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In light & Darkness – a lifelong journey on one everchanging path.

Today’s blog is written by Gail Struve, member of Holy Cross Church Council – enjoy!
“This little light of mine…I’m gonna let it shine”… a song I remember singing since I was
four years old or younger. I was taught to look towards the light from an early age. As
far as I was concerned, I knew nothing other than living in God’s light. I was blessed to
know that I was a part of God’s family and I never doubted that (that doesn’t mean to
say my faith never wavered). My family raised me in the Lutheran faith, in which I was
baptized as a baby, had my first communion, was confirmed and supported by
numerous summer bible camps, and went on to attend a Lutheran college.
Of course, darkness was always there, but I didn’t know darkness in a way that would
ever shake me to the core. Continue reading “In light & Darkness – a lifelong journey on one everchanging path.”

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Bragging on people of faith

Every thursday, 10 months of the year, a group of 6 – 9 of us gather at Holy Cross for bible study. We call it verse by verse – because that’s our structure. We pick a book of the bible, and work our way through. I don’t lecture – though I usually ‘read up’ on the parts we are covering. Folks read, we talk, we share. Some of our group were cradle Lutherans and never anything else. Some have been in many denominations or faith groups, and some are a bit skeptical about this faith stuff. It is a perfect hour. Continue reading “Bragging on people of faith”

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Gathering in

As Autumn comes to a close, the theme of of “Gathering in” fades from our thoughts- replaced with Winter and Christmas themes. But, let’s pause today to think about this idea of “Gathering in”. It’s important. It’s about life. It’s about church.

I live in a rural area, just outside of Salem, and I pastor a church in Salem, Oregon, state capital and busy city. When I drive into Salem, during these past few months, I have occasionally been sidelined or at least slowed down by farm machinery on the roads. It was harvest time, you see, and everything was being gathered – hops, berries, apples, hay, grass seed and more. I kind of like being slowed down by these machines (though I don’t admit it then) because I enjoy being a witness to the Ingathering of the Plenty all around us. Why don’t we talk about that visual of plenty more? Continue reading “Gathering in”

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An Intentional Response to God’s Love

Our blog today is written by Loran Sell – and addresses the stewardship of our church, and we think it applies to many of you – Hope you enjoy reading it – Like many congregations this time of year, Holy Cross Lutheran is having a stewardship drive to help determine our next year’s budget.  In our congregation several of the church leaders have been asked to give temple talks on stewardship themes. The theme that I’m talking on to assist people in determining the amount to pledge is, ”An Intentional Response to God’s Love.” Continue reading “An Intentional Response to God’s Love”