Behind the curtain.

I was sitting in the worship center this past weekend and I got thinking about all the people that work to make the worship experience a powerful wonderful time with God.

I brought Emily to the church on Saturday so that she could partake in the Praise Band practice. She along with a lot of other people practice for an hour and a half. I know that several people stayed later in the day to make sure that the worship service would come off well. Additionally I watch people come by all week to make sure the worship center is ready for Sunday. From the people that clean the place to the the Banner committee making the wonderful banners we get to enjoy. Additionally we have the Alter Guild who make sure we are ready to partake in communion. Others come in and change out the paraments. Without the people who come in and fold the bulletins we would be lost in worship. It takes a lot of people to make our place go.

Once Sunday morning rolls around we have more people making sure we have a wonderful experience. Starting with the Deacon of the month opening the doors and turning on the heat. We then have ushers, greeters, lay assistants, musicians, welcome center greeters and coffee makers. Sunday morning is the public face of a lot of work put in by Pastor and Kevin during the week to have a good message.

Heck it even starts before Sunday Morning. The Property committee makes sure that the building is ready for us. The Outreach committee is helping to make people be aware of our worship. The Stewardship committee ensures that we have the funds to turn on the lights. The council makes sure that we are headed in the right direction.

So the next time you walk into Holy Cross I invite you to pause and say a prayer for the many hands that are doing God's work here at Holy Cross.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dan

15 Years

As I write this we are preparing to honor Kevin for his 15 years of service to Holy Cross as Director of Music. I think about all the changes that Kevin has seen both in the world and here at Holy Cross. He has been here for the latest expansion of the building along with the modernization of our worship space. He has been here for baptism, weddings funerals and at least one ordination of a Pastor. Kevin has help to shape some of the decisions made regarding the future of the church along with helping to shape our future. It is wonderful that we are going to take some time to honor Kevin and his ministry. He truly deserves the honor.

I in turn think back to my time here. I have been on staff at Holy Cross for almost 2 and 1/2 years. I have seen a lot of growth in the youth I work with. I have seen growth in the people of Holy Cross. I can not help but to wonder what this place will look like if I am here for 15 years. Will we have a new addition? Will we have a satellite location? Will we have a food pantry or a clothing pantry? Will we be sending more then just youth on mission trips? Will people truly miss us if we were not here?

The world around us is changing. Some changes are good some are bad. But as time moves on we can be sure that yes the world is changing. The question is will Holy Cross change to meet the changing needs of God's creation? Or will we refuse to change? The least favorite expression I hear is "we have never done it that way." Is the layout of the furniture in narthex more important then being able to make today's generation feel comfortable in church? Is sitting in our particular pew more important then making a non believer feel that they are truly welcome to experience the Christ with us? Is it about us or is it about Jesus? Are we hear to spread Christ Love?

I hope so.

Congratulations Kevin I hope I am hear for the next 15 years.

Dan