401 S. Park Avenue, Sanford, FL 32771

The Holy Cross Episcopal Church 150th birthday celebration has begun!  There are events each month to remind us of our heritage and how blessed we are to be a part of the Holy Cross family. Our 1st event is the Taste of Holy Cross, followed by a tea in a historical setting, a concert to celebrate our organ turning 50 years; a documentary made from interviews of church family members; a play; volunteer opportunities; …and that’s the tip of the iceberg! We invite the community to share our heritage and our love for God. Come join us!

2023 Holy Cross 150th Celebration Timeline (Subject to change)

Jan. 28, 5-8pm Taste of Holy Cross:

We begin our celebratory year with a culinary event sponsored by St. Mary’s Guild featuring food found in their new cookbook and beverages to toast the new year. The cookbook will be on sale.

 

Feb. 24, 6:00pm HC Documentary Movie Night /Italian meal

A documentary of interviews with longtime members of Holy Cross to be viewed after an Italian meal prepared by the Band of Brothers with renowned chef, Art DeVito.

 

Mar. 23, 5:30pm Wine and Cheese Function at the Historical Museum – includes tour and Ross Wontenay interviewing Randall and Josh Chase. Enjoy the museum tour, a glass of wine, and learn about our community’s history and the impact the Chase family had on it.

 

Mar. 26, 9:00am Instructed Eucharist

Ever wonder about the significance of the wine and wafers during Communion and why we celebrate this sacrament so often? During our Sunday service we will explore the symbolism and meaning of this important part of our worship and what we should do in preparation of participating in Eucharist.

[Note: We welcome all baptized Christians to share with us in Communion]

 

Apr. 9, 9:00 Easter Service

 

Apr.16, 9:00am Consecration Sunday

The Sunday after Easter Bishop Brewer will be with us to celebrate the consecration of the first Church of the Holy Cross 150 years ago on April 20, 1873.  Join us and others from around the Diocese for breakfast before the service at 8:30.

May 26, 6pm Movie Night

“Her Dear Little Church,” a play written by Sonja Greenlee, with Holy Cross actors, and directed by Brian Simmons, portraying the Sanford’s as they sponsor the building of our church. This will be in the Parish Hall with an ice cream social.

 

May 28, 3pm Second showing of “Her Dear Little Church” for those who were not able to make the Friday night movie.

 

June 10 Consecration of New Bishop

We’re hiring a bus and driver to take us to the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe for this very special event. Hope that you will join us.

 

June 4  “Thankful for Community”

A celebration of mission and ministry in Sanford with the oldest congregation in our area, St. James A.M.E. 

 

July 2 Independence Day BarBQ

Our annual BarBQ at Fr. Dan and Evelyn’s home. Bring a dish, enjoy BarBQ, and play Trivia. How knowledgeable are you of about the Bible? Have you been reading The CrossRoads? (These are Trivia hints!) Come join us for fun, food, and fellowship.

 

Aug — Pastor Appreciation Month

Though Pastor Appreciation Day is Oct. 8, 2023, we have decided to set this month aside to show thanks for the leadership we are experiencing and have experienced over

the years. Let your pastors know how very much they are appreciated.

 

Sept.15-17 Spiritual development weekend 

A renowned teacher will lead us in an inspiring weekend of study and reflection as we focus on the cross and its importance to us individually. This weekend will conclude with   Homecoming and Holy Cross Day Sunday. (Holy Cross Day is Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023)

 

Sept.17, 9:00am Homecoming Sunday

Those who have been part of the Holy Cross family will be welcomed with open arms as we think of all those who have made a difference in the lives of Holy Cross over the years. We will have a covered dish lunch following the service.

 

Oct. 22 World Mission Fair Sunday

Fair to be held after the service with various volunteer organizations providing material and answering questions.

Mission Tree: Similar to the Angel Tree with various volunteer organization names and their needs. Take an envelope-meet a need.

Oct.23-27 Missions Week

Each day a group volunteers will go to a prearranged volunteer location.

 

Nov. 3 & 4, 11am Ladies Tea and Tour at DeBary Hall Historic Site

Each tea is limited to 20 participants so make your reservations early.

 

Nov.  TBA Concert – “Sounds of Holy Cross” 

We will be celebrating our Casavant Pipe Organ’s 50th anniversary at Holy Cross with a concert. Come and bring a friend for a moving musical experience.

 

Dec. 2 Holiday Tour of Homes

Tour the church with docents who will lead you through 150 years of history