Worship Matters!

In fact, worship lies at the heart of how we understand ourselves together. Each week we are gathered around the means of grace and sent into the world to proclaim the good news that we have seen, heard, and tasted in that gathering. Our worship life is meant to be an encounter with Jesus Christ that propels us into the world for mission.
 
 
 
 
 

In commemoration of St. Francis of Assisi on Sunday, October 1st

bring your animal(s) to church with you!

As always – fur or feathers, young or old, short or tall, bring in your pet to receive their blessing during this special worship service!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Daily Discipleship and Daily Faith Practices are online downloadable Bible studies from the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) Website, based on the lectionary used at Sunday worship.

Daily Discipleship is based on the Gospel Lesson and Daily Faith Practices is based on the Second Lesson.  

Visit the ELCA Website:  elca.org
Resources Tab
Bible Studies
(We are currently in Year B)
 
 
 
check out this beautiful song – click on the link below
recommended by Pastor Julie and Pastor Bucky! 🙂
 
 
Special Worship Services from the Past….   
Join us next time! 🙂 and be a part of making new memories! 🙂  
 
 

Mandy Thursday Seder meals

On Maundy Thursday every year, we have our Seder meal at Holy Cross. The Seder meal was the meal celebrated during Passover by Jews to remember and celebrate the story of the Exodus… how God rescued his people from captivity in Egypt and led them into the Promised Land. It was this meal that Jesus shared with His disciples on the night He was betrayed and handed over to be crucified. We celebrate this meal to remember how Jesus served as our Paschal lamb, the perfect sacrifice, given to rescue us from captivity and deliver us into the freedom of life with God for eternity. Friends from the community join with us to share in this rich and storied meal, as we remember, and tell the story of God’s faithfulness. 
 

Outdoor Worship Services and Church Picnics

  In August for the past three summers, we have had our Outdoor Worship and Church Picnic at the Ojibwa Campground Lighthouse.  A great way to worship on one of the many beautiful shores of Lake Superior!  Pastor Julie led the inspiring services and we all joined in to make special momentum’s for the church showing the  meaning of Jesus in our own lives; whether that be a word or a simple picture painted on a rock, or a peace flag.  We enjoyed potlucks and our fellowship time together with members, as well as friends, who joined us to worship Jesus outdoors on some awesome summer days!

Blessing of the Animals Services in October

The first Sundays in October Holy Cross welcomes our furred, feathered, and scaly friends!!!  A procession of animals, everything from dogs and cats to hamsters and even lizzards, join us for a special ceremony called the Blessing of the Animals. This custom is conducted in remembrance of Saint Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures – always a fun day with kazoo’s played at the end! 
 

Blessing of the Animals 2019

 
 
 
 
 
All Saints Sundays in November 
Every year we remember family and friends who have passed away since November of the previous year – we welcome everyone to this special service!  Following worship is our annual
Harvest Dinner –  a delicious meal of beef stew and awesome breads and pies – a special time of fellowship at Holy Cross. 
 
 
 

Native American Sundays in November      

We have been fortunate to have  a couple of special guests  join us at our services throughout the past couple of years!  Thanks to Joe and Denise for joining us in worship and for their teachings!
 
Joe Dowd, Cultural Advisor at Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College and second-degree Midewiwin,  spoke to us about the Midewiwin lodge (their place of prayer), the learning process for a Mide, and religious ceremonies. We were inspired by his teaching of how every part of the earth is sacred. Our liturgy flowed with Joe’s teaching as we united in praise of our Great Creator.
 
 Denise Cadeau, Dean of Anishinaabe Studies from Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College spoke to us about the values and worldviews of the Anishinaabeg. We have much to learn from their teachings.