A Word From Pastor Sandy

One of the things I have learned since being here at Holy Cross MCC is that sometimes, less is more. I think this is such a time so I will let my words be few.

Under the best of circumstances, change is still hard. At times such as this it is even harder. I want to remind you of some important truths:

• God is not the author of confusion.
• God causes ALL things to work together for our good.
• Through Jesus who is the Prince of Peace, we can have peace in our hearts and minds no matter what storm or changes come our way.

This is a time for us to speak peace to the confusion, frustration and uncertainty that some are feeling and feeding right now. I am available to meet with you if you have concerns or questions about anything relative to our church.

Your love, prayers and support are much appreciated! I hope to see you Sunday at 10:00 as we celebrate God's love. Your place is saved!

The Winds Of Change Are Blowing Again

This week brought about the unexpected resignations of our Care Minister and Minister of Congregational Life and Outreach. Miriam's last day will be October 28th. She plans to take some time to rest and then she'll be back in worship with us. Rev. Patrick will finish working from home as he heals from his current illness. I do not know of his future plans.

These changes in staff bring a sense of loss to the church, community, and me. I have grown to love and rely upon each of them and I know how much you love and care for them. Part of our grieving process is to remember the fine work and ministry they have given to God and our church. Forever they will be counted among the good and faithful servants who worked for Holy Cross MCC.

What are we going to do? Our short-term plan is to hire an Administrative Assistant through a temporary agency. This will give me up to 90 days to make a more long-term plan. I would like time to pray and assess our staffing needs.

Like me, you are probably startled with this news. I want to remind you that God still has everything under control. Let prayer be our priority and this scripture our guide. Proverbs 3:5-6 says we are to trust in God with all of our heart and not depend on our own understanding, we are to acknowledge God in all of our ways knowing that God will direct our path.

We will find a way to express our love and appreciation to Miriam and Rev. Patrick. And we will get through this together. I am more rested now than I have been in years and for that I give God thanks and praise.

God has prepared a wonderful day of blessing for us this Sunday!

• 9:00 Worship
• 10:15 Brunch (sure you can bring something if you would like)
• 11:00 "It Ain't Ya Mama's Gospel Concert"

Daphne is giving this concert as a gift to Holy Cross. I am joining in on the opening song and you don't want to miss that! Bring non-perishable items for our Food Pantry so Miriam will have lots of food to give away her last two weeks. Bring a Love Offering which Daphne is giving back to our church. Let's show her how much we appreciate her gift.

Peace and Blessings

Forgiveness

As we continue with our series on "The Lord's Prayer" this week we will focus on forgiveness. All of us need it and most of us need help in both giving and receiving it. My most requested sermon is on this important spiritual discipline.

Join us Sunday as we look at a translation of "forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those we trespass against us" that points us in a direction of how we can get started.

Invite someone to meet you at church Sunday. It may be the most loving thing you ever do for them.

I'll see you at 9:00am or 11:00am.

Sermon Series Continues

The Lord's Prayer sermon series continues with "Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread". Join us on Sunday, October 9 at 9:00 am and 11:00 am.

This Weekend at Cornerstone and Holy Cross

Excitement is building for this year's Camp Meeting at Cornerstone Metropolitan Community Church. I invite you to meet me in Mobile Friday and/or Saturday evening for a time of refreshing. This year's theme is Forever Grateful and we'll be giving God thanks and praise as we look at the past on Friday, the present on Saturday and the future on Sunday. However, Holy Cross sheep need to be at Holy Cross on Sunday!

We are blessed to have a MCC within driving distance. In Corpus the closest MCC was San Antonio, and that was a three hour drive. It's good for us to have times of worship and fellowship together. Friday night will begin with supper for only $7.00 and we know how those folks can cook. The service will end with a time of healing so if you have that gift, come and help me pray.

Enjoy the continuation of our series on The Lord's Prayer this Sunday. Invite someone to come to church, either in person or on our website's live steam. Jesus said we are to go into all the world and preach the good news and we now have the ability to do that as never before. Help us spread the word.

You Are Not an Only Child

For some that title is good news - and for others not! This week we begin our new series on "The Lord's Prayer". Each week we will hear a different translation of the prayer read and the choir will be singing some arrangements of it as well. This is an opportunity for us to take something treasured and true and open our hearts to an even greater understanding of it for us today.

Sunday before last I spoke of how Jesus used many examples to help us understand the dominion of God. One word that comes to mind for me when I think of God's realm is alignment. This seems to be what's happening in our church right now. This is a season of things coming together for us and that makes me rejoice! I never know what it is God is up too - but I know it's always something for our good.

If you're out of sorts with God, others, or the church, now is the time to come to worship and receive a spiritual alignment. It will make you feel better than a massage!

Our church has a fantastic future and it includes you. I hope to see you at 9:00 or 11:00 as we join together to celebrate God's love for all people.

Looking in All the Wrong Places

Once again I date myself, but I know some of you remember the song "Looking for Love in all the Wrong Places." Sunday we begin a new season in the church year, the season of Dominiontide or Kingdomtide, when we focus on the realm of God in our lives, church and world.

Jesus used many parables to help the disciples understand and experience the dominion of God, yet it seemed to elude them. They continued to seek it where it could not be found. Many of us do as well. If that's you, be sure to join us Sunday and you'll be pointed in the right direction.

If for some reason you can't make it to church check out our live stream of the 9:00am service.

And remember, our new Wednesday night service begins next week, Sept 7th at 6:30pm. Come and bask in the presence of the Lord. You will be blessed!