Holy Cross
Episcopal Church
Weekly E-blast
Our Mission:
“Making Christ Visible in
God’s Community”
Announcements & Upcoming events
Masks MUST be worn at ALL TIMES when in ANY Holy Cross building.
This is in effort to keep our community safe. The mask mandate is not up for discussion or available for any exceptions. If you are over the age of 5 a mask is REQUIRED. This will help us be able to continue to worship together in person. Thank you for your understanding. -Jennifer
Dear Holy Cross Family,

It is time to prepare for our goodbye to our beloved Father Mike. There is no adequate thank you for his years of faithful, loving service to our church community. Although this time is fraught with many emotions, we can all enjoy one special event that will be a joyful celebration of Father Mike’s remarkable ministry among us. Please plan to gather for a buffet dinner and farewell presentations on December 4th at the Fox Run Country club from 6:00-9:00.
We are pleased to be able to offer this event at just $20/per person. This will include dinner and non-alcoholic beverages. There will be a cash bar for those wishing to enjoy other libations. We would appreciate receiving your reservation with payment as soon as possible so we can coordinate with the Country Club staff.
We would, of course, like to present Father Mike and Deb with a generous gift for them to use towards what they so love to do. Travel is their passion and how wonderful for them to receive our best wishes and a contribution to their future adventures! Please add your donation to your payment for the dinner. Payment can be made by check with “retirement” in the memo line, mailed or dropped off at the church office. If you are comfortable using My Holy Cross, payment may also be made there.
There will be a slide show to celebrate many of the special events that have made Father Mike’s tenure with us so meaningful. If you have anything you think would add to the show, please drop it off at the church office by November 1st. Sometimes the small moments are just as wonderful to recall!
A Memory Book will be compiled for Father Mike and we hope you will contribute a story, your memories, and/or anything you would like to say to our priest who has been such a part of our lives and spiritual journeys. You may bring your written or typed page to the church office or give to a committee member.
Please call the church office with any questions regarding this important event in the life of our parish. We hope to see you all on December 4th!

Sincerely,
Carol Cain
Heather Lutz
Marsha Jones
Pam Keown
Retirement Celebration Committee
Adult Forum Resumes
A study of Luke/Acts


Our study of Luke/Acts continues at 9:15 on Sunday in the parish hall (please wear your mask).
If you would like to join us from home, use the Zoom link below.
Michael Flanagan is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
 
Topic: Luke/Acts Bible study
Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime
 
Join Zoom Meeting
 
Meeting ID: 825 8709 5941
Passcode: luke


Beginning Sunday, September 26, at 9:15, we will gather in the parish hall (with masks and socially distanced) to begin an 11 week study of the gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles. We will study these together because they are actually a two volume set written by the same author.
I will be sending out a study sheet the Tuesday prior to Sunday’s gathering, so you are able to prepare if you wish. However, the reading will not be mandatory, it is for your benefit for the discussion.
If you miss a week, please feel free to return as soon as you are able.
September 26 – Week one - Introduction to Luke/Acts
October 3 – Week two - Luke 4:16-30
October 10 – Week three - Luke 10:25-37
October 17 – No Class - Coffee and Conversation
October 24 – Week four – Luke 12:22-34
October 31 – Week five - Luke 16:19-31 and preview of Luke 24:13-35
November 7 – Week six – Acts 1:1-11
November 14 – Week seven – Acts 6:1-7
November 21 – Week eight – Acts 9:1-22
November 28 (Advent 1) – Week nine – Acts 11:1-18
December 5 – Week ten – Acts 15:1-31
December 12 – Week eleven – Acts 16:16-40 and preview of Acts 28:23-31
If you would like to look ahead, the entire study can be found here:
It is downloadable for free.
See Holy Cross with New Eyes
Ok, what does this mean? For this year's stewardship campaign we have a theme which ties into our search and acceptance of a new rector for 2022. We have sent out a letter from Father Mike and me talking about the pledge drive and why it is important to think of Holy Cross and its ministries. Remember that God has put us to be on earth to be his stewards. Out of God's abundance, we need to return a share for God. We will continue to update you on the progress we are making toward a pledge total of $540,000 for 2022's operating budget.
 
You can make your pledge by returning the pledge cards or going to the PLEDGE LINK
You will get a confirmation to your email account when you pledge on line and save a stamp!
Thanks for your consideration,
John Ackerman, Stewardship Chairman
October 1-2
Beginning in late August, an update on the Women's Retreat Planning process was published through several of Holy Cross' communications channels. (If you missed it, please click here: bit.ly/hcwomen2021.) So far, four women have expressed interest in serving on the planning team and one has expressed interest in serving on the site search committee. Leaders for both teams are still needed, as well as a registration coordinator. While I plan to continue serving as retreat chaplain and can offer support and guidance to our planning team, strong lay participation is necessary to successfully host an event of this complexity. Realistically, in order to have an offsite retreat in 2022, all three leadership positions (retreat [co]chair, site search chair and registration coordinator) need to be filled by October 1. If you are interested, please contact me 864-967-7470 x105 or assistantrector@holycrossep.org. Thank you for your consideration! Rev. Erin+
Teens entering grades six through twelve are invited to participate in Holy Cross' Youth Group! We meet most Wednesday evenings during the school year. We gather at 6 and dismiss by 7:50. We share dinner and participate in fun and enriching activities, learning and discussion. Masks are required indoors except while eating, during which strict social distancing guidelines will be followed. Non-youth group families and individuals are invited to provide dinner for our teens. Our first meeting of the school year is Wednesday, September 8. For more information or to be added to our elist, please contact Rev. Erin at assistantrector@holycrossep.org or 864-967-7470, ext 105.
The bulletin for every Sunday will be sent out via Eblast on Fridays.
With social Distancing strongly recommended and our odd office hours we are asking everyone to send their pledge checks to the church P.O. Box.
Holy Cross
P.O. Box 187
Simpsonville, SC 29681

You can also contribute online through My Holy Cross. If you need any help with this please contact Jennifer Hellams and she will walk you through.

Please continue to give as you can.
Counseling service offered by
Holy Cross
We are proud to announce that Bobbie Godwin has agreed to offer counseling services to Holy Cross members for a reduced fee of only $50 per hour. Bobbie is a SC Licensed Professional Counselor and SC Licensed Addictions Counselor with over 20 years of experience.
You can schedule an appointment with Ms. Godwin by contacting her directly at 843-287-3760. Due to the current covid-19 pandemic, sessions will be held outside at our pavilion or in the Meeting Hall with masks and appropriate social distancing.
If you would like to submit anything for the weekly

announcements please email
[864-967-7470]  [secretary@holycrossep.org]  [holycrossep.org]