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 and Wednesday 8:30-3:30; Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00-4:00; Closed Fridays and holidays. Availability of individual staff members may vary.

Sunday Worship

Q: When are your worship services?
A: Our traditional Sunday Worship (both in person and online) begins at 10:00 and usually lasts until just after 11:00, followed by a period for refreshments, community and conversation.

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 and music from our choir. 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, celebrants and the choir 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. (If you need communion, raise your hand when that portion of the communion service begins.)

Q: Do you have a Children’s Sermon?
A: Children’s Sermons happen on select weekends, depending on the message of the day.

Q: Do children stay through the entire service?
A: Because we do not currently offer Sunday School, 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 hymnal do you use?
A: We draw from several hymnals: “This Far By Faith” (TFBF) and “Lead Me, Guide Me” (LMGM), “Evangelical Lutheran Worship” (ELW), “With One Voice” (WOV), and “All Creation Sings (ACS). Lyrics are available on the front screens for those who don’t prefer to read music.

Community Ministries

Q: When can I get free food?
A: Cross has a food pantry two Wednesdays each month. Learn more on our Bread Of Healing Empowerment Ministry page.

Q: Can I get free hygiene products?
A: We offer both baby and adult hygiene products including baby and adult diapers as well as period care. Other personal care products may be available when in stock, including toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo, and more.

Q: Do you have a community garden or other ministries related to food?
A: In addition to our free food pantry, our Food Justice Ministry has a community garden adjacent to the church, as well as other food-related events. These can include heathy eating and cooking classes. All are open to both church members and our neighbors.

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. We also embrace AntiRacism, and the membership strives to live into those ideals.

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. Cross has 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.”

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