The Light Shines in the Darkness, and the Darkness did not overcome it. - John 1:5

As we enter into the Advent season, I’ve been thinking a lot about hope.  I’ve always thought of hope as a next door neighbor to joy - upbeat, uplifting, filling us up and lifting our hearts.  I have thought of hope as that feeling of eager anticipation that we often associate with the time leading up to Christmas.  And in the midst of the many, loud voices shouting hatred, anger, and fear in our news and in our world, I have been struggling to find that upbeat, uplifting message.  Instead I find myself feeling anxious and worn down by worry.  Wondering where to find a message of hope to share.

Click read more for the conclusion of Pastor Heather's article. 

Click read more for December's worship schedule.

The Holy Cross Food Pantry continues to serve the community the First Saturday and Third Thursday of every month.  We continue operating as a drive-thru pantry service. 

Please click "Read More" for November numbers, serving opportunities and pantry needs.

Sunday School schedules, Acolyte schedules & more!

Advent begins December 1.  As you already know, Advent is a time of waiting, for watching, and honestly, a time of high anxiety.  The truth is, despite the prophecy, no one really knew what to expect with the arrival of this baby:  “O, come, O come, Emmanuel."

Join us as we prepare for the coming King!

On Sunday December 1st, everyone is invited to join in the Fellowship Hall following worship for our Advent Celebration! There will be fun Advent activities for all ages, family sizes and abilities! 

Save the date!

Following worship on Sunday December 22nd, you're invited to a winter wonderland in the Fellowship Hall! The High School Youth Group will have a long table FULL of homemade holiday cookies ready to go home with you. For a suggested donation of $10, you can fill a to-go box to the brim with Christmas goodies from the table! There will also be a free Hot Cocoa Bar that you won't want to miss! In addition to the treats, we'll have a small Silent Auction with themed gift baskets for you to bid on! 

We hope you can join us for some holiday fun, while supporting the Youth Fund!

Oops!!  Due to an update in our computer system, there have been some mix-ups with birthdates of members.  For this reason, if you are over 80 years old, you may have received a birthday card from pastor Heather with the wrong age listed.  Our apologies!  She hopes to get it right in 2025!

Click "Read More" for November pantry numbers, and ways you can help!

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.

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

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 October

December Meetings

Finance Committee Meeting - December 12 at 3:15 pm

Council Meeting - December 17 at 6:30 pm

Anniversaries

Neal & Wendy Brenner...............12/21

Birthdays

Kathleen Jackson..............12/1
Ryan Grell...........12/3
Gordon Schnack...........12/6
Lea Thilliander..................12/6
Miles Harvey.............12/8
Theresa Howatt..............12/10
Joel Weible..............12/11
Emma Roberts............12/12
Eric Gitt...........12/13
Everett Ellis.............12/14
Akemi Adams..............12/16
Matthew Greer...........12/16
Violet Ferris...........12/17
Virgil Pilger.........12/18
James Birch..............12/20
Gail Ginger...........12/20
Alden Sjolie.............12/20
Trevor Fitzgerald..........12/21
Trevor Hancock..............12/22
Neal Brenner.............12/23
Dennis Schwieger.............12/23
Chris Grunke............12/24
Pastor Heather Grell...........12/25
Margarett Hewitt............12/28
Thomas Risinger............12/29
Janet Westenburg..............12/29