RAYS of HOPE JOURNAL...RAYS of HOPE JOURNAL June 2020, Volume 38, Issue 6 Love Transform Serve...

RAYS of HOPE JOURNAL June 2020, Volume 38, Issue 6

Love ● Transform ● Serve

Pentecost on May 31st will be the 12th week of digital worship of some kind since our new reality of COVID-19 has bid us to remain physically distanced for the health and safety of our community. We prayerfully completed our journey through Lent. We marked Holy Week and Easter in new and faithful ways. And now we have completed the great 50 day journey through Easter largely apart. This has been a time of challenge, inspiration, anxiety, and hope. The challenge of not being able to gather in worship and school is held in tension with the inspiration of seeing new and creative ways in which God has connected us through worship and school at a distance. From the inspiring teachers, staff, and families that moved our whole school ministry operation online to the group of dedicated core worship team that has offered opportunities to worship in spirit and truth, God continues to connect and communicate grace through the body of Christ. Greg and Nancy Morrison, Amy Ellis, Richard Hielkema, Laura Berndt and Jon McClain have been a blessing to share this unique and uninvited season to make worship with you faithful and honest. Thanks to their work and your comment of greetings and peace, I have certainly felt God ’s presence each week. I hope you enjoy some of their reflections in this newsletter. This time has also brought anxiety and hope. I am as anxious as you are to gather in worship again. I miss your hugs and handshakes and at the same time I am anxious in navigating this new reality safely. The hard truth is that this virus is most contagious through the air and large group gatherings carry significant risk. The recent state guidelines for houses of worship requires the discontinuation of choirs and singing for this very reason (something hard for this musician to accept!). Looking at the good probability that even as things reopen online worship will be the primary means to worship in spirit and truth, I am also filled with hope. The hope of new ways to gather safely and be church: like gathering safely in small groups in prayer, study, and service; like utilizing our outdoor space to meaningfully connect; like safely visiting one another so that everyone knows God’s continued presence on the journey. In the middle of this new reality of challenges, inspiration, anxiety and hope, is the good news that God is faithful. And so we move forward together not in fear, but in faith continuing to worship in spirit and truth. Even when that looks a little different. Peace, Pastor Adam

Worship During The New Reality

of COVID-19 God is spirit, and those who worship God must worship in spirit and truth. John 4:24

RAYS OF HOPE JOURNAL June 2020

Cross of Hope Lutheran Church and Schools 6104 Taylor Ranch Road NW

Albuquerque, NM 87120 Phone Number: (505) 897-0047 E-mail: [email protected]

On the web at: www.crossofhope.org New: [email protected]

This Journal of Cross of Hope Lutheran Church is published each month for the enrichment of the mission (“Loving God • Transforming Relationships • Serving Others”), for the life of the people of God at Cross of Hope and our community.

WE WANT YOUR NEWS ITEMS

Deadline is 10th of the month for the following month’s edition. Send E-mail articles to [email protected] or deliver to church office.

Pastor: The Rev. R. Adam Berndt

Production Editors: Cheri Sorensen, Linda Willoughby Editorial Staff: Beth Cretsinger Nancy Morrison Forrest Uppendahl Karen Wilson

Columnists: Kathy Albin Patty Westerfield

Contributors: The Church Mouse Reporter: and Writer: Beth Cretsinger

Council Communication: Pat Benchik, President Council Executive Assistant: Margie Reed

Stewardship Stewardship involves your time, talent and treasure. Contact the church office for assistance in getting started in any of our ministries. Please remember Cross of Hope in preparing your will.

New Address Update Mary Rutland Life Spire Assisted Living 7500 Oakland Ave NE, Room #1 Albuquerque, NM 87113

Email Address Changes

Tim Fuller: [email protected]

Sharon Halstead: [email protected]

By Richard Hielkema, Music Director As many of you have noticed we have been making music a bit differently as of late. It is certainly not our norm to have such small groups gather (if any at all) and still try to present harmonious worshipful sounds for all those tuning in. One way we have tried to incorporate as many willing people as possible is a music app called Acapella. This app allows for up to 9 participants (at least at the level we are using) to add their gifts of music, being voice or instrument together with a hopeful end result of a blended, balanced song. Although the end results do often turn out well, many of our participants will agree that it is also a time to practice great patience as there were and still are some challenges that go along with these recordings. It requires certain headphones or ear buds, understanding the apps instructions, and the time it takes with internet nowadays to "import, render and upload" have been a bit trying. However, when the song comes together and the final mix lines up it is truly a joy to listen and view the hard work of our musicians here at Cross of Hope! Check out our facebook page or our youtube channel for many of our Acapella productions Pictured left to right from top: Cinda Wiley, Mitchell Frazer, Jon McClain, Syndey Reynolds, Amy Ellis, Trisha McClain.

Making Music Via Acapella

mailto:[email protected]



Council Corner Psalm 34:17 When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles.

Written by Margie Reed, Council Executive Assistant:

Approved by Pat Benchik, Council President

The last three months have been busy times for the Church Council. We have met weekly while doing the business of the Church via Zoom. As different beliefs about COVID-19 have changed, we are following the guidelines of ELCA to reopen the Church and gather to worship when it is safe.

The number one question on peoples’ minds is when will the Church be ready to open. Several options are being considered. Perhaps, holding services outdoors will be the first step. It will be quite an undertaking to keep our social distancing since COH has such friendly members who love to hug one another.

In the meantime, Pastor Adam continues to provide us with on-line daily devotions, Sunday services and support. This has become a vital part of each day.

The south parking lot project was completed last week. The striping is finished. Bright red curbs have been painted. The number of handicap parking spaces has increased.

The Great Hall remodel continues. The crosses and bulletin boards have been hung on newly painted walls. We are now awaiting the installation of the new logo, wayfinding signs, welcome signs and several surprise improvements.

As we all become more aware of the importance of cleanliness, the building is being deep cleaned, the bathrooms have been scrubbed, ceiling vents have been cleaned and new ceiling tiles have been installed. Sanctuary tables, door handles, doorknobs, tables, chairs, switch plates, nursery toys and just about everything else is being wiped down daily in preparation for the return of our members.

A big Shout Out is warranted for our wonderful teachers for their quick pivot when we all became quarantined. Classes continued after the shutdown in mid-March because our teaching staff implemented internet-based remote-learning. The teachers’ commitment and diligence continues as they plan for school to resume in August.

Please consider volunteering for the Church Council next fall. Five of the council members’ terms are expiring. We are tentatively scheduling the congregational annual meeting for September when we will be electing new council members.

Please continue to pray for a healthy recovery for our community and our great country.

Blessings

God’s Hand Reaching out Photo by John McWilliam

Goals: To provide guidance to all who participate in any form of communication, to create clear, concise, consistent communication to the members, friends of the church, and the community. Vision: To further develop COH's warm, welcoming environment and help showcase a spiritual identity to members of our community Accomplishments: Introduced and distributed new church logo/car decals to all members for external recognition of

our church. Held "Stakeholders and Interested Church Members" meeting and walkthrough of the plans to

Re-Brand the Great Hall (G H). Created a Project Plan from the feedback received at that meeting, assigning "Zone" Project

Leaders with Milestones and Responsible Parties. Communicated above Project Plan, along with a Prioritization of Projects to church leadership

and stakeholders to be completed as funds became available.

Started the first project of removing all wall hangings and painting in the G H, including a focus wall to draw the eye to the Worship Area. This color was one of the Brand Colors and continued the flow of colors from the outside of the church into the G H.

Developed a Themed Program for the Christmas Holiday Season "You Have Come Home, We

See You, You Belong" based on a quote by Deacon Erin Power of the Rocky Mountain Synod. The program included:

Signage ROH articles Invited guest speakers Coordinated program with: Youth, Adult Education, Music Ministry, Marketing Materials Facebook posting + Live Events Letters to members who have left the church and recent visitors Future endeavors include new signage, social media campaigns, sermon series, branding

efforts inside and outside COH and new partnerships with local advertising and publication agencies.


Marketing + Communication Team Gavin Leach, Lead of the M+C Team

Sunday May 24, High School graduates Caitlein Bye-McCleskey, Audrey Zimmer, Sydney Reynolds, Mitchell Frazer, and Walter Hubbard were presented quilts handmade to match their personal interests by the Banner Babes.


Kaley McClain 3

Sean Dennis 3

Walter Alston 3

Patty Westerfield 4

Sean Moser 4

Corinne Walker 6

Kellie Webb 6

Kelly Moser 9

Wendy Harrison 11

Russ Sorensen 13

Elizabeth Carlson 13

Ron Wirths 13

Jonathan McClain 15

Harry Owens 17

Gretchen Comfort 18

Alejandro Abeyta 19

Laurie Weiss 20

Betty Banks 22

Claudia Beck 22

Noah Venegas 22

Aubrey Zimmer 25

Patrice Leddy 26

Michael Sedillo 26

Nancy Lacher 27

Mike Westerfield 27

Ken Anselmi 30

Gregory and Nancy Morrison 6 39 years

Karen and Alan Schwartz 10 53 years

Pat and Laura Benchik 14 40 years

Leeon and Diane Carrico 17 59 years

Jeff and Michele Moser 19 27 years

Bill and Gem Harris 19 49 years

John and Nancy Lacher 20 39 years

William and Lois Casto 25 26 years

Adam and Laura Berndt 25 10 years

Ron and Jane Cordova 28 45 years

PhilipWangberg and Pat Holman 28 48 years

John and Dawna Pascarella 30 53 years

Members of COH unable to worship with us on a regular basis.

Heart Strings

Betty Banks c/o Chip and Pat Davis

831-0249 300 Camino Siete SW

Albuquerque, NM 87105

Norma Goewey 505-890-7614

5604 Haynes Dr NW Albuquerque, NM 87120

Carroll Werling

2331 Westside Blvd SE #202

RIO RANCHO, NM 87124

Mary Rutland Life Spire Assisted Living 7500 Oakland Ave NE, Room #1 Albuquerque, NM 87113

Karen Reiten

899-1504 4841 Shin Avenue NE

Rio Rancho, NM 87144

John Fries The Retreat Villas

4060 Jackie Rd SW #16 Rio Rancho, NM 87124

Carol Sabrowsky 1250 Northland Dr

Apt 110 Princeton, MN

55371

Book Club News

Here are some books to consider reading during the suspension:

“We Carry Kevan” by Kevan Chandler

“Peaceful Neighbor: Discovering the counterculture Mister Rogers” by Michael G. Long


Reflections On The Way Certainty in a Time of Uncertainty

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding … (Proverbs 3:5) By Kathy Albin, Licensed Counselor

So here we still are in a situation we figured would last a few weeks turning now into months, with no clear end in sight. Life as we knew it seems to have vanished, with uncertainty becoming the norm. What began as a collective good-faith effort to tolerate major disruption for a while has given way to weariness, fear, and division. What began as an opportunity to share in our common humanity to battle a common foe (COVID-19) has turned into wariness about our future and each other.

We’ve all been impacted, some differently than others, which naturally lends to divisive reactions among us. Thousands have either lost their lives or those close to them. Millions have lost their jobs and/or their businesses, some never to return. And in the midst of it all, we are hungry for connection, and not the virtual kind. We are looking for some kind of certainty. We ache for the life we knew. How to go forward safely has become the big dilemma, given the abundance of information and opinion. In the meantime we have those in authority making decisions for us in how we live our lives in ways we’re not used to, for the health of everyone. But this has caused a growing unrest among us. The longer the situation goes on, more clearly becomes the need for balancing both public health and wellbeing. So how do we balance both personal freedom and public safety? Is there a point where imposed solutions create more sacrifice than is necessary? And can we not work toward reasonable and sustainable practices for all in going forward? Plenty of blame and criticism abounds as to the origin and handling of the pandemic. That is not helpful. Rabbi Harold Kushner has taught that focusing on why a crisis happened only distracts from action once the crisis has happened. Disagreement among us Americans has been the case ever since our first President, George Washington, yet we still have the freedom to let our voices be heard. Though for the time being we have lost some freedom in how we go about our everyday lives, we have not lost the freedom and choice in where we place our focus and energy. Our mental and spiritual health depend on it. For me, these two are well accomplished by the Serenity Prayer: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. We may not all agree on decisions being made for us in this present time, but we can decide for ourselves how to manage our emotional, physical, and spiritual health as much as possible. How we treat ourselves and others matters; Jesus in fact commanded it. Remember that phrase, Together we will get through this? Showing God’s love is how. For me, a good guide is from Galatians 5:22, the fruit of the spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. God gave us free will to believe in Him and His authority. Our task is to discern what is coming from God (love-based guidance) and what isn’t (fear-based distractions from God). We have a lot to learn from this pandemic, and I hope one of them is not about staying fearful. Sickness will still happen. Bad choices will still be made. We will never all agree. But we can each do our part to contribute to the common good, else continue in fear and despair. We have a choice in whether this major challenge breaks or strengthens us: We can remember our many remaining blessings, and maybe even realize some benefits that have arisen out of the pandemic, like keeping safer but reasonable public-health guidelines going forward. Cleanliness and hygiene are good! Staying hijacked by fear is not. We can be certain God wants to us to choose life, and have it abundantly!


Getting to Know Russ and Mary Pat Edwards

Lunch Bunch Coordinators

Pat was born in San Antonio, TX in 1935 during the "Great depression". She lived there for a few years until her parents moved in with her grandmother in Tulsa, OK. After World War II ended, she moved to Albuquerque, NM where she completed her schooling and graduated from Highland High School in 1953. Highland had just opened 4 years earlier, and became the 2nd Protestant high school in Albuquerque, which at the time had a population of about 53,000 people. She enrolled at the University of New Mexico and within a few days met Russ, who would become her husband in July of 1954.

Russ was born in Madison, WI in 1930 and went through school there. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin with an engineering degree in February of 1953. He entered the Air Force immediately and was stationed at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX for indoctrination. After receiving training in Biloxi, MS he was transferred to Sandia Base (it has since closed) on the Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, where he received training to become an Atomic Weapons Officer, working with the "Fat man" atomic bomb (this was the 2nd bomb that was dropped on Japan that ended the war). Pat and Russ were stationed at Roswell, NM and Rapid City, SD, and then left the Air Force in March of 1955.

Russ accepted a job with a division of the Borg Warner Corp in Rockford, IL. A few months later Pat became employed with the same company, as a secretary. In February of 1958 our first child, a son, was born. Pat retired and became a "Stay at home mom". Two more children would follow. In 1968 we built a home in the country on a golf course, 15 miles North of Rockford, outside a small town named Roscoe, IL We had a wonderful 25 years living there. The kids went to county schools and received an excellent education.

Russ eventually transferred into sales and flew enough to receive a lot of "Frequent flier miles" which at the time were very generous. He and Pat were able to fly all over the world.

One memorable trip allowed us to fly free to Australia with a "Stop over" in Japan. We also visited New Zealand on that trip. Subsequent trips took us to Europe, Yugoslavia, Turkey and Scandinavia.

Next it was time for the kids to go off to college at the U. of Montana, Northern Illinois, and Tennessee. Pat went back to work at Beloit College, which was located in Beloit, WI about 6 miles from our home, as secretary to the registrar. She earned enough money to pay for our children's college education, so they didn't have to deal with student loans. They have paid us back by being nice children, never causing any problems, and are successful in life.

Russ retired in 1993 after working for 38 years and we moved to Albuquerque to get away from the severe Winter weather that the Midwest dishes out every year. We have had a busy and wonderful retirement here, taking advantage of all the activities that Albuquerque offered, including concerts at the zoo, bio park, art museum, and Popejoy Hall. Russ has played golf on the many beautiful courses that are available at a reasonable cost.

50th Wedding Anniversary 2014

Continues on page 8


We continued our world traveling with cruises and trips to Chili, Argentina, and Russia. We have attended over 20 Elderhostels all around the lower 48 states, and have visited all of the 50 states.

We joined Cross of Hope, soon after moving here and have been members for over 26 years. Russ became the property manager and served for about 8 years. Pat volunteered in the Sunday school and office. Pat was a guide at the art museum and Russ helped build many homes for Habitat for Humanity. Russ is a member of the Duke City Bridge Center, and was the property manager for about 10 years. He continues to play duplicate Bridge there and works out at the Presbyterian Healthplex, where he has many friends.

We will celebrate our 66th wedding anniversary on July 24th. Our most memorable trip was to the Broadmoor Hotel at Colorado Springs, CO, to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary.

We have 8 grand children and 9 great grandchildren and still counting, living in Montana, Florida, Oregon, Idaho, and Albuquerque.

Submitted by Russ and Pat Edwards

Community Sharing Co-existing with Corona Virus For Rudy and I, online church service has been a learning experience needless to say. We had never utilized Facebook Live and/or YouTube. Oh, we had a vague understanding of what to do, and I view pictures and updates from my niece's Facebook page, but to actually log in, know where to go, and make comments was a lesson we quickly learned. I have become more computer savvy than ever before. I attended " Zoom" to celebrate my great nephew's 4th birthday. And I assisted my twin sister, Terrie, with Google Duo to conduct Max's therapies. From the get go, we would like to thank Pastor Adam, Richard, Amy and Nancy for their hard work and effort put forth each week to bring us together and CONNECT. And to those behind the scenes.. Laura, Addy, Bennie, Jon McClain, Greg Morrison I believe... THANK YOU!

I value beginning each day with a live devotion and the opportunity to review at a later time if necessary. Sugar, Addy, and Benny add to the delight. Initially, I wondered "What would Easter be like?" Throughout my childhood, my father and mother were always involved musically in church. My father had a beautiful tenor voice and led the choir, my mother was the organist/pianist. Easter Sunday, us kids dressed in our Easter finery were stationed in the front row as my mother and father conducted an Easter Cantata. Over the past 30 plus years, Rudy and I have trekked to Chimayo as our Easter pilgrimage and until we joined Cross of Hope, we had not attended an Easter morning service in several years. I was amazed and delighted by the offerings throughout 2020 Easter Vigil. Individuals, both adult and children, brought hope, joy and love to their stories, songs and readings.

Music has always been a huge part of my church upbringing. I can still hear my father singing "How Great Thou Art". I have enjoyed the "song of the day", however the song that has resonated the most with me, uplifted my spirit and brought me immense joy is Pastor Adam's solo "Never Walk Alone". I replay that video several times a week. (Yes, I have learned "How To") In closing, nothing can replace the physical interactions we miss from our church family, however online services and spiritual offerings have closed the distance. Submitted by Sherrie Simek

Getting to know the Edwards continued from page 7

Sherrie and Rudy Simek


“We have had some fun and exciting events happening in the preschool this semester.

A ranger from the Petroglyph National Monument gave a presentation to our three year old classes on the animals who live in our southwest desert. He brought stuffed animals and animal skins

to show the children. The children really enjoyed this and learned a lot about the wild animals that live right here in our own backyard.

The four year old classes visited the Cross of Hope Kindergarten. They toured the classroom and met the teachers. Mrs. McClain read them a fun story and they did a fun art activity to go along with the story.

Bosque Dental came to the preschool and taught the children the importance of brushing their teeth daily and eating a healthy diet in order to keep their teeth healthy

and strong.

We have had some parents come to the preschool to share about their jobs:

One of our Butterfly parents came to teach the children about what happens when you go into the hospital. He brought a big stuffed animal for the children to practice their doctor skills on.

Another Butterfly parent taught the children about how our eyes work and how to keep them healthy.

One of our Busy Bees and his family shared their family’s tradition by having their Lion Dancer troop come to perform a Lion Dance for us. It was wonderful

Continued on page 10

“Train up a child in the way that he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

Mary Sue Hale, Preschool Director

“Cross of Hope Preschool teaches children the truths of God in a loving environment through a quality educational program that respects each child’s development.”


During this season of registration I am involved in conducting tours for families who want to know more about our preschool. I love showing families our wonderful, amazing preschool. I know that if I can get parents in the door to see our preschool they are sold. They see busy children actively engaged in fun and exciting learning experiences. They hear the happy voices of the children as they move about the room talking with their friends and teachers. They see loving, knowledgeable, skilled teachers who have carefully prepared the learning environments and are actively engaged with the children. I am also very pleased to be able to share with these visiting parents how committed this church community is to education and what a child friendly congregation Cross of Hope is. I was able to conduct several tours prior to the Covid19 quarantine. We are still continuing to register for the 2020-2021 school year and hope that once the quarantine is lifted we can conduct more tours! Since the quarantine began in March we have been engaging with our children and their families through a home centered preschool program. The teachers send out curriculum lessons and activities daily. In addition we have been providing children with videotapes of their teachers conducting Circle Time, music, Spanish, science lessons and reading stories just like they would do if they were here at the preschool. I have been sending the children videotapes of chapel times as well. We are also providing the children and families opportunities to socialize with their classmates via Zoom. These have been wildly fun for everyone involved. Even though we cannot be with the children physically, we are grateful for the technology that allows us to still be engaged with our children. We held End of Year Drive By and Parking Lot Graduations for the children. It wasn’t the same as doing it in person, but the events were fun and special for the children, parents and teachers! Thank you for your continued support of the ministry of Cross of Hope Preschool!

Preschool continued from page 9

It has been a great pleasure to get to know a great preschool director Mary Sue when she asked me if I’d like a job as the preschool helper I was a little nervous and what an interesting challenge that would be. But I tried it out and to this day I have enjoyed doing it. She was an awesome boss and if I

needed any help or a problem I’d always ask her for assistance and if there was ever an issue we’d work it out. But I have enjoyed working with her and I love the plays she’s directed and the cute pre-school graduations are so wonderful to watch. She has an done an excellent job and I’ve enjoyed helping her out and one memory I have is when she needed help with serving the cake she acci-

dentally dropped a piece of cake and was just laughing and asked me to finish serving the cake. I think she was nervous that day and overwhelmed with the graduation. But I loved working for her and with her. I will miss her so much. I’ve enjoyed sharing memories with her and chit chatting with her as well. You are very special and blessed Mary Sue. Enjoy your retirement and everything else

you will be doing. Love Florence Begay

Thank You to Mary Sue


When you need these services, please think of Rays of Hope sponsors.

We thank them for their continued support in offsetting the costs (by $10 per month) associated with producing Rays of Hope each month.

Cross of Hope Church and Schools Congregational Council Team 2019-2020

[email protected]

Pastor Adam Berndt, Pat Benchik - President, Nancy Lacher - Vice President,

Sam Jones - Secretary, Susan Mann-Biddison, Gavin Leach, Morgan Leach, Jane Fuller, Margie Reed.

HeBrews...a cup of joy! At COH Church and Schools

Open on Sundays and for Special Events!

Featuring coffees, teas, special drinks and offering baked goods, muffins, scones, cookies and more! With comfy chairs, areas to relax, books and magazines to read.

Cross of Hope Preschool Nationally Accredited Mary Sue Hale, Director

6104 Taylor Ranch Rd NW Albuquerque, NM 87120-2639

(505) 899-0928

[email protected] www.crossofhope.org

6104 Taylor Ranch Road, NW (505) 897-1832 email: [email protected] website: www.crossofhope.org

Cross of Hope Elementary School Debra Alba

Director of Elementary School Ministry

L. Joseph Poyner

Interesting Perspectives


ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

6104 Taylor Ranch Road NW

Albuquerque, NM 87120

C R O S S O F H O P E L U T H E R A N C H U R C H A N D S C H O O L S

Rev. R. Adam Berndt, Pastor

505-897-0047 • [email protected] www.crossofhope.org

Facebook Page: Cross of Hope Church

Worship Times: Sunday Worship: 8:30 and 10:45 A.M. Faith Formation: 9:45 A.M. Wednesday Worship: 6:00 P.M.

Mission Statement Cross of Hope is a Spirit-centered com-munity that shares Christ’s love through worship, education and outreach to devel-op and strengthen relationships with God.

Cartoonist L. Joseph Poyner is always looking for ideas to draw enthusiastic COH church cartoons. If you have ideas please send Joe a note to [email protected]

Mary Sue at Preschool Chapel


RAYS of HOPE JOURNAL...RAYS of HOPE JOURNAL June 2020, Volume 38, Issue 6 Love Transform Serve...

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