The members of Mission of The Cross Lutheran Church (LCMS) are a community of people who believe in the inspired Word of God as revealed in the Bible. We treasure God’s Word because it teaches us about eternal life through Jesus Christ. The Word of God brings us the Gospel, which means “good news” because it assures us of God’s love and faithfulness through Christ’s death and resurrection. It compels us to tell others and it guides us to love all people in need both in our community, near and far. Mission of The Cross was formed toserve as a mission congregation of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod for the purpose of spreading the Gospel in this area. Ever since our doors opened we have nashamedly used the Bible, the Christian Creeds, the Liturgy, and the hymns and prayers of the church to assist in our worship of God and to connect us to His real presence in our daily lives.

Our eyes and actions as a result are fixed on the future as our banner statement says; “By Scripture, Grace and Faith Alone”. This confirms our mission goal to encourage that peace, healing and love come through the message of salvation by faith in Christ which we regularly receive in His grace through: The powerful proclamation of His Gospel offered by Christ through His Word and Sacraments. (Baptism and Communion) Sound liturgical worship, education, pastoral care, and loving Christian fellowship and hospitality. Fostered acts of love and mercy among the people of our church and community.

With the Lord’s help according to His instructions to serve Him first and thereby love one another. We accomplish this:

– Through faithful worship in the reception of His Word and Means of grace, prayer/prayer groups.

– Through missions:

  • World and local
  • shut-in & elder care
  • youth outreach
  • Food shelves
  • Other Missions–

Through formative Biblical Christian Education:

  • Sunday School
  • Vacation Bible School (Parochial School – Family of Christ)
  • Youth (KLIC) Kids Living in Christ
  • Catechism (Instruction in Christian Beliefs)
  • On-going Adult Bible education

– Through Christian Fellowship:

  • Men and Ladies groups
  • FFF= Friday Family Fellowship
  • Movie night
  • Fellowship meals
  • Church servant events
  • Other events

At Mission of the Cross we are people with a focus on hope for eternal life in Christ. Proverbs 23:18 says, “There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.” This is our hope in Christ as it:

  • Provides the foundation for our families because God has given us His baptismal promise to save us from sin through the workings of His gift of faith.
  • Provides hope for our church family because we share in a common and secure conviction that God’s love is faithful to forgive us as we forgive each other.
  • Provides hope for our community that through Him we have a secure place to truly love and nurture one another.
  • Provides hope for our country as we join together to make a difference.
  • Provides hope for our world as we are enabled to reach out to all peoples.

Rev. William J. Traphagan was installed as pastor of Mission of the Cross Lutheran Church on January 14, 2023. He and his wife, Stephanie, have four children. He earned a B.S. in Business Administration and a B.A. in Theology from Concordia University-Nebraska in 2010. He also earned a M.Div from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 2014. He has previously served parishes in North Dakota. In addition to his parish duties he also serves as the treasurer for the South Asia Lutheran Mission.