Lent is Almost Here!
The season of Lent begins Ash
Wednesday, February 6. During Lent we hold special Wednesday
services that focus on the depth of our sin and the depth of Jesus’ suffering
for our sin. This year’s Lenten theme is: "Crossroads – Traveling with our
Savior."
Here is the Wednesday Schedule:
Food Pantry
What we do for the hungry, we do for Christ,
Who one day will say, "I was hungry and you gave me something to eat." Please
bring non-perishable items and leave them under the coat-racks by Monday,
February 4. Thank-you!
Invisible Sunday School
We have Sunday School lessons designed to be
placed, with permission, in doctor’s waiting rooms, laundry-mats, etc. Each
lesson is 5 pages long and contains a simple Bible story, memory passages, and
coloring sheets. If you’re interested in handing these out at the businesses you
frequent, please speak with Pastor Bartels.
Lenten Exhortation and Prayer
Exhortation before prayer, taken from Starck’s Prayer Book
"God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him, we might become the righteousness of God." 1 Corinthians 5:21
Among the early Christians the holy season of Lent was a season of devotion and prayer, and it was spent in special meditations upon the sufferings of Jesus. This custom is observed among Christians to this day.
Christians begin this season with prayer and singing, thus, preparing their hearts for the contemplation of the suffering of Jesus.
They place before their eyes the entire passion of Jesus: Jesus in Gethsemane, before the council of the Jews, before the judgment seat of Pilate, upon Calvary and upon the cross, and, while contemplating each detail, they say: "All this was done for me!"
While partaking of these sacred meditations at home and at church, they do not rest satisfied with the mere history of these events, nor do they allow their devotion to vanish with the passing of Lent. Since they intend to draw comfort from the wounds of Christ throughout their lifetime, and also in their dying hour, they remember the crucified and risen Jesus as long as they live.
This remembrance prompts them to crucify their lusts and desires, causing them to live no longer after the manner of the world, or to sin purposely, but to die unto sin, and to rise spiritually. God blesses such diligence, zeal and desire for the sanctification of their lives.
Prayer for Lent, taken from the Lutheran Book of Prayer
Lord Jesus, precious Savior, Who went all the way to the cross to redeem me, a lost and condemned creature, graciously look upon me in this Lenten season, and let me find cleansing and healing in Your precious blood. My transgression caused You the agony of the garden. My sins nailed You to the accursed tree. You were forsaken so that I would not be forsaken throughout all eternity. Make me see the awfulness of my sin and then Your wondrous love that would not let me die.
Grant that I may ponder day after day upon Your passion. Let nothing distracting take my thoughts from You. Draw me closer that I might find in You forgiveness and peace.
Bless this Lenten season in our many Lutheran congregations. Grant to the pastors grace to proclaim Your glorious passion with consecrated hearts, that all who hear this message of reconciliation may love you more and more. Abide with my household, and let sin have no dominion over us. As I ponder anew Your death for my transgressions, make me bold to live for Your today and tomorrow and forever. Amen.
Kalahari Water Park
Sunday, February 24, noon – 9 pm
Youth and families of Holy Cross… join us at
the Kalahari. For Holy Cross members the cost of a day pass is
only $18. Friends and relatives are invited to come and will still receive the
great price of $20. Pizza and pop are included and will be served from 2 – 3 pm!
Please sign up on the office window. Even if you’re not a swimmer you can enjoy
the afternoon for the spectator fee of $10 w/o food or spectator w/food fee for
$15. Children 1 & under are free. No carry-in food and beverage is allowed.
Towels will not be provided – bring your own. Lockers are available and can be
rented the day of our event along with a deposit that will be returned at the
end of the day.
Thanks from the PTO
"The PTO would like to thank everyone who
participated in the Holiday Showers. We exceeded expectations ten-fold! We hope
your family and you had a blessed holiday season!"
Suzi Tate
Camp Indianhead
Sunday – Friday, July 13-18
Camp Indianhead has left many of our youth with memories that will last a
lifetime. It’s a week in the summer, away from home, with other youth from ELS
congregations in Wisconsin and Iowa. Camp is a week packed with fun, fellowship,
Bible Study, swimming, boating, campfire songs and more. Registration for camp
is $210 ($170 for Holy Cross members.) Space is limited. Please watch the Sunday
bulletins for registration forms, or call the church office. Bring a friend!
LYA Convention
Wed., July 22 – Sun., July 28
The LYA (Lutheran Youth Association) Convention
this year will be in San Antonio, Texas. The convention is for youth who are
currently in 8th grade or high school. A bus will leave Holy Cross on
Wednesday morning and return on Monday afternoon. The cost will be available
soon. This is an excellent opportunity for our youth to have a faith building
experience and meet ELS youth from around the nation! Please encourage your
child to attend!
VBS Volunteers Needed
If you’re interested in being a teacher, music
leader, art leader, or assistant for Vacation Bible School this summer, July
7-11, please speak with Pastor Tweit. Thanks!
Bethany Women’s Auxiliary
Tuesday, February 5 at 1 pm
Holy Cross will host the quarterly Bethany
Women’s Auxiliary. Come and support our Synod’s college, Bethany Lutheran
College in Mankato, MN. Lunch will be served before the program.
Bowling, Anyone?
Sunday, February 10, 1 – 3 pm
Come bowling with your Holy Cross friends at
the Bowl-A-Vard Lanes (across from the East Towne Menards). The cost is $1 for
shoe rental, and $3 per person per game. Please sign up on the office window.
Come by yourself, or bring the whole family!
Adult/High School Open Gym & Movie
Saturdays,
6:30-9 pm
Holy Cross sponsors a weekly open gym and
once-a-month movie night. Movie nights are every 1st Saturday of the
month. Please bring a snack to share on movie night. Holy Cross members and
invited friends are welcome. Parents, please note that senior youth coming and
going from the Holy Cross gym/cafeteria will not be monitored. During open gym,
please enter and exit Holy Cross via the rear gym entrance from the back parking
lot.
Scrip News
Just a reminder that Scrip is available between
services on Sunday mornings. There is a table with forms in the entryway by the
gym. Also, we have some cash and carry (PDQ, Woodmans, and Copps/Pick & Save)
you may purchase during the week as long as a secretary is available.
Special Gifts-January
Special Acts-January
Cooper Brakmanis 1/27Baptisms
Funerals
William Olday 1/4
John Henry 1/8
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