Cross Lutheran Church is located in the inner-ring suburb
of Maplewood, MN. When founded 66 years ago, Cross was a member of
the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, but subsequently left that Synod for the AELC. Cross became a member of the ELCA
in 1988.
We are “people centered” rather than “program
driven.”With about 400 baptized members, we are blessed with a membership that includes infants, children,
young adults, baby boomers, and the elderly.
Most important in our life together is the Ministry
of Word and Sacrament, focused in worship, teaching, and the care of souls. Our one worship service each Sunday is traditional in its liturgical style, with the exception of a once a month alternative
service which is an adaptation of The Work
of the People by Dakota Road Music. We celebrate the Lord’s
Supper weekly. We take preaching seriously. Our worship is enhanced by an Adult Choir, Handbell Choir and occasional
other special music.
Along with our worship life, we have also invested ourselves
heavily in Christian education. In our Sunday School curriculum we are intentional
about teaching our young children their Bible stories, so that they get some sense of who we are as God’s children,
and how God has acted on our behalf. Our confirmation
class uses a curriculum with a heavy emphasis on homework done with parents,
and memorization. 8th graders meet monthly with adult mentors. In Adult Education on Sundays, we make use
of resource people in the area (including Seminary faculty). There are also Tuesday Bible Study series, a six week overview of
the Old and New Testaments, a six week discipleship course, a Parish Retreat, and once a month gatherings that include a light supper
and a Bible Study, called L.I.F.E. - Lutherans Indulging
in Food and Education.
Since the year 2000, we have also committed ourselves to a Milestones Ministry that involves children and their parents in mini-courses of 2-3 weeks each year, and encourages and equips us to
better nurture lives of faith in our homes. All of this is in addition to an active youth group (grades 6-12) that meets about once
a month, and for weekend retreats and a summer trip
each year. The congregation is also involved in several ministries in the
neighborhood, including meal preparation at the Ramsey County Homeless Shelter, and Joseph’s Coat.
If
you’d like a welcome packet mailed to your home, please contact us either by snail mail or e-mail us -- see “Contact
Us” link.
We invite you to become a part of the church today and a piece of its history
tomorrow.