Holy Cross Sunday At-Home Service for September 13
Today we celebrate Holy Cross Sunday. One of the earliest annual celebrations of the Church, Holy Cross Day traditionally commemorated the discovery of the original cross of Jesus on September 14, 320, in Jerusalem. The cross was found by Helena, mother of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. In conjunction with the dedication of a basilica at the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, the festival day was made official by order of Constantine in 335 AD.
On this day we remember the pivotal roll of the cross in our lives by reflecting on the readings from the Holy Bible today:
The message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God ~ 1 Corinthians 1:18
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” ~ John 3:16-17
Follow along with the the At-home printed version of Holy Cross Sunday service.
Click here on the image below to view the at-home version of the service.
Pastor Rike’s Sermon
It has been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. That is particularly true of the cross. Every year in the middle of September the church again focuses on this image, which is the instrument of our salvation.
In the first century, the cross was a despised instrument of execution, used by the Roman Empire to instill fear. The purpose of the cross was to remove from the earth those who threatened Roman control of the world.
Today, when the image of the cross is lifted-up, it calls attention to the most important of Christian beliefs. Although the cross was intended to separate a person from life it has become a sign, showing how God has entered the world, bringing true life to humanity.
As counterintuitive as that may seem, there are three ways in which the cross calls our attention to connection rather than separation. One has to do with our human limits, another concerns the power of God, and the third has to do with trusting the Lord.
Click here to read Pastor Rike’s entire sermon.
Video Options
Follow along with the service on video led by Pastor David Rike with music performed by Randy Broker
Click on the image below to view the video.
