Frequently Asked Questions
General
Q: Where are you located?
A: Cross is located at 1821 N. 16th Street, between Walnut St. and Fond du Lac Ave.
Q: Are you Handicapped accessible?
A: We have a ramp in the parking lot that provides access to the sanctuary, conference room and bathroom, as well as an elevator that provides access to the Ellwanger Fellowship Hall and Bread of Healing Clinic. Our offices and selected other locations are not yet fully accessible.
Q: What are your office hours?
A: Our offices are open Monday-Thursday, 9:30-4:30, except major holidays. Availability of individual staff members may vary.
Sunday Worship
Q: When are your worship services?
A: Our traditional Sunday Worship begins at 9:30 and usually lasts until just after 11:00, followed by a period for community and Sharing of the Peace. On Sundays when education programs are scheduled. they begin at 11:30. On Wednesday, our Bread of Healing worship/bible study service begins at 1:00, following a free, hot lunch.
Q: What are your services like?
A: Services at Cross follow the standard ELCA each Sunday, with the addition of a variety of secular events and celebrations. Each week includes scripture readings , sermon prayers, offerings and communion, as well as hymns music from one of our choirs. Because we are a diverse congregation, music can range from traditional hymns to gospel. It’s also not uncommon to hear the occasional “Amen!” and “Thank you, Jesus!”
Q: Who is allowed to take communion?
A: Communion is open to all baptized Christians who believe in Jesus Christ. Certain church staff and participants receive communion first, then the congregation will be invited up by pew. Both wine and grape juice are available. Gluten-free wafers are also available upon request. Communion will also be served in the pews to those who have difficulty coming to the altar.
Q: Do you have a Children’s Sermon?
A: We have a children’s sermon each Sunday. All children are welcome to come forward. If they’re nervous, a family member can sit with them
Q: Do children stay through the entire service?
A: Because Sunday School follows the service, children are welcome in the sanctuary throughout the entire service. They may work on activities or even read as long as they stay relatively quiet. (No games with noise, please.) There is also a nursery area in the back where a family member can take your children and still hear the service. Don’t worry: We won’t mind if you move around during the service.
Q: Do you say the Lord’s Prayer?
A: We rise and hold hands each Sunday for the Lord’s Prayer. At Cross, we say “trespasses.”
Q: What kind of choir music do you have?
A: Cross has multiple options for those who enjoy singing. Cross Youth Praise Team sings on the first Sunday each month, except for summer. The Gospel Choir sings on the 2nd and 4th Sundays. The Praise Choir sings on the 3rd and 5th Sunday.
Q: What hymnal do you use?
A: We use two main hymnals, “This Far By Faith” and “Lead Me, Guide Me.” We also have the “Lutheran Book of Worship” for use during baptisms and other special events.
Q: What is the Adult Forum?
A: Adult Forum, which is held after service most Sundays in the conference room, is a chance for adults to continue to learn while the kids are in Sunday School. The topics vary. While some weeks it is a Bible study, there are also periods when Adult Forum focuses on other books or topics.
Youth Education
Q: When is Sunday School?
A: Sunday School is held after service most Sundays during the school year. It begins at approximately 11:30 and runs until Noon.
Q: Do Sunday School children need to be registered in advance?
A: No advanced registration is required. A form is available to officially register your students. Guests are welcome without registering, but we do ask that returning families register their students.
Q: Is there a fee to enroll students in Sunday School?
A: There is no fee for attending or enrolling.
Q: What ages are able to attend Sunday School?
A: We welcome all children from K4-6th grade. Older youth are invited to attend Confirmation classes or to volunteer to help.
Community Ministries
Q: When can I get food or a free meal?
A: Cross has a free hot meal most Wednesdays and a food pantry three Wednesdays a month. Learn more on our Bread Of Healing Empowerment Ministry page.
Q: Do you have a community garden or other ministries related to food?
A: In addition to our free meal and food pantry, our Food Justice Ministry has a community garden adjacent to the church, as well as other food-related events
Q: Do you offer free medical services?
A: Cross helped to create the Bread Of Healing Clinic, a free medical clinic designed to serve low-income people who experience barriers to accessing ongoing health care. It also offers dental, behavioral health, and other services. One of its locations is in the Ellwanger Fellowship Hall, on the lower level of Cross. Learn more about the clinic, its locations and hours of operation on their website, breadofhealingclinic.org.
Diversity
Q: Do you have a racially diverse congregation?
A: Cross is very proud of its integrated membership. Although our member families are predominantly African American or white, we do have a variety of other ethnic backgrounds represented.
Q: Where do you stand on the issue of LGBTQIA+?
A: Cross has been a “Reconciling in Christ” congregation since 1991. This means we believe that all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identification are God’s children, and loved by him just as they are. We have celebrated LGBT marriages and commitment ceremonies for over 25 years. Moreover, all are welcome to share their talents with the congregation at any level. This is what we mean when we call ourselves “LGBTQIA+ Integrated.”