Holy Cross Lutheran Church

We are tempted to find our best life in the things of this world. Advertisements, social media, even our own hopes and dreams promise us a fulfilling life. Paul, however, reminds us that true life is only found in Christ's death and resurrection - not in our pursuit of the law.

In a world shouting for your attention, carving out a regular rhythm for faith at home can feel nearly impossible. Join us this Sunday to discover three simple, life-shaping prayers that can cut through the noise and transform your family's relationship with the Good Shepherd.

Have you ever seen an adult act like a toddler? There are moments in our lives (perhaps more than one wants to count) where we simply don't want to do what's asked of us. We stomp the feet of our heart and say "I don't want to." But we're reminded, in the parable of the prodigal son, of the Father's reckless giving in spite of our reckless living.

There are big, hairy, theological questions that have been asked for generations. As the writer of Ecclesiastes reminds us, "there is nothing new under the sun." One of the biggest, perhaps, is the question WHY? Why is there suffering...and why am I suffering? The best response comes in two unequivocal truths: the world is broken AND it will one day be redeemed. Simple. And hard.

Jesus invites us to join Him on the adventure of living the Great Commission life! We know the “what” and the “why” of the Great Commission Jesus gave us, but the “how” is often missed, mistaken, and made far too complicated. Discover the “how” to disciple like Jesus from two powerful examples in the Bible: the Old Testament prophet Elijah and Jesus Himself. Let's say "no" to a great omission life and "go" to a Great Commission life.

We live in a world that rewards productivity, praises busyness, and quietly teaches us that rest must be earned. But Jesus offers something radically different: rest not as a reward for finishing your work, but as a gift for weary souls. In Him, we discover a surprisingly better way to carry the weight of life.

Often times, the water begins to get rough well before one encounters rapids. It doesn’t take long before the early church would encounter rough water. But, rather than retreat, the early church presses into prayer, asking for the strength and endurance to keep going…even if it means rougher water still.

Anyone who has ever rafted down a river quickly recognizes the power of moving water. Jesus promised that His disciples would do “greater things than Him,” and it’s the Spirit who keeps us connected to the POWER. As the church begins to expand, Jesus’ ministry of power — particularly in healing — continues to be a primary tool for witness. And while all that power could go to one’s head, the disciples are quick to point out this POWER comes from SOMEONE else.

Learning the pace, tempo and rhythm of the water is key to any rafting trip - especially as one approaches the power and unpredictably of the rapids. In the wake of the Spirit’s outpouring, the early church discovered spiritual rhythms that kept them intimately connected to Christ - and prepared them for the rough rapids that would come.

The work of Christ, on a cross and through a tomb, created a ripple that touched the edge of every human experience. Yet, it was the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that opened the floodgates! While Jesus attracted a good number of disciples, it’s in the wake of the Holy Spirit’s coming that the church sees exponential growth. Today we celebrate the opening of the floodgates and the outpouring of the Spirit and the journey that begins in its wake.