Holy Cross Lutheran Church

Sermon | "The Oriented Life" | September 15

Jesus emphatically says that He is the WAY; the way to experience full and abundant life. This abundant life will only happen, Jesus says, if we abide in Him. In other words, to experience the "surprisingly better life" one must orient their life to the Person of Christ Jesus - to both His words and His ways. Jesus is inviting us to the simple and difficult task of cultivating a life with Him.

Bible Study | September 8

Sermon | "The Better Life" | September 8

We're all on a journey. The question is, 'a journey to where?' Pastor Andy Stanley likes to say, "Everybody ends up somewhere, some people end up there on purpose." We're on a journey. And, whether we like it or not, we're being led. The question is, 'by whom?' To put it bluntly - we are either being led by the Good Shepherd toward goodness and life or we're being led by the world toward death and destruction. The irony is - most people are chasing what the world says is 'good.' But there is a surprisingly better life; a full and abundant life promised and delivered by our Savior and Shepherd. 

Sermon | "The Joy of Work" | September 1

There's a bit of folklore that Martin Luther was once asked if a shoe maker should somehow mark the shoes with Christian symbols. Luther's reply was "the best way to honor Christ is for the shoemaker to make good shoes." In other words, when we offer to back to God, in service of our neighbors, the gifts He has first given us - this is the way we honor Christ through our work. On this Labor Day, we rest from work in order to appreciate the varied gifts of people in our community. When you work in retail or in hospitality, the medical field or in the government, in education or as a first responder -- whatever your vocation - when you offer the best of you to that work and to the Lord - He is glorified.

Sermon | "Graves into Gardens" | August 18

The narratives of the Old Testament are rife with promises: that God can turn a valley of dry bones into an army for His work, that He can part a sea and make a way through it, that He can protect His people...even in a den of lions. Today's song is a strong reminder that God has always kept His promises - so why look anywhere else.

Sermon | "My Hope is Built on Nothing Less" | August 11

When all feels lost, when the world is shaking, when it seems the light of a new day will never come - we need HOPE. Hope is what lies in the gap between 'what is' and 'what could be' - of the world we experience presently and the one we will experience when Christ comes again. As followers of Christ Jesus, our HOPE is built on Him. In a world that clamors for our attention and affection, today's hymn reminds us where our attention and affection should live.

Sermon | "Jesus Christ is Risen Today" | August 4

Sometimes, the best response to joy is a SHOUT! We all know this is true - we've all shouted for joy at some point in our life; whether for a sporting team, for lifetime accomplishment, for the good work of your children. The psalmist notes that when you see the saving work of God - there is only one response, "Shout for joy to the LORD." Our Hymn today focuses on the joyous news of an empty tomb - and comes back to the refrain "Alleluia" again and again and again. This is a musical way of shouting. So, let's shout today!

Sermon | "Shekena or Angels?" | July 21

God shows up in our lives in different ways and under different circumstances.  Let's look at this reality from the ministry of Jesus.

Sermon | "You're a Tool" | July 14

God created Adam and Eve and gave them purpose in the garden of Eden. That plan was not by mistake. He has given all human beings purpose too! As Christians we get to figure out how God is using us in this world.

Sermon | "Peacemaking: A Risky and Costly Business" | July 7

Jesus says, "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you." - yes, how the world longs for peace. In days saturated by violence, war and injustice - people long for peace, for true peace. Jesus also says, "Blessed are the peace-makers." We long for peace AND are instructed to make it. As we dive into the words of Jesus, we'll spend time with the peace Jesus gives and the peace we make.