Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! The shouts echo still. What an amazing gift God has given through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is always a joy to celebrate with the members of Holy Cross. Our journey through Lent this past year was moving for me personally. I love our yearly string of potlucks during the season. The energy generated by the fellowship of people in this church is inspiring. The attendance at the Lenten worship services was a real blessing for me. Thank you to the youth who ushered, to the circles of women, youth, and CPC who helped organize the potlucks for the season. Judy Andersen, Julie LaFond, the choir and the worship team did a wonderful job leading our singing throughout. I was blessed, and from what I heard from heard from you, you were as well. When you see these people please let them know how much you appreciate them.
Our website will now have a connection to a daily devotional series called “God Pause”. It comes from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN. The devotional writers come from seminary professors, pastors and lay people. I have been blessed as I read and pray each day. Please check it out.
The two Bible studies on Thursday are growing. I thank God for each of the people who attend. Some come every week and others come as they can. We are studying the gospel of Matthew in the morning study, and are studying the Gospel of Luke in the evening study. We always welcome new people who come to join us. These small groups have developed friendships and prayer partners. I cherish the opportunity to study and grow in my faith as we discuss the word and the many other things that come up as a result of our studies.
We will be electing new officers and board directors on May 6
th. We have a wonderful slate of leaders taking us into the future. I am thankful that God has led them to accept the responsibility and privilege of serving this wonderful family of people called Holy Cross. As this election takes place, and as I look over the past years, I am so blessed and grateful for the people that have led us through some difficult times. Their leadership has been exemplary. The executive board members: Maureen Gunderson, Carol Healy, Sue Kolquist, Mike Breidenbach and the board directors: Jason Brisbin, Lloyd Grindahl, Ken Stromquist, Chuck and Anna Urness, Linda White, Brian Kreager and Erin Cox, whose terms are ending, and who have served throughout, have been a huge blessing to me personally and I believe to each of you. Please, please let them know how much you appreciate their leadership. We have come through difficult years of change and financial struggle thanks to their leadership. I know that the future is in great hands as we continue to Celebrate Grace, Grow in Faith and Make a Difference for God!
Love Pastor Mike