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FIRST TIME

WELCOME to Holy Cross!
We know that venturing out to a new church for the first time can be a challenge. With this "visitor's kit" we have tried to identify and answer most of the questions that first time visitors might have. If this doesn't answer all your questions, please call our church office at 925-447-8840 or complete the form at the bottom of this page. We are eager to welcome you and make your first visit with us a rewarding and enriching one!

Where is Holy Cross Lutheran Church located?
We are located at 1020 Mocho St., Livermore, CA, 94551.  Please click here for directions and a map.

What time are the Worship Gatherings?
Sunday morning worship begans at 9:30 am.  Easter Worship Gatherings on Easter Sunday at 8:30 and 11 am.  Christmas Eve Worship Gatherings at 5 pm and 8 pm. 

Is Holy Communion offered at Holy Cross worship gatherings?
Yes!  We offer Holy Communion every Sunday.  We have an open table policy at Holy Cross, which means that everyone is welcome, and invited to come and receive the Lord's Supper.

How long does a Sunday Worship Gathering last?
Typically a worship gathering lasts an hour and fifteen minutes.  Depending on the Sunday, and whether there are special events and/or dynamics added to the worship gathering, worship can sometimes last longer.

What time should I plan to arrive?
If you are helping in a worship leadership capacity, it is always good to arrive no later than a half-hour before worship.  This gives you ample time to both center yourself and make sure everything is in order for your particular part in the worship gathering.  If you are not involved in worship leadership, you should plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before worship starts to ensure that you have ample time to enter the worship space, and center yourself before worship begins.  When your schedule does not allow you to be on campus early, we are simply happy that you have made worship a priority in your life.

Where should I park?
There is ample parking in the Holy Cross parking lot.  When the parking lot is full, there is additional parking along Mocho St.  The main worship space is accessible from any section of the parking lot, as well as Mocho St.

What about Sunday School for my children?
Holy Cross believes that children are our greatest gift, and we strive to create an environment where they can experience the love of God through community, learning, play and worship.  We are dedicated to providing a safe, accepting environment where children feel loved and valued.  We offer a variety of programs and activities that honor each child's interests and developmental level.  We strive to partner with parents in their children's formation of faith.

The Church School year is coordinated with the school calendar for Holidays.  We begin with Rally Day (a church school kick-off) in early September.  We conclude with a Children's Sunday at the end of May/beginning of June, when children's accomplishments during the Church's school year are celebrated, and teachers are recognized.

Our Sunday School is called "Spark", named after an approach that seeks to provide hands-on experiences for children in a variety of settings and stations.  For more information on Spark, click here.

Each Spark Sunday School experience begins in the worship space where parents are asked to check their child in.  Once each child is checked in, we begin an opening that sets the theme for the day and helps children transition into a time of learning.  After the opening, children are then walked to their respective classroom by his/her teacher.

Check-out occurs each Sunday morning in your child's classroom by letting your child's teacher know you are there, and by signing your child out.

Spark Sunday School is over at 11:45 am each Sunday.

Are there opportunities for my child during the 9:30 am worship gathering?
Yes.  There is a Children's Message during worship that consists of an object story by Pastor John.  Pastor John directs the children's message the first Sunday of each month.  The following Sundays are covered by our Puppeteering Team.  For more information on the Puppet Ministry at Holy Cross, click here.

Immediately following the Children's Message, children have the opportunity to join other children for Bible Activity Time (BAT).  This is a time for age-appropriate sharing and learning for the children.  Before Holy Communion is served in worship, the children are brought back into the worship space to rejoin their parents.

For babies and toddlers, we offer nursery care in the Ark Room, located adjacent to the worship space, starting at 9:15 a.m. Our staff is very experienced in childcare. Parents are given pagers so they can be called on the rare occasions when they are needed during the service.

While we have taken steps to provide parents with an alternative to keeping his/her child in worship, we are always pleased to see children in worship, of any age.  The options we provide are not suggestions on whether or not to have your child with you in worship.  They are simply options for you to consider how best to approach your's and your child's Sunday morning worship experience.

What should I wear to church?
The short answer - Whatever you want to wear.  There is a wide range of dress at Holy Cross, from business attire to shorts and flip flops.  You are, of course, free to wear whatever makes you feel most comfortable.  

Is there a Coffee hour after worship?
Yes.  We offer a Community Hour every Sunday after the 9:30 am worship gathering.  Community Hour takes place in our Fellowship Hall throughout the year.  Please don't be shy.  Everyone is welcome, and we are eager to meet you.

How can I get more information or get added to the mailing list?
Be sure to fill out an information card that can be found in the pew rack, and then drop it in the offering plate as it comes down your row.  You can also sign up to be on the Holy Cross mailing list.  Click here to sign up.

Click here to complete the First Time Visitor Questionnaire.