Holy Cross Lutheran Church

09/05/2026

“My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”” -John‬ ‭18‬:‭36‬

“keep this in mind: The Gospel does not introduce laws about the public state, but is the forgiveness of sins and the beginning of new life in the hearts of believers. Besides, the Gospel not only approves outward governments, but also subjects us to them (Romans 13:1)

Christ did this so that the Apostles might know they should teach that the spiritual kingdom does not change the public state” (Ap. Of the Augsburg Confession XVI.58,59).

09/03/2026

Sept 3 the church remembers
Gregory the Great, Pastor

One of the great leaders in Europe at the close of the sixth century, Gregory served in both the secular and sacred arenas of his era. As mayor of Rome, he restored economic vitality to his native city, which had been weakened by enemy invasions, pillage, and plague. After he sold his extensive properties and donated the proceeds to help the poor, he entered into full-time service in the Church.

On September 3, 590, Gregory was elected to lead the Church in Rome. As bishop of Rome, he oversaw changes and growth in the areas of church music and liturgical development, missionary outreach to northern Europe, and the establishment of a Church Year calendar still used by many church bodies in the Western world today. His book on pastoral care became a standard until the twentieth century.

Almighty and merciful God, You raised up Gregory of Rome to be a pastor to those who shepherd God's flock and used him as Your instrument to send missionaries to preach the Gospel to the English people. Preserve in Your Church the catholic and apostolic faith that Your people may continue to be fruitful in every good work and receive the crown of glory that never fades away; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

09/03/2026

"Now, whoever does not highly value the Sacrament shows that he has no sin, no flesh, no devil, no world, no death, no danger, no hell. In other words, he does not believe any such things, although he is in them up over his head and his ears and is doubly the devil’s own. On the other hand, he needs no grace, no life, no paradise, no heaven, no Christ, no God, nor anything good.

For if he believed that he had so much evil around him, and needed so much that is good, he would not neglect the Sacrament, by which such evil is remedied and so much good is bestowed. Nor would it be necessary to force him to go to the Sacrament by any law. He would come running and racing of his own will, would force himself, and beg that you must give him the Sacrament."

– "Preface of Dr. Martin Luther" in The Small Catechism, Concordia

Still used in churches and homes today, this short work educates laity in the basics of the Christian faith. Written by Martin Luther in 1529.

09/02/2026

Join us for Divine Service
Wednesday Sept 2 at 7:00 p.m.
We will hear the readings appointed for the Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity in the historic one-year lectionary, including the familiar Gospel of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10:25–37.

In this familiar account, our Lord shows us both the severity of the Law and the mercy of Christ, the One who rescues sinners from the ditch, binds up our wounds, forgives our sins, and gives us life.

We will also be praying Matins tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. & all are welcome!

All are invited to join us to receive His gifts.

08/31/2026

“Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, The God of our salvation! Our God is the God of salvation; And to God the Lord belong escapes from death.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭68‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭

08/31/2026

“The people of the New Testament are to be a willing people (Psalm 110:3) and sacrifice freely (Psalm 54:6),
"not reluctantly or under compulsion" (2 Corinthians 9:7).
They are to be "obedient from the heart" (Romans 6:17), "for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7).

In this understanding, and in this sense, it is correctly said and taught that truly good works should be done willingly, or from a voluntary spirit, by those whom God's Son has made free. The dispute about the voluntary nature of good works was engaged in by some people specifically to make this point. . . .

Regarding the unwilling and rebellious flesh, Paul says, "I discipline my body and keep it under control" (1 Corinthians 9:27) and "those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified [slain] the flesh with its passions and desires" (Galatians 5:24). (See also Romans 8:13.)

When it is asserted and taught that good works are free to believers in the sense that they are optional for them to do or not to do, this is false, and must be rejected. It is false to say that believers might or could act against ‹God's Law› and still have faith and God's favor and grace.

—Solid Declaration of the Formula of Concord IV 16-20

08/29/2026

On Saturday 29 August 2026, the LM-A Synodical Assembly unanimously voted in support of the motion to recognise altar-and-pulpit fellowship with the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. All present rose to sing the Common Doxology 'as a sign of our joy and thanksgiving to God for our common confession, and in joyful anticipation of our mutual recognition of altar and pulpit fellowship.' LCMS President, Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison then formally recognised the relationship on behalf of the LCMS, and fellowship papers were signed. For a full report and more photos, please stay tuned for our newsletter! The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

08/26/2026

08/26/2026

In issues relating to the spoken, outward Word, we must firmly hold that God grants His Spirit or grace to no one except through or with the preceding outward Word [Galatians 3:2, 5]. This protects us from the enthusiasts (i.e., souls who boast that they have the Spirit without and before the Word)

From "Article VIII. Confession" in The Smalcald Articles, Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions

The Smalcald Articles indicated on which points Lutherans would stand fast and on which points a compromise might be possible, prepared by Martin Luther in 1537.