"And I think that's what our world is desperately in need of – lovers, people who are building deep, genuine relationships with fellow strugglers along the way, and who actually know the faces of the people behind the issues they are concerned about."

– Shane Claiborne, The Irresistible Revolution


MISSION SUNDAYS

At least one Sunday each month is designated as a "Mission Sunday," during which a special offering is collected in worship to support a ministry outside of Cross of Grace. It's a great reminder that God has blessed us to be a blessing for the world and we're always looking for ideas about how to make that happen. If you know of a ministry or organization that could benefit from our support, please let us know. We love to have representatives from various places join us to share the story of how our gifts will do God's work in the world.

Listen to some of our Mission Partners:

Hope Center Indy

Agape Alliance


Cross of Gracers have been traveling to rural Fondwa, Haiti, since 2011, on an annual basis. 5% of our Building Fund offerings support our work there, as well. Among other things, we have helped rebuild a school following the earthquake of 2010, have helped establish a women’s health clinic, and have built several houses in the community. Pastor Mark now chairs the board for an organization called Zanmi Fondwa (“Friends of Fondwa”) which primarily builds homes for Haitians in the area. Check out Zanmi Fondwa, and let us know if you’d like to join our next trip or otherwise get involved with this organization that does great work for God’s kingdom in Haiti.

FONDWA, HAITI


AGAPE ALLIANCE

Cross of Grace shares food and friendship with sex workers on Indy’s eastside on the third Monday of each month. If you’d like to help provide food and/or join those who deliver it, please reach out to Carla Hopkins (carlahop64@gmail.com) to learn more.


SONRISE MINISTRY

Cross of Grace hosts weekly Bible study activities for adults who are differently-abled, intellectually and physically. These activities include snacks, meals, crafts, songs, the study of Scripture, and all kinds of fun. Everyone who participates is blessed and better for the time shared and the lessons learned.


GROCERIES OF GRACE
FOOD PANTRY

Cross of Grace houses a food pantry offering fresh food from the Grace Garden (in season) and non-perishable food items to individuals and families from the community. Donations can be made anytime, though we've designated the fifth Sunday in any month a good time to replenish our supply. If you'd like to take advantage of this ministry by receiving food, please call the office Monday - Thursday, between 8 a.m. and Noon to make arrangements.


RACIAL JUSTICE TEAM

Folks who participate in the Racial Justice Team learn about and advocate for anti-racist understanding and practices in our congregation and our culture. Guided by Jesus’ command to love our neighbors as ourselves, we are committed to increasing our awareness of racial inequity, to developing authentic relationships, and to acting in ways that disrupt racism. We sponsor frequent opportunities for all ages to learn about and engage in anti-racist work, including book studies, field trips, guest speakers, and other events. Everyone is welcome.


KIVA MICRO-LOANS

We have a standing, growing account with the international non-profit organization KIVA, which we use to facilitate micro-loans to people who are often financially excluded from traditional sources of credit around the world. Since its inception in July of 2016, Cross of Grace's KIVA account has been able to provide 91 loans totaling over $16,825 to people in over 27 countries. By providing these loans we have helped hard-working men and women provide for their families and build small businesses in their communities. With other crowdfunding donors around the globe, we’ve helped farmers purchase livestock in Kenya, provided families with filters for clean drinking water in Cambodia, funded solar kits to illuminate homes without electricity in Madagascar, and more.

Check out KIVA, for yourself to see how these small loans make such a big difference.


PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

The Shawl Ministry shares a gift of knitting or crocheting with those in need of comfort and solace. Many blessings are knitted into every shawl. The craftsperson begins each shawl with prayers for the recipient and continues throughout it's creation. The shawl is dedicated upon completion.

Once a month the Shawl Ministry meets for an hour of fellowship, knitting and prayer. Labels from Cross of Grace are attached to each shawl and we are blessed to be able to make these available as people have need. Everyone with a love of creation is welcome to participate. Patterns and yarn suggestions are available at the meetings or you may see more about this program at www.shawlministry.com. Please contact the church office if you know of someone who would have need of a shawl.


FOSTER FAMILY CHRISTMAS

Each December, Cross of Grace hosts a party full of food, gifts, games, and a visit from Santa Claus for families in Hancock County who bless our community by serving as foster families for children in need.


ELCA GOOD GIFTS

We enjoy supporting this ministry of the ELCA, which provides animals for farming and food to support families around the world. Usually, find creative ways for our kids to collect donations and choose the animals for purchase, during the seasons of Lent and Advent. (To learn more about ELCA Good Gifts and/or to make an offering yourself, check them out online by clicking here.)


FAIR-TRADE COFFEE

Cross of Grace uses only fairly-traded coffee and sells it to our members and friends at cost through the Equal Exchange program. Equal Exchange empowers farmers and consumers, supports small farming co-ops and uses sustainable farming methods. These farmers provide high-quality organic coffees, teas, chocolates and snacks. Our support of them cuts out the middle-man of large corporate production, creating stronger communities, a more just food system and a healthier planet. Join us to try some of these products and check their website (www.equalexchange.com) to learn more.


IN-HOME HOSPITALITY

The In-Home Grace & Hospitality Team is designed to provide meals in time of personal need. When there is a member who finds it necessary to have medical surgery and will have some recovery time in their home, or a new addition to the family has arrived and there is some adjustment time needed, the In-Home Hospitality Team is there to provide a main meal for those in the home. If you would like a meal delivered, or would like to prepare a meal when there is a need, please contact the Church Office.


RECYCLING

In keeping with the Biblical command to care for creation, Cross of Grace recycles whatever paper we can and invites others from our congregation and community to join us in this effort. Please feel free to add newspapers, magazines, cardboard, telephone books, and any paper to the dumpster in our parking lot. We also have receptacles for recycling ink cartridges and batteries inside the building, as well. Contact the church to find out more.