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From Pastor Steve:

In the 11th Chapter of the Book of Hebrews, the writer speaks of the life of faith as a journey. We are strangers in this world; but we move forward in trust, knowing that God is always opening up for us his promised future:

They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them. (Hebrews 11:13-16)

Like the saints who lived before us, we are called by God to follow in his footsteps as disciples, letting our Good Shepherd lead the way. Because we are led and tended by Christ himself, we have nothing to fear. As Scripture says: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for you are with me” (Psalm 23). Both as individuals, and as a congregation, we are called to live by faith, trusting that Christ will never abandon us. We strive to be obedient to his Word, and to “seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33), because we know that our Lord will not let us down. We continue on our journey as strangers and foreigners in this world, because we know that God is leading us to a “better country” (Hebrew 11:16).

There is a traditional prayer in our hymnal, meant for the occasion of a journey, that applies just as well to our daily life of faith. If you will, I invite you to pray it now as you read:

Lord God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Bible Camp Sign-up This Month
This is the month for registering kids for Green Lake and Shores of St. Andrew summer Bible Camp sessions. The individual registration begins in February (slots fill fast). Pick up a brochure on the table in the church entry if you are interested in hearing more about it. Each year Holy Cross gives a scholarship to each camper to defray cost.
Confirmation Update
Confirmation students will be completing their study of the Lord’s Prayer with a unit test on Feb. 10th. Starting Feb. 17th, (Ash Wednesday) classes will meet in the Activity Room at 6:00 pm for a study of Moses. The class will be over in time for students to attend the Lenten services at 7:00 pm. If Confirmation students and their families want to eat at the Lenten Soup suppers, they are urged to do so at 5:30 each Wednesday and then go to their class.
Progress report letters were mailed out recently. If parents or students have any questions, contact Pastor Pete.
Monday Quilting Group Schedule for February
Here is the schedule for the Monday quilters for February:
Feb. 1st – Bible Study Feb. 8th – Annandale Care Center
Feb. 15th – Quilting at Church Feb. 22nd – Quilting at Church
Youth Forum Studies Book Of Esther
Youth 4-Him is a junior and senior high group that meets in the Activity Room every Sunday morning at 9:15. We usually start with a game of some kind, and then discuss a topic that helps us connect our Christian faith with our lives. This month Pastor Pete is leading us in a study of the Old Testament Book of Esther. We’re discovering that this young women lived in a time of violence, power politics, sensuality and racial hatred. Yet she and her family were able to take a stand for their faith and were used by God. Come and see how much this story speaks to our own time. Bring friends with you!
Cook-Books for Sale
Holy Cross Cook Books for sale for $10 on Peddler’s cart. Write checks out to Holy Cross Women. The pastors said they would make themselves available to taste-test any recipes.
Holy Cross Endowment Fund

Holy Cross has established an endowment fund for those who would like to make a contribution that will generate interest income for years into the future!

The purpose of the Endowment Fund is to enhance the ministry in specific areas, including: Music, Education, Youth, Outreach, Seminary support. No portion of the income generated by the Fund shall be used for the annual operating budget of the congregation. For more info, contact Dave Sehlin at 763-682-6336.

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