"The message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those of us who are being saved it is the power of God." (I Corinthians 1:18)

When people gaze upon the symbol that appears at the center of our logo, it can be perceived as either "foolishness" or a source of "power", depending on who you are. On this Rally Day, September 14th, 2003, we at Bethel, along with the rest of the Lutheran Church at-large, celebrate the Festival of the Holy Cross, a day we “lift high the cross” as the central symbol of our faith.

The Festival of the Holy Cross began in Jerusalem in the early fourth century when a church was built over the place of the crucifixion. The forty day period between August 6th (Transfiguration) and September 14th became a special season to honor this key symbol of the Christian faith. The day turns the church toward the crucified Lord who became one with all who suffer; including the poor, the outcast, and the weak.

As we daily make the sign of the cross on our bodies, we recall the power that was given to us in Holy Baptism -- a power that eradicates all our sociological, ethnological and economic boundaries -- a power that is readily available to us through Word and Sacrament. Let us come this Rally Day (9/14) to be renewed and re-strengthened by the power of Holy Spirit and to recommit ourselves to the study of God’s grace through our Christian Education Program. Let us come to the Ministry Faire where we will be encouraged once again to consider how we can best live out our baptismal call and serve our church; that our combined efforts may prove to be a mighty missionary force in our community. While the way of the cross will surely confound some, we at Bethel Lutheran Church join with the Crucified Christ to reveal God's gracious presence to all, from the City to the sea!

Moving Ahead in Christ

+Pastor Dan


Previous Pastor's Pages

• Summer, 2003
• Spring, 2003
• Winter, 2002
• Fall, 2002