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United by Christ, We Reflect God’s Love Through Joyful Service to All People. - Holy Cross Mission Statement

I am very grateful to be part of the faith community at Holy Cross, and I feel so lucky to be part of the wonderful ministry and mission of this place.  Serving this congregation as the interim pastor, I get to offer my gifts to a mission and purpose that I truly believe in.  Holy Cross is a community that sincerely strives to welcome all people and does, in fact, take joy in service.  And I get to be a part of that!

On the first Wednesday night worship this year, I talked with the kids about the Good Samaritan story and Jesus’ call for us to “go and do likewise,” in serving our neighbor.  After telling them the Bible story, I mentioned that we would be doing pantry prep after worship and I asked them why they thought I was bringing that up.  The little kids did not miss a beat as they called out, “that’s how we serve our neighbor!  Giving food to people who need it!” I am honored to be part of a community where the joy of service is taught so clearly to even our youngest members.

Then, just last week, I was sitting in the sanctuary looking at the pride banners and remembering when they were first hung.  I remembered walking in and looking up as the banners were pointed out to me and starting to cry.  I remember being overwhelmed by the sense of relief that I felt seeing this symbol that spoke so clearly of love and acceptance - that made the sanctuary feel like a safe place for my family.  I am proud to be a part of that ministry - that welcome.

And this past Sunday (the last Sunday in September) I was overjoyed to see our children back in the sanctuary singing and signing about God’s love.  It was such a wonderful reminder of how this community welcomes and supports families and children as they grow in their faith.  Providing a caring environment where they are able to learn about God’s love for them in a way that will sustain them their whole lives.  What a blessing to be even a small part of that ministry.

This month we will have the opportunity to offer up our commitment to financially support the ministry of Holy Cross in the coming year as an act of worship on consecration Sunday, October 23rd.  Along with being a spiritual practice of generosity, our financial support is a way to participate in the mission and ministry of this community.  It is one of the many ways that we get to be a part of all the wonderful things this faith community is doing.

I feel such overwhelming joy at being able to offer my gifts - my spiritual gifts and my financial gifts - to Holy Cross Lutheran Church, because I believe in the mission of this place.  What I have to give is only one small piece of the puzzle, but it contributes to the larger, beautiful picture of love, welcome, and service, of which I am so grateful to be a part.

Pastor Heather Grell