Welcome to Cross and Crown Lutheran Church.
As we move through the month of December, we move through the days of Advent. Instead of solely getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season, we take some time to reflect in worship and our own daily lives on the deeper meaning of the season. Advent is a time we wait. We examine why we need a savior -- in our world, in our community, in our own private lives. We hold on to hope that the God who made us also wants to be with us and help us find all of the healing, love, and light we are looking for. We look for the signs that rescue is on its way, by the only one capable of offering us all we need.
My family and I are movie buffs, so last year, I preached an Advent series using examples of holiday classics. This year, I am focusing on life lessons from just my favorite Christmas movie, It's A Wonderful Life. Maybe it's one of your favorites, too. I will also touch upon prophets and heroes of the Bible who pointed the way for the salvation of Christ. We will remember those witnesses from the unbroken chain that told and lived the Great Story, who got us to where we are today. Consider this my encouragement and invitation for you to come and join us in worship. Make this Advent season one where you connect with the Body of Christ to wait in hope and joy for our incarnate Lord.
Advent/Christmas Eve Series: Prophets and It's a Wonderful Life
November 27 Habakkuk and Yelling at God
December 4: Esther and Privilege for Those Who Have Less
December 11: Isaiah and the Power of the Light
December: Joseph, Mary, and the Gestating Dream
December 24: Shepherds, Jesus, and Worth
Let us thank God for the Spirit's call to worship and praise. Let us thank God for the freedom we have to meet in safety and peace and worship together. Let us remember in prayer those who struggle for justice, for safety, for food, for shelter, for health, and for hope. Let us use the abundance and joy God has given us to share generously with others. Let us be a part of the Good News in the Advent and Christmas story!
Advent blessings and love,
Pastor Stephanie
Message from our Congregational President
Happy Advent and Merry Christmas Cross and Crown Family and Friends.
I pray everyone had a great Thanksgiving, celebrating with family and
friends. Now we focus on the preparation for the Christ Child's birth. What
a glorious season this is as we welcome the baby Jesus and look forward to
the new year ahead.
We have had a lot of changes and made some hard decisions in the last couple
of months, but know the Lord is in all of it. As we listen to His leading
in the days ahead, we have to remember that Christ has a plan for each of
us, and Cross and Crown, for a future filled with hope. Our church is not a
building, but it is you and me and the love we have for one another and the
world around us. See the miracles that are all around us, feel the joy of
the season, the love of God and the peace of the Holy Spirit as we begin
this wonderful time in the church season.
The council wishes you and yours a very Merry Christmas and we hope to see
you each Sunday and at the Christmas Eve service.
In His Name,
Jerri