|
|
|
|
Dear Austin Musicians, We have recently had the opportunity to purchase a wonderful grand piano for our music program at Holy Cross Lutheran Church. We would like to offer our facilities to the public for music concerts, recitals and programs. The acoustics in the church are exceptional and highlight the gorgeous sounds of voices and instruments alike. Our church also has a large fellowship hall that can be used for receptions following a recital or program. Both facilities can easily accommodate 150 people. The church sanctuary and fellowship hall are available afternoons and evenings during the week and on Sunday. Holy Cross Lutheran Church is centrally located just south of Highway 290 and Loop 360 on South Lamar Boulevard. It is an undiscovered south Austin music treasure – a perfect venue for any occasion. For more information on our facilities or scheduling your next program, please contact Leigh Ann at 512-892-0516. Thank you for considering our facilities for your next event. Sincerely, Worship and Music Committee Holy Cross Lutheran Church “GOD LOVES EVERYBODY” A reflection by Amanda Kallstrom-Fuqua & Chris Fuqua “God loves everybody”…such seemingly simple words that many of us take for granted. We rarely, if ever, doubt that we are among the “everybody” to which the statement refers. After walking in the PRIDE parade this year, those words took on a whole new meaning, as I came to realize that many in the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) population have not been afforded the opportunity to experience that statement with the confidence all of God’s children deserve. It is difficult to put into words the emotional experience of carrying the “God Loves Everybody – Holy Cross Lutheran” sign in the PRIDE parade and witnessing bystanders’ reactions to the sign. What might be such simple words to most of us, were clearly so powerful for those attending the parade. Their faces were visibly overcome with relief, gratitude, reassurance, happiness, and a sense of peace. It was amazing to me how long some of the people “took in” the sign, at what seemed to be a spiritual and emotional moment for many of them. The experience felt dreamlike and surreal and was emotionally overwhelming, bringing tears to our eyes. Many people asked us to stop so they could take a picture of the sign, while others yelled in support of the sign or raised their arms in cheer of the words. Others, such as an older gay couple I saw standing arm in arm, just nodded quietly with a sense of acceptance on their faces. I imagine for that particular couple, seeing those words in reference to the GLBT population in a public place has been a long time coming. Upon reflection of this experience, there have been many emotions ranging from sadness to hopefulness to anger/frustration to pride. It saddens me that so many in the GLBT population doubt those words or feel excluded from them, but I feel hopeful by the looks on their faces that in time they will come to believe the truthfulness of these words and also that more and more Christians will act in a way to help GLBT people feel included in God’ family. Of course, there is still anger and frustration that there are so many Christians who convey a lack of acceptance to GLBT people. Upon further reflection, it became evident that, as a Christian, it is necessary to have patience with other Christians who are still discovering what the words “God loves everybody” really mean. Sometimes the journey of trying to be Christ-like causes Christians to be judgmental and uncompromising, which is hopefully not the end game, but maybe a part of the growth of coming to accept those who are different. That being said, I felt so much PRIDE to be among the Holy Cross group carrying the sign in that parade, offering people the opportunity to experience acceptance. I felt PRIDE when they announced “Holy Cross Lutheran Church” several times over the loud speaker as we walked past the main strip, to which bystanders responded with cheer. I feel PRIDE that our congregation has taken a step forward in our growth toward acceptance of all and I encourage all of you to walk in the PRIDE parade next year, as part of your own spiritual growth. Our display of acceptance and love to all people is one of the most Christian things we can do. Cemetery Lots for Sale - Holy Cross Lutheran Church was gifted with 2 Lawn crypt spaces, which include a granite base and vase in Cook Walden Capital Parks Cemetery, Pflugerville. Described as VET III Lot 146 spaces 1&2 (with Crypts). Crypts have moisture protection with drainage system in place. $3000.00 for both. (512) 892-0516. The LWR Quilting group / service group is offering another opportunity to get together and work on the quilts and kits. We meet on Wednesdays, starting at 9:30 am and work throughout the day. You are invited to join us for an hour, part of the day, or the whole day, whatever your schedule (and inclination) allows. The choir is meeting Sunday mornings at 9 for a short rehearsal before service begins. We’d like to take the opportunity to work in some new cantors and musicians. If you are interested in canting or play an instrument and would like to play during service please contact the church office at 892-0516. |
Holy Cross Home Page
Activities
Photo gallery
How to find Holy Cross
"The Retreat"
Copyright© Holy Cross Lutheran Church 2005