Seventy-five years ago, Graham Greene published The Power and the Glory, a moralist thriller that traces a line of influence back to Dostoyevsky and forward to Cormac McCarthy. Named one of the 100 best novels of the twentieth century by Time magazine, it stands today as his masterpiece.

Here’s the book description from GoodReads: In a poor, remote section of southern Mexico, the paramilitary group, the Red Shirts have taken control. God has been outlawed, and the priests have been systematically hunted down and killed. Now, the last priest is on the run. Too human for heroism, too humble for martyrdom, the nameless little worldly "whiskey priest" is nevertheless impelled toward his squalid Calvary as much by his own compassion for humanity as by the efforts of his pursuers.

If you’re interested in pondering these themes, such as the nature of suffering, faith and doubt, and duty and sacrifice, please read it and join us for the book discussion. Questions? Please email Lauren Mitchell.

Looking ahead to (and hoping for) warmer weather, let's enjoy getting outside together (weather permitting). All paces and abilities are welcome, including walkers and stroller pushers. We'll start on the front lawn and plan on an out-and-back route of 30-40 minutes total. The idea is to meet once or potentially twice a month, depending on interest. If you want to join or have any questions, please email Stephanie Tisher.

All men are welcome for this time of fellowship. We meet at a different house each month for this casual hangout time. Feel free to bring a lawn chair and your favorite beverage (for yourself or to share). We'll meet at Todd Nelson’s in Minnetonka. Please sign up online so the host can best prepare their space. Your confirmation email will have the full address. If you have any questions, please email Mark Hoober.

Interested in connecting with other women of all ages? An author who loves the Word of God and has served most of her life in full-time ministry has written a book using poignant life experiences paired with Scripture and questions for discussion. Join Cindy S. starting this fall for a study entitled "Heart Reflections." Cindy will guide this discussion, which will be held in the church library on select Saturday mornings. This is a time intended for women of any age! If you’re interested or have questions, please email Cindy.

Teaching responsibility and gratitude is possible. In this session, “The Entitlement Fix,” we will navigate household chores and begin building a family mission statement, focusing on growing in gratitude and hard work. This session offers practical tips, biblical encouragement, and greater vision to invite your family to a deeper purpose and mission together. Sign up (and bring a friend!). Childcare will be available for those who register. Questions? Email Pastor Andrea.

➡️ Register

This is a place for parents and guardians to bring children of all ages. A time of connection and conversation, play and snacks, wondering and laughing. Come and go as you're able. We'll meet at Burns Park (301 2nd St NE, Hopkins) during the warmer summer months. Otherwise, we'll be at church. If you choose, listen to the suggested Connected Families podcast for some parenting chats. See you there! Please email Andrea Pope with any questions.

Adult women of all ages are welcome! The goal is to create a relaxed, casual atmosphere where women can come as they are and enjoy time together. We’ll meet at Nacho's Mexican Grill (1016 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343).

Please sign up so we can prepare the restaurant for our group. If you have any questions, please email Kris Ford.

WANT TO HOST? We’re looking for some lovely hosts in the coming months. We usually meet on the second Thursday of the month. If you're interested in hosting for an upcoming evening, please email Kris Ford. 

On this, our most important holiday, we celebrate Christ’s resurrection and the new life it brings to us. This joyful service includes singing, readings, a sermon, and the celebration of the Eucharist.

On this, our most important holiday, we celebrate Christ’s resurrection and the new life it brings to us. This joyful service includes singing, readings, a sermon, and the celebration of the Eucharist.

Since the first centuries of the Church, the Vigil has marked the beginning of Easter with baptisms, renewal of baptismal vows, and celebration of the Eucharist.

But first, the Vigil powerfully retells the story of salvation history beginning with creation, continuing with God’s covenant with the Israelites, and reaching a climax in Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. In this service, we remember God’s past work and eternal faithfulness.

For the first time since Lent began, we proclaim Alleluia together as a congregation–a moment that is marked by the ringing of bells, keys, etc. (Please bring bells.)

(NOTE: The 4:30pm service will be shorter than the 7:00pm service, and is a great service for families with young children, or just for those who can’t stay up quite so late the night before Easter. This service will include the dramatic readings, songs, and a sermon, but will not include baptisms or the Eucharist.)

The 7pm service will also be livestreamed.

Join us for an unforgettable Easter Carnival & Egg Hunt at Church of the Cross (201 9th Ave N). Kids of all ages are welcome to attend this free, community-wide event with their parents or guardians. 

Have a blast with your kids playing games, meeting the neighbors, and enjoying complimentary coffee and breakfast treats on us. Bouncy houses and several carnival games for kids of all ages will be part of the featured fun. The egg hunt takes place on the front lawn from 10 to 10:30am for children ages eight and younger.

Click "Going" on our Facebook event if you plan to come, and tell your friends to tag along with their kids. This event is an annual favorite for many families in and around Hopkins. You won’t want to miss it.

(Note: This event is weather permitting and may be canceled due to inclement weather.)

The Good Friday service focuses on Christ’s passion and death for us on the cross. It is a somber service, but also one of hope as we remember what Jesus accomplished for us. It includes readings, prayers, music, and a reflection on the cross of Christ.

** Every year, we take a special offering during our Good Friday service that is designated for a specific ministry of mercy. More details on the ministry will come later.

This service will also be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.

In this traditional service of prayer and reflection, we meditate upon the chief scenes of Jesus’ sufferings and death, moving throughout the sanctuary, pausing at each station and cross.

In this service, we celebrate Christ’s last night with his disciples through scripture, music, prayers, a sermon, and the celebration of the Eucharist.

This service will also be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.

Services at 9 AM & 10:45 AM

Holy Week begins with this celebration of Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem. We start the service downstairs (or outside, weather permitting) with the Blessing of the Psalms and then process together into the sanctuary.

Lent is a perfect time of year to contemplate Christ's life and His goodness to us. One way we can do that is through the arts. Join Deacon Joel for a contemplative listening session celebrating God's great gift of music. For the past two years, we have listened to Bach's St. Matthew's Passion and Handel's Messiah. This year, we will listen to two Requiems.  A Requiem is a mass written for the repose of the dead. We will listen to two very different Requiems. We will listen to A Requiem by French composer Gabriel Fauré. We will then listen to Johannes Brahms's German Requiem. The Faure piece is a bit over half an hour, and the Brahms piece is about an hour. With a natural break in between, you'll have an opportunity to focus on one piece if that's all you have time for. 

➡️ Sign up to let us know if you’re interested in or planning on coming.

If you can’t make it to the Stations of the Cross at noon on Good Friday, here’s an alternative time for you. In this traditional service of prayer and reflection, we meditate upon the chief scenes of Jesus’ sufferings and death, moving throughout the sanctuary, pausing at each station and cross.

Young adults are invited to the Great Hall for snacks and fellowship, followed by praying through Compline together. Come as you are for food, fellowship, and prayer! Some snacks will be provided, and you are invited to bring something to share, but it's not required.

Questions about the group? Contact Claire Carlson. New to Cross and want to connect with fellow young adults? Reach out to Emily Sundblad or Frank Beck.

This is a place for parents and guardians to bring children of all ages. A time of connection and conversation, play and snacks, wondering and laughing. Come and go as you're able. We'll meet at Burns Park (301 2nd St NE, Hopkins) during the warmer summer months. Otherwise, we'll be at church. If you choose, listen to the suggested Connected Families podcast for some parenting chats. See you there! Please email Andrea Pope with any questions.

Wilderness Temptations Of Jesus | 👉 Sign Up

Ladies, for this contemplative approach to Bible study, we will look into the Temptations of Jesus. Come to hear the story in a new way, become equipped to make it your own, and share it with others. This is a 4-week study (March 3, 10, 17, and 24). Please sign up in our weekly email so we can best prepare for our time together, and let us know on the form if you’d like childcare.

For questions, email Deacon Cheryl.

Interested in connecting with other women of all ages? An author who loves the Word of God and has served most of her life in full-time ministry has written a book using poignant life experiences paired with Scripture and questions for discussion. Join Cindy S. starting this fall for a study entitled "Heart Reflections." Cindy will guide this discussion, which will be held in the church library on select Saturday mornings. This is a time intended for women of any age! If you’re interested or have questions, please email Cindy.

Young adults are invited to the Great Hall for snacks and fellowship, followed by praying through Compline together. Come as you are for food, fellowship, and prayer! Some snacks will be provided, and you are invited to bring something to share, but it's not required.

Questions about the group? Contact Claire Carlson. New to Cross and want to connect with fellow young adults? Reach out to Emily Sundblad or Frank Beck.

Alpha is an introduction to Christian belief aimed especially for those who are exploring or are new to Christianity. The course includes enjoying a meal together, watching a teaching, and engaging in honest discussion.

The Alpha Course at Church of the Cross will take place on Wednesdays at 6-8pm, from January 14 to March 18, with a break for Ash Wednesday (February 18).

It's free to attend, but please register so we can best prepare for your arrival: https://ofthecross.breezechms.com/form/alpha-course-jan-2025.

Any questions? We'd love to hear from you at hello@ofthecross.org.

Wilderness Temptations Of Jesus | 👉 Sign Up

Ladies, for this contemplative approach to Bible study, we will look into the Temptations of Jesus. Come to hear the story in a new way, become equipped to make it your own, and share it with others. This is a 4-week study (March 3, 10, 17, and 24). Please sign up in our weekly email so we can best prepare for our time together, and let us know on the form if you’d like childcare.

For questions, email Deacon Cheryl.

Adult women of all ages are welcome! The goal is to create a relaxed, casual atmosphere where women can come as they are and enjoy time together. You’re welcome to bring something to share, but you don’t have to. We’ll meet at Skylar Zilka’s house in Bloomington. Please sign up online so the host can best prepare their space. Your confirmation email will have the full address.

If you have any questions, please email Kris Ford.