Holy Cross UMC

Pastor Mandy is at the Leadership Institute at the Church of the Resurrection. Wonderful time of learning and worship.

This Saturday, 12-4 at Lauer's Park Elementary, come and join us!

No a/c? No problem. We worshiped together as the body of Christ. And we made paper dolls with our gifts and talents! Creativity is a gift from God!

It has been a busy week at Holy Cross as groups move back into the building after being gone for the summer. We have also learned why the a/c was not working this past weekend. Copper piping was stolen causing all the refrigerant to leak out. We are working with our insurance company to get the system fixed in a timely manner. As you might be aware, this will not happen overnight. 1 of 3 systems still works, we think we have it so Faith Auditorium will be cool on Sunday. Come prepared for worship in your shorts!

Due to our change in location and it being Back Pack Blessing Day, I am pivoting. Come prepared for an interactive sermon. If you can remember bring scissors! Worship will be designed for the families to worship together.

Zoom will be old school with a camera set up on a tripod. Thank you for your understanding! We are all trying to make the best of a discouraging situation.

Thanks for your prayers and presence for Sunday!

Join us for our neighborhood's Block Party!

See Holy Cross in the Reading Eagle. I have gifted this article so you can read it! Together we are engaging with our community for the protection of all our residents.

Faith community calls on Berks to end ICE detainer policy More than 20 leaders of the local faith community are calling on Berks County officials to end its policy of transferring individuals in its custody to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

A prayer for today:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/199wQedhSf/

A Prayer of Lament on Recent Immigration Enforcement Actions
from Bishop Tom Berlin

God of mercy, compassion, and hope,

We come before you with heavy hearts in these painful and troubling days. In Maine and Houston, lives were taken after ICE agents shot individuals during vehicle stops. In St. Augustine, a young man died in a moment of fear and flight during an encounter with ICE and Homeland Security Investigations officers. We grieve these deaths, and we grieve the systems and decisions that have brought so much sorrow in recent months.

We pray also for the driver of the semi-truck in St. Augustine, who was suddenly caught in this tragedy and sought to render aid. Bring healing to his spirit and peace for the trauma he now carries.

We lift before you those who mourn: spouses, children, family members, and friends whose lives have been forever changed. Be near to communities living in fear and uncertainty. Hold close all whose lives have been marked by these events.

O God, hear our cry. Move our nation's leaders, especially members of Congress, to act with wisdom and compassion for the sake of those who are vulnerable. We pray especially for our Haitian neighbors in Florida, that Temporary Protected Status may be secured so families are not forced to return to conditions of profound instability.

May our grief not end in sorrow alone. Stir us to faithful action. Move us to contact our representatives in Congress, to bear witness to our concern, to call for careful inquiry into these deaths, and to advocate for the protection and care of our Haitian neighbors.

Under the Lordship of Christ, grant us hearts of compassion, courage to seek justice, and the peace of Christ to sustain all who suffer.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Summer has officially started!

Sunday morning services start at 10 am all summer long!

Church picnic!!!

Today- June 14.

Lorane Hollow Park 11am. See you soon😀