Holy Cross FAQ
What time are your services?
The Divine Service is celebrated on Sunday at 9:30AM
What Bus Stop Should I use?
Holy Cross is located on the 56 and near the 57 Pittsburgh Regional Transit Bus lines. The 56 stops in front of the church at the intersection of Mansion Street and Second Ave. The 57 stops at the intersection of Johnston Avenue and Second Avenue: only two blocks North of Holy Cross.
Where do I park?
There is plenty of free street parking around Holy Cross. We do not have a parking lot, but you will find ample parking on Melancthon Street and Mansion Street.
What door do I enter?
Holy Cross’ Sanctuary is on the second floor of our church. On Sunday mornings, you may the sactuary via the front red double doors at the top of the main staircase. For those who desire fewer steps, the white door on Mansion Street will also be unlocked.
What do I wear?
There is no dress code of any kind at Holy Cross. Those who attend worship at Holy Cross can be seen in a wide range of clothing. Men wear anything from suit and tie to dress jeans and a polo. Women wear anything from a Sunday dress to dress jeans and a nice top. The important thing to remember is you are going to church to be in the presence of God; so dress accordingly.
How long is worship?
We do not have a time limit on our service, however, the typical service is around an hour long.
What kind of worship do you offer?
At Holy Cross we believe that worship is not chiefly our service to God, but God’s Divine Service to us. God speaks and we listen; He gives and we receive. Each Divine Service is accompanied by organ with traditional hymnody. Our worship is founded on the trustworthiness of Scripture and our community prioritizes dwelling together richly in God’s Word. In this sense, our worship is authentically Lutheran, rejoicing in the liturgy that has been handed down to us over the past two thousand years which points us to that Word, and our worship is also intentionally accessible, inviting all to lift their voices together in song without the music obstructing their chance to make a joyful noise. We utilize liturgy and hymnody from The Lutheran Hymnal and the Lutheran Service Book, and the full order of service is printed in the bulletin for accessibility.
What is Holy Baptism?
Jesus says that everyone must believe in Christ and be baptized (Mark 16:16). In Baptism you are joined to Christ’s death and resurrection. If you or someone you love has not been baptized, contact us about receiving God’s grace in Holy Baptism.
What is the Lord’s Supper?
The Lord’s Supper is the true Body and Blood of our crucified and risen savior, Jesus Christ, eaten and drunk, for the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-25). At Holy Cross, we receive Christ’s Body and Blood during every Divine Service. Because this great promise from our Lord is given to us together, as a community, only LCMS Lutherans receive the Lord’s Supper at Holy Cross because our pastor is accountable to God for the souls under His care (Hebrews 13:17) and we confess that receiving communion at a congregation puts a person in fellowship with that congregation, as Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 10:16-21.
Are children welcome during services?
At Holy Cross we rejoice in family and children as a special gift of God to his people and his Church. For this reason, we encourage parents to keep their children with them during worship, as you help your children grow as members of our worship community. Young families may prefer to sit up front where their children can see more fascinating elements of worship, such as the procession, the use of the Baptismal font, and the Service of the Sacrament. When children are encouraged to enjoy the entire experience of authentic Lutheran worship, it's amazing how quickly they begin to grasp the power of worship and learn to participate.
If children need a break, simply walk with them to the narthex in the back of the sanctuary where they can continue to participate--but please come back as soon as they calm down.
Can we participate in Bible Study and Sunday School?
​Yes! Spirituality at Holy Cross is all about knowing what you believe and why you believe it. Discipleship in the Word takes precedence every Sunday morning at 11:00AM for all ages. The adult Bible Study meets downstairs in the undercroft while the youth meet upstairs in the Sunday School room.
Are all welcome to attend worship, Bible Study, and Sunday School?
Yes! Whether you are a lifelong Lutheran, new to the Christian faith, or just curious to see our beautiful building, all are welcome to attend.
I’ve decided I want to join Holy Cross. What do I do next?