I am late writing this newsletter article (I missed the deadline - the deadline that I set!).  I’m late because my week was extremely busy and I was rushing to get everything done and, in fact, did not get nearly as much done as I had hoped to.  I was feeling behind and stressed and overwhelmed when I sat down to read the readings for the first Sunday in March and stumbled upon this verse:“Remember the Sabbath day, and keep it Holy.” - Exodus 20:8 

Click Read More for the continuation of Pastor Heather's article.

Click Read More for the March worship schedule.

Holy Week- A week of celebration, confusion, and sorrow.  

Christ is risen! 

Click Read More for updates and important dates.

Click Read More for instructions on how to designate your Thrivent Choice Dollars.

For almost 15 years, Dennis & Marian Cihacek of Great Harvest Bread Co have donated the communion bread for Sunday and Wednesday services here at Holy Cross.  Dennis & Marian have retired after many years of service to the community.  We thank Dennis & Marian for all they have done for Holy Cross and others across the Omaha area and wish them all the best in their future endeavors. 

Click read more to see updates from February.

Dear Endowment Committee and HCLC Family

Thank you SO MUCH for supporting my development and education with such a generous and thoughtful scholarship. I am so grateful for all the support and encouragement I have received from y'all these past years. Thank you for believing in me and my ministry and for continuing to share love and acceptance in the wider community!

Blessings -
Samuel Christensen

To the Congregation of Holy Cross,

Thank you for the lovely bouquet of yellow roses in honor of my 80th birthday. Your thoughtfulness was greately appreciated.

Sincerely
Dorothy Turley

Dear Members of 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.

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,
Andy Saladino - Director of Development - Youth Emergency Services

Dear Members of Holy Cross,

On behalf of the staff, volunteers, and homeowner families at Habitat for Humanity of Omaha - thank you! In 2023, your gift allowed us to provide 49 affordable homeownership opportunities, complete home improvement projects for 313 families and advocate for affordable housing in our community. Our vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live continues to be made possible with your generous support.

Gratefully,
Amanda Brewer - CEO - Habitat for Humanity of Omaha

Dear Holy Cross Lutheran Church,

Thank you for your gift of $500 to Lutheran Disaster Response. As a church, we are freed by the transformative life of Christ, and this freedom emboldens us to love and serve our neighbors just as Christ has shown us. Your gifts to the ministries of the ELCA help people around the world feel the power of God's love.

Your Spirit-filled generosity helps families and communities reeling from disasters. No matter the variety of disaster, no matter the variety of need, your gifts to Lutheran Disaster Response enable people to rebuild their lives and livelihoods now and far into the future.

Thank you for your gracious gifts. The glory of God shines through you.

In Christ,
Amanda White - Director, Congregational Generosity - Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Click Read More for more information on the Knitting in the Narthex Group.

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.

Contemplative Prayer - Spiritual Ministry

Click the Read More button for details on a normal Contemplative Prayer session and upcoming events centering around Contemplative Prayer.

Financial Update through January

                                            2024 Actuals        2023 Actuals
Beginning Balance            --------                    --------
Monthly Expenses              31,734                    30,633
Monthly Income                 27,837                    30,326

Income (Deficit)                   (3,897)                  (306)

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

March Meetings

Finance Committee Meeting - March 12 at 3:00 pm

Council Meeting - March 19 at 6:30 pm

Anniversaries

Chris & Carissa Grunke................3/13
Dustin & Lisa Jones...............3/21

Birthdays

Michael Howatt..............3/3
Paula Breese................3/4
Judy Glesne.................3/5
Bonnie Fitzgerald............3/6
Marie Pitner...............3/6
Sharon Davis...............3/7
Sydney Hancock..................3/11
Deb Breitkreutz...............3/12
Andrew Schmidt..................3/13
Anna Helzer............3/14
Hannah Howatt...............3/14
Brett Grell...................3/15
Michael Hansen.................3/17
Bill Turley..............3/23
Edith Nabity..............3/26
Cynthia Bridgeford............3/29
Muriel Kuckler...................3/29