Throughout the building, you will see Call Process posters. We are currently in step one of the Preparation Phase:

“Transition Begin.” The Assistant to the Bishop we will be working with is Pastor Juliet Focken. Pastor Heather will serve as our full-time interim pastor throughout the call process. 

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

 Imagine the graffiti “Luther War Hier” plastered all over all over the castle walls, taverns, stables, and churches of the 16th Century Germany.  It is a protest.  It is the Reformation.

Click "Read More" for the Sunday School schedule and a fun fall family opportunity!

Confirmation schedule, NEW Sunday Morning opportunities, Pumpkin Party and more! 

What's new? Gloves are all the rage!

This forum is centered around individuals who interact with children in any capacity: friend, neighbor, family member, community member, parent, grandparent, childcare provider. Some of the content that we’ll discuss: 

• What is a picture book?
• How do picture books work? 
• How can I use a picture book to discuss difficult topics? 

Click "Read More" for more details.

Join us for one of our favorite events of the year! Click "Read More" for details and to sign up for our annual Hayrack Ride & Bonfire.

What kind of instrument do you play on Halloween?

...A SPOOKulele!!

It's that time of year again! Join us on Monday October 31st from 6-8 pm for our annual Trunk N Treat. Click "Read More" for details and to sign up to decorate your trunk!

Siblings in Christ,

Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s block party such a wonderful success.  Thank you for the bingo prizes, for helping to set up, and serve, and tear down.  Thank you for the monetary donations, the baking and cooking, the friendly smiles and willingness to jump in wherever you were needed.  Thank you for the wonderful hospitality you extended to the community.  Thank you for living out our mission by reflecting God’s love in your joyful service to all people.

Pastor Heather

Dear Holy Cross

Thank you for recognizing the needs and realizing the potential of youth experiencing homelessness and near-homelessness with your recent donation. Your gift helps change a young person's life in many ways, and we are most grateful! Often times, homeless youth want to remain invisible. They hide their situation out of shame and the negative stereotypes that are associated with their circumstances. Your gift proves that you see beyond that falst stigma.

Thank you for helping improve the lives of our youth and for making our community better and stronger with your contribution. Our work is not possible without your support, and we are incredibly grateful.

With gratitude,

Kalisah Reed - Executive Director - Youth Emergency Services

Lunch Bunch
Gather for lunch the 3rd Sunday of every month at 11:30am.  The restaurant location changes monthly.  Contact Paula McDonald at 402-210-6040 for more information.

Knitting in the Narthex
Meet at Holy Cross on Fridays from 1pm - 2:30pm for fellowship and knitting prayer shawls.

Circle Bible Studies:
Sarah Circle - Meets at Holy Cross on the 2nd Saturday of the month at 9:30am.    
Rachel Circle - Meets via zoom on the 2nd Monday of the month at 7pm.  Contact Peg Schneider at schneider7@cox.net for more information.
Both groups use the ELCA Women’s Gather magazine for their study.

Financial Update through August

                                            2022 Actuals        2021 Actuals
Beginning Balance               (21,259)               (26,456)
Monthly Expenses                28,155                 35,905
Monthly Income                   29,263                  26,344

Income (Deficit)                   (20,151)              (36,016)

Text to Give is just one of the new features that we offer here at Holy Cross Lutheran Church.  

October Meetings

Property Committee Meeting - October 11 at 6:30 pm

Finance Committee Meeting - October 13 at 6:00 pm

Council Meeting - October 18 at 6:30 pm

Birthdays

Lisa Jones..................10/1
Duane Doering............10/2
Tyler Gift...................10/5
Randall Howard...............10/5
John DeBoer.................10/6
Peter Sukstorf..................10/6
Sandar Doering.................10/7
Anna Grell..................10/7
David Olson..................10/7
Walter Roberts..................10/7
Rudy Toscano.................10/7
Wendy Erickson...................10/8
Alex Howatt..................10/8
Valerie Birch...................10/9
Julie Leahy......................10/9
Ryan Buckley.....................10/14
Julia Poole.......................10/15
Bob Krueger........................10/17
Kathleen Magistretti.......................10/17
Kiah Shaw....................10/18
Jen Gitt........................10/19
Sharon Wineman.....................10/20
Connie Mertz................10/21
Lauryn Shaw................10/21
Brian Thilliander...............10/24
Paula McDonald.................10/26
Henry Sukstorf................10/27
Kenneth Jackson...................10/28
Kirsten Glesne..................10/30
Jim Schneider................10/30



Anniversaries

Joel & Jenny Fitzpatrick....................10/6
Kenneth & Kathleen Jackson...................10/8
Ryn Buckley & Sarah Duncan....................10/22
Rohn Collins & Dave Magnuson....................10/24
Ed & Alisa Krueger........................10/28