This group is for men of faith to come together throughout the year to share their faith and thoughts about topics that are challenging. We support one another through our personal journeys. All are welcome.

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In April, we will be starting Jonathan Sacks' new book Morality: Restoring the Common Good in Divided Times. You can order your book here: amazon.com/dp/B0847KL48V

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Please contact Steve Oelschlager at steve@holycrosschurch.org or Pastor Bob at pastorbob@holycrosschurch.org with any questions.

​Grounded in Grace is an opportunity for women of faith to connect together in fun, fellowship, and learning.

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This spring we will continue our discussions regarding Bishop Michael Curry’s book “Love is The Way.” In April, we will discuss the concepts of BLESS and GO, which can be two of the more difficult spiritual practices to follow in our secular world. We will think about ways to share our faith across the local and global community.

For in-person attendance, COVID-19 risk mitigation protocols will be in place and RSVP will be required through Church Community Builder or by using this link: bit.ly/APRILGIG

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Questions? Contact Terry Berger at terryberger.08@gmail.com

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The Holy Cross Book Club usually meets on the fourth Tuesday evening of each month from January through November. Some months may be different due to holidays. We read various genres, including fiction, biography/memoir, nonfiction, mystery, cultural, historical and we include a classic each year. Consider joining the group, if just for a book or two.

This month we will discuss Mrs. Lincoln’s Sisters by Jennifer Chiaverini. The Todd sisters’ fates were bound to their husbands’ choices as some joined the Lincoln administration, others the Confederate Army. Even though discord and tragedy have strained their bonds, Elizabeth knows they must come together as sisters to help Mary in her most desperate hour. Our discussion host for the evening is Felicia Brandt.

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If you have any questions, please email Felicia Brandt at felicia.s.brandt@gmail.com

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View the 2021 reading list here: 2021 Book Club Selections

The group will meet on the first Tuesday of each month for the first six months of 2021. It will continue to rely on the Zoom meeting platform to come together virtually. This provides a time for individuals to check in with one another and provide support, prayer and conversation. The hope is to bring clarity as each person composes a life of faith.

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In April we will continue to use the book “Love Is the Way” by Bishop Michael Curry.

Contact Pastor Bob with any questions at PastorBob@holycrosschurch.org

MP3 2021 Theme: “Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets” Andy Stanley has published a new book by the above title in 2020. It caught my eye and I have been previewing it. The premise of the book is that our decisions determine the direction and quality of our life. Our decisions create the story of our life. And while nobody plans to complicate their life with bad decisions, we often don’t plan ‘not’ to. The thought is that ‘good’ questions lead to ‘better’ decisions. The book is divided into five questions that provide us with the themes for an MP3 series in 2021

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Monday, June 21 at 6:30 pm - The Legacy Question: What story do I want to tell? Decision: I will write a story I’m proud to tell one decision at a time

Monday, July 26 at 6:30 pm - The Conscience Question: Is there a tension that needs my attention? Decision: I will explore rather than ignore my conscience

Tuesday, September 21 at 6:30 pm - The Maturity Question: What is the wise thing to do? Decision: I will take the past, present and future in consideration

Tuesday, October 26 at 6:30 pm - The Relationship Question: What does love require of me? Decision: I will decide with the interests of others in mind

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Take away: These questions provide the opportunity for clarity about what defines us and not what limits us. The conversations generated from these questions might elevate our lives from what is acceptable to what is wise. MP3 for 2021 will be about becoming wise with tools for the art of living… moral imagination, social courage, pursuing love and renewal of our life together.              

As follow-up to last fall’s book discussions of Dear Church: A Love Letter from a Black Preacher to Whitest Denomination in the US (by Pastor Lenny Duncan) and Dialogues on Race (Augsburg Fortress), all are invited to participate in this new relational group, led by Holy Cross member Carol Dikelsky. The Antiracism Roundtable & Work Group will meet monthly via Zoom to continue exploring antiracism themes and resources and to find ways to apply what we learn, unlearn, or relearn to our faith journeys. The group may also organize activities that put concepts into action.

Sessions will begin with an antiracism activity related to the discussion theme. Themes for the first four sessions are listed below. Additional themes will be developed based upon group focus and input.

All are invited to attend when you can and come as you are, with an open heart for listening to and praying with each other, as we confront a variety of topics that may take us out of our comfort zones and lead us to make new connections to our faith. 

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April 18 - Culural competence and inclusive language

May 16 - Peaceful protests and the anniversary of pivotal 2020 events

June 13 - Juneteenth: A History

Please join us for eight sessions in April and May as we discuss Jonathan Sacks' new book Morality: Restoring the Common Good in Divided Times. Over the years, we have read other titles by Sacks on topics ranging from religion and science to violence in the name of religion. Sacks' ideas make for rich conversation and insights, as his thought leadership incorporates faith, history, philosophy, and more.

We will meet on Tuesday nights at 7 pm via Zoom, following this schedule to go through the book:

April 6 - The Solitary Self

April 13 - The Market & The State - Part I

April 20 - The Market & The State - Part II

April 27 - Can We Still Reason Together - Part I

May 4 - Can We Still Reason Together - Part II

May 11 - Being Human - Part I

May 18 - Being Human - Part II

May 25 - The Way Forward

You can order your book here: amazon.com/dp/B0847KL48V (The Saturday Morning Men's Group will also be using this material starting in April. Details here.) Contact Steve Oelschlager at steve@holycrosschurch.org or Pastor Bob at pastorbob@holycrosschurch.org with questions.