At Holy Cross Lutheran Church, God has molded me through my fellow members and opportunities presented through the church.  I have attended Holy Cross my entire life, all twenty years of it, and I would not be where I am on my faith walk without it.  Holy Cross has provided me the chance to branch out and experience all kinds of amazing growth opportunities, such as mission trips, national gatherings, and three-day retreats (Teens Encounter Christ).  Furthermore, the members of Holy Cross have encouraged me to attend these events and then to take on leadership roles in them.  I probably would have never branched out of my home congregation had the people there not encouraged me so much.

Moreover, some of my role models in Christ are members and leaders of Holy Cross Lutheran Church.  I am constantly inspired by people who step up in leadership roles in the church, but I am also influenced by the people who consistently take on small, behind-the-scenes roles.  I have learned through Holy Cross that the body of Christ really is the people who make up the body, and I am very thankful for my church for that reason.