Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,
First of all I want to thank everyone that make our Advent and Christmas season the beautiful time that it was. Our musicians, choir and worship team all worked very hard to create a beautiful time of worship and remembrance of the birth of our Lord Jesus. Thank you for your faithfulness and blessing all of us with your gifts. I heard many positive compliments about the children's Christmas program.
Work has begun to find replacemnts for many of our outgoing Board Dircetors and Board Members. Maureen Gunderson has led us lovingly and faithfully through a time of change. We have flourished under her leadership. She has blessed us greatly with her gifts and now chairs the Nominating Committee to find replacements. I know that God is at work in people's hearts already preparing them and us for the change in leadership that will take place in June. I am praying that you will answer the call to serve as the Nominating Committee begins its work. I know that you join me as we keep them in our prayers as they begin important work within our congregation.
Since this newsletter also covers the month of February, Lent is soon upon us. The season of Lent is one of my favorite times of the year. I truly enjoy the special Lenten worship services and our potlucks on Wednesday evenings. The Trials of Jesus: Voices of the Prosecution will be our theme this year and we will hear from: Satan, Judas, Annas, Caiaphas, Peter, and King Herod. It is our hope that throughout all your experiences here at Holy Cross that your relationship with God will deepen and mature!
We have begun taking appointments for a new pictorial directory. I have been asked the question, "Why do we need a directory?" It has been five years since our last directory was published. Since that time there have been many new faces here as new families join our congregation. We have also seen change with deaths of many of our members over the past few years. So, it is time that we begin this process again. The picture directory is a very helpful tool when you are putting names and faces together. You may not like getting your picture taken, (I don't), but you are a vitally important part of the family of Holy Cross. Each of us makes Holy Cross what it is, a vibrant community of God's people gathered together for worship, fellowship and education.
Lastly, many of you sent me cards and gifts this Christmas. Thank you! I am grateful for every relationship and every lesson I have learned while here at Holy Cross.
Some of the dire predictions of 2012 have convinced me of one thing. Our future is in the hands of God. God will lead, guide, and provide as always. Keep your eyes on Jesus.
Bless you all,
Pastor Mike