Check the News & Calendar links as well.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM AND THE LCMS
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services enacted a rule in January 2012 under the “Affordable Care Act” requiring employers to provide access to health insurance that covers most forms of birth control, even those that can cause the death of an unborn child. The rule, or mandate, exempts churches but applies to other religious employers. On Feb. 10, President Obama announced an “accommodation” for religious employers, saying they would not have to cover birth control, but that insurance companies would provide free birth control, including “morning after” pills. The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) objects to the use of drugs and procedures that are used to take the lives of unborn children, who are persons in the sight of God from the time of conception. (from the LCMS.org website)
To read statements from Synod President, Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison,
and to view his testimony before the House Committee concerning the mandate, click on the following links:
http://lcms.org/page.aspx?pid=1330
"statement about religious freedom in light of the recent decision by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services requiring religious employers to cover contraceptives, even those that can kill unborn children"
http://lcms.org/page.aspx?pid=1357
"statement in response to President Obama’s health plan “accommodation” for religious groups, which was announced last week"
http://lcms.org/?pid=1374
February 16, 2012—The Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, president of the St. Louis-based Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, was one of several witnesses to give testimony today during the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform’s hearing, “Lines Crossed: Separation of Church and State. Has the Obama Administration Trampled on Freedom of Religion and Freedom of Conscience?”
Harrison’s full transcript and video from today’s hearing, as well as a video message and previous statements to the church, can be found at
COOK'S NIGHT OUT
Our next dinner fundraiser will be at Bosses Pizza on Monday, February 27 from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. 20 % of each check will be given back to Cross.In Oct. we earned $200 from Bosses! Flyers will be in next week’s bulletin.Just present the flyer to your server for the credit. Skip cooking and dishes and join us at Bosses for some great food and fellowship! If you have one, wear a Cross shirt!
PRAYER SERVICE
The Dorcas Guild General Meeting will be the 2012 LWML Prayer Service P.R.A.Y.E.R. on Tuesday, March 6th, at 7:00p.m., in the Parlor. The Ruth Circle will have refreshments. All ladies of the church are invited to attend. Hope to see you there.
LENTEN DEVOTION BOOKLETS
The Lenten Devotion Booklets are available and are located in the basket in the Narthex.
DAILY BIBLE READING SCHEDULE
Yellow sheets of paper containing a schedule for reading the Bible on a three-year plan are available on the table by the doors into the Sanctuary. Consider using that as part of your Vigorous Growth in God’s Word!
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORIES
The 2012 Membership Directories are now available. If you would like one, you may pick one up from the tan basket at the back of the Sanctuary.
NEW BIBLE STUDY
It’s Tough Being a Woman: A study of Esther. Would you like to join your fellow women for conversation and laughter; centered on the foundation of grace and mercy? Then please join us every 2nd and 4th Thursday at 6pm! Contact Nadine Fink or DCE Hailey Jo if you’re interested or have any questions!
MATERIALS NEEDED!
The World Relief Quilters need donations! They need material (any size and any type), sheets, blankets, comforters, bed spreads, mattress pads, curtains and drapes, and table cloths — stains and tears are ok. Please — no clothing. You may bring your items to the church office Monday through Friday. Thanks.
2012 OFFERING ENVELOPES
Members of the Cross Family! Your new offering envelopes for the 2012 year as well as your end of the year statements are in your boxes in the Fellowship Center. Please stop by and pick them up. Thank you!
