Holy Cross Day Celebration  for the Community

Everyone is Welcome!

Holy Cross Day introduction:
Christians have several days within the Liturgical Year to reflect on the Cross used in the Crucifixion of Jesus as representing an Instrument of Salvation. Holy Cross Day has a rich history that dates back to the Crucifixion. This Feast Day is named Yψωσις τοῦ Τιμίου καὶ Ζωοποιοῦ Σταυροῦ in Greek, Воздвижение Креста Господня in Russian, Exaltatio Sanctae Crucis in Latin, Exaltation of the Holy Cross in the Roman Missal, Triumph of the Cross, and Feast of the Glorious Cross.
Lutherans classify this day as a “Lesser Feast Day.” We call it Holy Cross Day. We focus on the Gospel message that Jesus Christ grants us the freely given Gift of Salvation through His Death on the Cross for Our Sins. It is not our choice to accept salvation. Salvation is granted to us in the belief that Jesus Christ is our Savior. This belief finding its basis in Scripture is called “Justification.” This is our focus on Holy Cross Day.

I take this opportunity to explore our belief in salvation and its loss further. Our salvation is not dependent upon on our good works, although we freely engage good works that are pleasing to our Lord. We aspire to do our best to live good lives, for when we commit sin and persist in sin, we are choosing to turn away from God. This act of persistent turning away from God will result in loss of salvation. The sinner must repent and believe in Christ to be saved. Martin Luther. Lutheran Confessions. Galatians Lectures. Catechism. Smalcald Articles. Book of Concord.

Scripture:
Whoever believes in Him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:15-17.

I Love to Tell the Story
Kate Hankey. 1866.

– performed by Alan Jackson

1 I love to tell the story  Of unseen things above,

Of Jesus and His glory,  Of Jesus and his love.

I love to tell the story,  Because I know its true;

It satisfies my longings  As nothing else would do.

I love to tell the story,  ‘Twill be my theme in glory

To tell the old, old story  Of Jesus and His love.

In the cross our need meets God’s redemption In confidence and hope, we bring the prayers of our hearts for the transformation of the church and the world. Amen.

Sing to the Lord a New Song. Psalm 98.
– performed by Kindred Community Church Choir

Prayer:
Accept our prayers, God of mercy, in union with Jesus the Christ, who offered his life for our salvation upon the wood of the cross and who now reigns with you in eternal glory forever and ever. Amen.

Jesus Paid It All
Elvina Hall. 1868.

– performed acapella by Altar of Praise Chorale

I hear the Savior say, “Thy strength indeed is small; Child of weakness, watch and pray, Find in Me thine all in all.”  Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.
For nothing good have I, Whereby Thy grace to claim, I’ll wash my garments white, In the blood of Calv’ry’s Lamb.

Prayer:
For the healing of the nations, O God, you raised up your Son on the wood of the cross and exalted him as the Lord of all creation. Grant that all who believe in him may have the gift of eternal life and share in the glory of your kingdom, where you live forever and ever. Amen.

Christ in Me Arise
– written and performed by Trevor Thomson

Christ in me arise and dispel all the darkness. Christ in me arise with your power and your strength. Christ in me pour out your blessing and healing. Christ in me arise and I shall rise with you.

Prayer: Through suffering and rejection, O Lord, you bring forth our salvation, for in Jesus you embrace our humanity and transform our lives by the glory of his cross. Grant that for the sake of the gospel we may rebuke the lure of this world, take up our cross, and follow your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

We are all stewards spreading the Word of Jesus’ blessings for His people.
God be with You Until We Meet Again
– performed by Jim Reeves

Picnic Fellowship Activities for the Entire Family!
Of course lively discussion and activities will be available!
Perhaps you may prefer to sit and visit!

Contact Us with Special Requests!