Holy Cross Lutheran Church

Well how can  a church be one of my Top 365? Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Vandalia, IL definitely had an influence on me and still does today. From the time I can remember we went to church every Sunday. Some Sundays my Dad would drive out to pick us up from staying all night at Grandma's, but we never missed church.

The church was a big part of our growing up. Our family friends were from the church and attended. The Thomans. The Beckmans. The Meyers. The Woolseys. My Dad sang in the choir and taught Sunday School. We were baptized there and attended Confirmation classes everrrrrrryyyyy Wednesday for four years until we were confirmed. :)

I go to church now and just as back then, the liturgy comes back to me. The communion liturgy, the benediction. The closing hymn. Such good and warm feelings that provoked. As a child knowing it was almost over and we could go home. As an adult knowing how much it is a part of who I am and what I believe to be real in life.

I remember Trick or Treating for Unicef and when we moved from the old church into the new one. There were two services and we attended the 10:30 service and  Sunday School. On Sundays we would go to breakfast with my Dad and eat at Robbin's and see my Grandma. Then to church.

My Dad was an usher too. Everyone had their regular seats where they sat each Sunday. Christmas Eve services were always really special too and such a big part of the holiday. It was never are we going to church?  Church was just a part of our lives.

Holy Cross Lutheran Church and my Dad will always be a tied in memory. We lost him so young and the church is what for me keeps him alive in my heart.

Nothing was perfect though. I can remember one time when my friend Jerri and I were sitting in front together and talking and the preacher stopped the sermon to shut us down. I love the old red hymnal. Grandma used to tell me she did not like to go to the Lutheran church because we had to stand up and sit down so much.

Recently my nephew, Jared was baptized in the Catholic Church. During the service I was sitting with my niece Sarah and we were talking. Suddenly my mom gently poked me to shut me up. I felt like I was nine years old again.  Yep. Some things never change.

But the love, the faith, the tradition, and the feeling embedded in Holy Cross Lutheran Church will withstand forever. As will the people.

"And may the peace of God which passes all human understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus". (Know that one by heart).