’s all for now! Here’s wishing you and yours a blessed summer! Thank you for your support of the many ministries at Holy Cross! We’ll see you in church!

Pastor John