SUNDAY SERVICES ARE BACK AT CROSS & CROWN

We are excited to share that after seven weeks away, we are gathering for worship once again in our building on Sundays at the normal time of 10:30 AM. 


This is due to two key things: first, the hard work and dedication of many people who used their gifts for the good of our congregation and collaborated to make this happen, and second, the providential aid of the Lord our God, without which none of this would have happened. Thanks be to God, amen, amen.


We are deeply grateful to our friends at Allisonville for graciously sharing their space with us during this challenging time.

Pet Blessing - Oct 12

Pet Blessing October 12 at 12:30 PM


Join us OUTSIDE at Cross & Crown next to the community garden with your animal of choice, whether it be a dog, cat, lizard, or llama. Pastor Ed will lead a brief service and bless each animal. 


All animals with more or fewer than 4 legs must be contained. Reach out to Pastor Ed for details. Pet goody bags will be available.

Theology oN Tap with Pastor Ed - OCT 14

Tuesday, October 14 at 7 PM, we'll meet at Upland Brewery at 4939 E. 82nd Street, the same location where the book group meets. 


Join us for some good theological conversation, convivial company, and a beverage of your choice. They do nice appetizers too! Reach out to Pastor Ed if you have any questions. 

DECORATE A COFFEE SLEEVE

Please join us for a few minutes before or after the service on Sunday to decorate some coffee sleeves for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House. 


A decorated coffee sleeve reminds families that people are thinking of them during their child's treatment. Details of how to decorate a sleeve are provided at the table.

CROSS & CROWN BOOK GROUP

Our October book is The Last Green Valley by Mark Sullivan.


For questions about the book group, contact Alice Miley.

WOMEN's bible study NOW FORMING

The Christian Ed team is inviting the women of Cross and Crown to a Women’s Bible Study. Ladies, if you are interested in joining a Bible study, please email Diane Hewitt or call 317-443-0617. Once a group has been identified, an organizational meeting will be held. Please offer any suggestions/ideas when responding. Please advise if transportation is needed.

FLOWES FOR WORSHIP SPACE

The 2025 flower chart was not retrieved from the bulletin board before it was taken down, so unfortunately, there is no record of who had signed up. If you had signed up for flowers or would like to sponsor flowers for a special occasion, email Chris Lantz with your date and occasion. You will be provided with details on ordering flowers a week prior to your date.

AMEN CORNER - NOW FORMING!

In the wake of the fire and during this season of rebuilding, many of us have found ourselves asking: How can we help? How can we offer care to one another? As one immediate response, we’re forming The Cross & Crown Amen Corner.


What is the “Amen Corner?”

In church tradition, the “Amen Corner” was a group of faithful voices offering prayerful support and vocal encouragement during worship. At Cross & Crown, we’re embracing that same spirit—and expanding it into a hands-on ministry of presence, compassion, and practical support.


You will find the Amen Corner just inside the Narthex of our temporary sanctuary. A table will hold two (soon to be three) Amen Baskets, along with notecards, pens, and a few helpful materials. This small space is your invitation to participate in lifting each other up through intentional acts of grace.


The "Amen Baskets"

  • Blessings Basket - A space for notes of thanks, short prayers, or small tokens of encouragement for Pastor Ed, the church staff, and one another. You’re also welcome to drop in a little fun treat, candy, pet treat, tea bags, cheerful stickers, or anything that might brighten someone’s day.
  • Burdens Basket - A confidential space to lay down worries or prayer concerns—including those related to the fire or other challenges. These will be received with compassion & care.
  • Beacon Basket (coming soon) - For those seeking deeper conversation or prayer support, this basket will be a way to request a conversation with Pastor Ed or a Stephen Ministry team member. Just leave your name and preferred contact information.

This is a time to lift each other up—in spirit, in prayer, and through small, heartfelt gestures of love. The Amen Corner invites all of us to play a part in the care and renewal of our Cross & Crown community. Amen and amen.

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY TEXT UPDATES

Interested in joining the Children's Ministry text updates? These Saturday updates will provide reminders about programming and other opportunities for kids. If you would like to be added to the list, please text CCLKIDS to 888-232-1950. If you have any issues signing up please talk to Pastor Ed or Lisa. 

Sharing Place

Family Day Volunteer Opportunity

The Sharing Place has an opportunity for your family (ages 9+) to volunteer together at The Sharing Place on Wednesdays and Fridays from 1-3 pm. The Sharing Place is located at 6501 Sunnyside Road. 


LEARN MORE


More Volunteers Needed

The Sharing Place is in urgent need of additional volunteers. They have several areas where you can help: shoppers, sorting/stocking, and housekeeping. 


SEE MORE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES


Donations

Also, keep those donations coming! Corn Flakes, egg noodles, pork 'n beans, spaghetti and sauce, toilet paper or money to Stan. Thanks for your help. Let's keep up the good work!

DONATIONS FOR OUTREACH INDIANA

Outreach Indiana is in need of a lot of things to help the children ages 14 to 26 that are either homeless or are living on a couch in someone else’s home, or in a home with no support. Whatever you can put in the barrel in the Narthex, will get to them. Thank you in advance!


Clothes

  • During this time when you’re changing out your closets and storing away the winter clothes and going through your summer clothes, please bring those items you think a young person from 14 to 26 can use that you will no longer need
  • New boxer briefs for men, all sizes
  • New cotton underwear for girls, bikini style and briefs all sizes
  • New sports bras for girls, all sizes

Personal hygiene items:

  • Washcloths
  • Toothpaste, toothbrushes
  • Deodorant for both men and women
  • Tampons, pads, and liners
  • Individual small bars of soap
  • Shampoo, and conditioner
  • Body lotion
  • Tide Pods - the young people are able to do their laundry there

Snacks & Water

  • On their website is a list of snacks that they can give the youth so they have something to eat on the days Outreach is not serving food
  • They also go through a lot of bottled water during the summer month

VIEW GREATEST NEEDS LIST


Thank you all for your support, the staff at Outreach are so appreciative. 


“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.” (Mark 9:37)

STEPHEN MINISTRY

Becoming a Stephen Minister is a life-transforming experience…an opportunity to serve God, help others, and grow in faith. Through a series of regular articles in the Connection, we will share what it means to become a Stephen Minister.

 

What Do Stephen Ministers Do?

Stephen Ministers make a real difference in the lives of people who are hurting. They walk alongside people going through life challenges like grief, divorce, a medical crisis, job loss, and more. They offer care, support, and encouragement, connecting hurting people with Christ’s healing love during some of the hardest times in their lives.


Stephen Ministers see God at work through their ministry. While trusting God is at the core of their ministry, Stephen Ministers regularly say how their faith deepens as they experience the training, learn to use distinctively Christian caring tools, and witness God at work in the lives of their Care Receivers.


Learn More

For more information about becoming a Stephen Minister please contact Pastor Ed at (317) 849-4500 or Ron Hanson, Stephen Leader, at (317) 430-2173 for a confidential conversation. Classes will begin in September at Cross & Crown.

Email Chris Lantz with Questions



Text Alerts

If you would like to be included on the church text alerts, send Chris Lantz an email with the mobile phone number you would like to receive the messages. This method of communication will not be used for prayer requests. 


Simply Giving

If you are tired of writing checks for your offerings and would like the convenience of electronic giving, then we invite you to consider the Simply Giving program. Contact Chris Lantz for details.


OFFERING

It takes financial resources to accomplish the work God has called us to do. Your generous offerings enable Cross & Crown to fulfill its mission to grow in faith, serve all in need, and gather every person to Christ. Our giving funds the daily operations of the church, fuels special projects, and supports our many core and outreach ministries. Remember our offerings are an important part of our worship even though we are not meeting in person.


Giving Options

  • Cash or Check - Checks should be made out to “Cross & Crown Lutheran Church.” At in-person services, checks or cash can be put into the offering basket. You can also mail your offering to Cross & Crown Lutheran Church, 5233 E. 79th St., Indianapolis, IN 46250.
  • Electronic Giving  If you would like to give via regular automated withdrawls, you can find more information and a sign up form here. Complete the form and mail it into the office along with a voided check.
  • Donate Online - We also offer secure online donations via our tithe.ly site. Click on the button below to make an online donation.

JOY FUND

If you find your self in financial hardship during the pandemic, Cross and Crown has a designated fund, called the Joy Fund, to help with unexpected nonrecurring expenses. Email Stacy Reid for more information.