This year's Annual Report is presented in a new format to give the members and friends of our Parish a brief look into the life of The Church of the Cross in 2021 and a glimpse of where we are headed in the future.

If you would like to see a full list of ministries and learn more about upcoming events and Church happenings, please visit our website:

www.thechurchofthecross.net

Hear from Father Owens as he looks back on the life of our Parish in 2021 and looks ahead into 2022 ... and beyond.

This is my eleventh annual letter. Since our arrival in Bluffton in 2012 our family has had the time of our lives. We have loved being a ...

It has been one year since my family and I pulled our 34-foot Winnebago out of my parents’ driveway in Chesapeake, VA. ...

It is a great time to be at Cross! The Church of the Cross family graciously welcomed our family this summer. Lauren, Ezra, ...

This year was filled with notable events and accomplishments for The Church of the Cross Parish family and beyond. ...

2021: 6 Group Leaders, Hostesses (opening up their home for the study) and 34 women served 

The Crossroads Women Bible Study has grown in 2021 with the birth of a new group through St. Luke’s on the island. Our greatest joy is seeing women grow in their knowledge of the Scriptures, in their relationship with Jesus and with one another. Our focus for our three sessions (fall, winter, spring) is Genesis. In 2022 we hope to be fruitful and multiply, training leaders so that we may reach more women.

2021: 22 members 

The 2021, the Daughters of the Holy Cross service projects were: Spicy Grove Youth Center, TCOTC Food Bank, Heal Ministries Uganda and Baptismal Banners for children under the age of 12. The new members took on a Love Box service project through C.A.P.A. (Child Abuse Prevention Agency). One of the year’s highlights was when 10 more ladies took the 9-week training classes to become members of the Order. Our continued goal is to be in community with our sisters in Christ and to be strengthened to keep our fourfold vow of prayer, service, evangelism and study daily.

As Cross Christian Women, we strive to: commit ourselves to live by, learn, and uphold the Word of God; connect women of all ages through Bible study, fellowship, and service; create an atmosphere where women can be released into their gifting for Kingdom purposes; and cultivate positive, encouraging relationships that will provide opportunities for discipleship. We gathered in the fall for our first event since 2019 with a 2-day teaching led by Tara-Leigh Cobble at The Chapel. In 2022, we look forward to bringing more women into small groups, a DHC Quiet Day during Holy Week and a fall event open to our community.

2021: 150 active attendees

In 2021, the Men of the Cross reorganized the ministry beginning with the annual Shrimp Boil in September. We began holding monthly dinner or breakfast meetings for fellowship and prayer. Our goal in 2022 is to make us stronger disciples of Christ through small group Bible studies and monthly gatherings. Follow this link to learn more about our Men's Fraternity Groups and what we are studying together.

2021: 25 women gathering monthly

The Seasons Sisters Ministry is a group for TCOTC women who are single, divorced or widowed that meets on the 3rd Saturday of each month for a social luncheon.The purpose of this group is to share a short devotional and Christ-centered fellowship with Christian sisters. In 2022, we look forward to continuing to gather monthly and seeking other opportunities for Christian fellowship for our widowed, single and divorced women.

2021: 3 people serving, 25 moms participating

The Mom's Group & Bible Study is filled with busy moms who know they need God and others. It is a place where moms can find a culture that supports, nurtures and equips them through Bible study, discussion and prayer. Throughout the week and summer, we stay connected through a group text. In 2022, we need childcare workers to consistently provide Nursery on Thursday mornings. Please pray about this and contact the Church if you are willing to help.

2021: 23 Nursery and Sunday School workers serving an average of 32 children each week

In 2021, Cross Kids was able to re-start the Nursery at our Mom's Bible Study and the 10am Historic Campus service. On our Cross Schools Campus, we offer both Nursery and Cross Kids which is for our PK4 - 4th graders. We start each Sunday with upbeat worship, move into our lesson, and finish with a craft or game. We started a new curriculum that the kids love! This year we also had a Family Movie Night and a Christmas Craft Make-n-Take. Thank you to all of the nursery workers and volunteers who positively impact the lives of every child they interact with!

2021: 21+ volunteer leaders serving over 220 students 

Our awesome Middle & High School Youth Ministry volunteer leaders served through weekly youth group meetings, Bible studies, special events, Passion Camp, Camp St. Christopher events, and more! Of the 55 students we took to Passion Camp, 35 kids committed their lives to Christ. Also, 4 students were chosen to be on the Diocesan Youth Commission, and TCOTC had the only teen in the Diocese on the Bishop's Nominating Committee. Last year, we focused on how to live our faith; in 2022, we are learning how to share our faith! Each semester our College Outreach Ministry sends care packages to our 50+ college students located all over the country!

2021: 10 women serving, 40 girls participating

American Heritage Girls is a Christian organization that reaches girls from Kindergarten to Seniors. The group meets every other Monday evening on the Cross Schools Campus and has special off-campus activities and projects throughout the year. In 2021, the girls camped, served at the Benton House, worked on badges and participated in Wreaths Across America. This coming year we hope to have more opportunities to serve in our community as well as more camping opportunities.

2021: 307 people serving 27,169 hours of ministry

Even though God's Goods Thrift Store did not open for ministry until mid-March due to Covid, we were able to remain open for business with limited hours for the remainder of 2021. God's Gifts was added to minister to the guests of the Food Bank on Mondays with needed items and prayer. Just over $325,000 was sent to the Mission Outreach Board for funding mission work throughout the world! In 2022, we are hopeful to increase our hours of operation for our customers to shop. We thank everyone from our donors, customers, and volunteers for supporting this place!

2021: 54 people serving an average of 150 families per week

The Food Bank guests drive, walk and ride their bikes to get food and, with God's help, we always do whatever we can to serve them. For example, we had a young man who didn't have any way to carry food home on his 1+ hour bus ride. We worked with God's Gifts to provide a suitcase with food for him to carry on the bus. We also had a regular guest whose car was in for repair, but still walked over 2 miles with his walker for food. We always had a volunteer give him a ride home. To assist those who work, we are adding another shift to distribute food in 2022. In addition to the afternoon, we will begin providing bags of groceries from 4:30 to 6:00pm every Monday.  

2021: 70 people serving from various churches; 250 residents of Ridgeland Correctional Institution (RCI) served

This year, the Kairos Prison Ministry fed Christmas Dinner to 1,250 residents and staff at RCI. We also provided clothing, hygiene items, shoes, a canvas bag, and a Bible to 90 residents being released, in addition to providing ongoing hygiene items for indigent residents. We also prayed for Kairos volunteers, the incarcerated, and staff at RCI every Wednesday at noon. In 2022, we would like to continue our current work, as well as be able to re-enter the prison to present two 4-day weekends and monthly reunions (when re-entry is allowed). We plan to provide the men with video reunions in the meantime.

2021: 20 people serving an average of 65 guests/week (ministry began in April 2021)

God's Gifts and Prayer Team provide free items to the guests that attend the Food Bank using items that have been donated to God’s Goods, but are not sellable. Our guests are also offered prayer. For some, this is their only exposure to the love of God. A ministry highlight was when a young pregnant woman came through saying that she needed "everything" for a baby. We gave her clothes and a blanket, and she received diapers and wipes. Then, through Family Promise she received more items. Each week we prayed with her and shared God's love, and she gave birth to a precious baby girl in December. Mom was always hesitant when she came in, but is now a confident young mother. In 2022, we hope to continue to provide goods and God's love to all our guests.

2021: 7 members serving 

In 2021, the Missions Outreach Board gave funds to 26 Christian local, national and international ministries. This allowed for outreach to thousands of people in need, many of whom heard about the Good News for the first time in their lives.Through God’s grace, the funds given totaled $339,977.

We are very grateful to the God's Goods volunteers and all mission workers for all their selfless contribution to help others in need and to spread the Gospel here in Bluffton and around the world. Our ministry goal for 2022 is to keep supporting our mission partners and add more Christian-based organizations to glorify God and spread the Gospel. In addition, if it’s possible, we would like to organize some mission trips. Click below to get a glimpse of some of the missions supported this year.

2021: 3 people serving an average of 3 caregivers per month

The Caregivers Support Ministry meets on the second Monday of each month at The Chapel. This is a small, confidential group forum where caregivers tell us what their situation is and the ministry leaders plus a professional social worker advise and offer suggestions and guidance. Anyone from our congregation as well as family, friends and neighbors are welcome to attend.

2021: 4 people serving, 7 participants

Healing After Loss (HAL) is a 7-week non-denominational, Christ-centered program to help people who are grieving the loss of a loved one. In 2021, we were blessed to serve 7 participants in April and May, but were only able to offer HAL once due to Covid. Our goal for this year is to adapt and rewrite the HAL program so we can continue our service to the Church and community. We have successfully completed our first HAL of 2022 with 6 participants and hope to offer a second session in the fall.

2021:  20-23 Stephen Ministers, 25-35 people served

Stephen Ministry reports from care receivers have applauded Stephen Ministers for the loyal, dedicated and confidential time spent during a difficult period in their life. In 2022, we plan to continue to be available to serve people in need as Jesus’ eyes and ears …"Christ helping People through People."

2021: 32 people serving, 6 families served 

In September of 2021, the Dinner Ministry was re-launched. 5 families requested meals, and 12 meals were served. In addition, we joined forces with a Meal Train program to provide multiple meals for a church family with a long-term need. The team will prepare and deliver home-cooked meals to fellow church members who are in need, while supplying “Quick Fix Meals” to be available at the Church Office for urgent needs.

2021: 15 people serving

The Military Care Ministry looks for ways to support and honor our military members, veterans and their families. We meet in-person monthly to discuss new and on-going projects and opportunities. This year, the ministry donated money to ship food to our soldiers overseas in a joint effort with TCOTC Food Bank. In 2022, the ministry is hoping to build more relationships with local military members, organizations and Parris Island.

2021: 12 people serving

The Intercessory Prayer Team uses prayers in our Prayer Book as a guide each Monday morning in our Zoom group as we also pray specifically for those people who have submitted their names to the Church prayer list through our website, prayer stations or the Connect Cards. Our desire for 2022 is to form another group to pray and lend their voices to the chorus of Saints who petition the Lord for His mercy.

2021: 13 people serving

The Prayer Shawl Ministry resumed meeting twice monthly in-person in 2021 at the Parish Hall. With the addition of a new Pastoral Care Coordinator to the Church staff in September, we have been able to have a good communication link to the Church which allows us to connect our prayer shawls and other creations to those who are in need.

2021: 10+ people serving

Both the Visiting Care and Home Communion Ministries were affected by Covid in 2021, as medical support facilities continued to be closed and people did not often request home visitation. Our hope for 2022 is to see more members reach out to receive the blessing of an in-person friendly visitor or to receive the sacrament of Holy Communion given by a trained Lay Eucharistic Minister.

2021: 2 people serving

In January 2021, the Financial Ministry offered a virtual, multi-week Financial Peace University series with 6 participants. We also continue to offer financial planning and counseling to TCOTC members regarding personal financial matters on a need basis. The goal for 2022 is to see this ministry grow through some potential workshops and to create new awareness about its availability to the Church membership.

2021: 9 people serving with 1 in absentia due to health issues

In 2021, the Historic Campus Sunday Choir gained 2 members and are hoping to add more this year. The choir participate with the brass for Holy Week and all the Christmas Eve services. We also helped with several funeral services. We are working to re-establish weekly practices to add special music, learn more challenging preludes and incorporate new music into the service.

2021: 7 people serving

Each and every week, the Gracetime Music Ministry team has the privilege to serve Christ with the gift of music that God has so graciously given us. In 2022, we will continue to serve the Lord and the congregation of TCOTC.

2021: 22 people serving CrossPoint, 30 people serving the Historic Campus

Our Hospitality Ministry was so pleased to bring coffee back to the CrossPoint service last summer, and we hope to provide it at the 9am service once that is relaunched ... along with the snacks! At the Historic Campus, the Coffee Hour Ministry was recently restarted between the 8am and 10am services. Praise God that this time of fellowship has been restored.

2021: 10 chalice bearers, 16 greeters, 11 ushers

The Gracetime Service Ministry volunteers serve to provide our parishioners and guests the best possible opportunity to worship and hear the Word of God at our Saturday evening service. In 2022, we would like to add more people to serve on our teams.

2021: 30 ushers on 4 teams



The Historic Campus Usher Ministry (10am) has 4 usher teams that rotate each week, serving worshipers for the 10am, Holy Week and Christmas services. Ushers greet each worshiper with a smile, greeting, and a hand shake, then assist them throughout the service.

2021: 32 people serving

The CrossPoint Greeter Ministry mission is to ensure that everyone who enters our doors are greeted with a spirit-filled smile and feels the love of Jesus Christ. Our goal for 2022 is to grow our ministry by adding enough additional volunteers for a 9am CrossPoint service.

2021: 7 people serving

The Chapel Altar Guild cleans the altar, puts away all the vessels, and takes care of filling candles with oil. We also launder all altar linens during the year. Our goal for 2022 is to teach everyone the proper names of vessels and linens.

2021: 17 people serving on 4 altar teams, 11 serving with flowers

The Historic Campus Altar Guild handled 11 funerals, 5 weddings,1 baptism and prepared all the “wined wafers” for services at the Historic Campus. Our goal in 2022 is to create a video to show how the Altar Guild prepares for the various services. The Flower Guild works faithfully to create beautiful arrangements for weekend services and all special services. Their talents are appreciated by members and visitors every week of the year.

2021: 27 people serving

The Chapel Ushers are the welcoming committee each week. The group is responsible for Church preparation, seating, opening/closing, clergy assistance, communion, special needs, and offertory collection. We had a 65% increase in volunteers this year and trained 4 additional lead ushers. Our goal for 2022 is continued recruitment, training for new ushers, and continued support for the clergy team.

2021: 15 people serving

The CrossPoint Music Ministry team is a group of musicians that serve regularly during weekend services. At the end of 2021, we had the transition of Jordan Ross stepping out of the CrossPoint Music Director position to facilitate a move back to Ohio, and Jason LaPorte stepping in to fill that role. In 2022, we hope to look for more musicians who are a good fit for the CrossPoint team and contemporary worship style. Our goal is to double the number of team members with 2-3 individuals serving monthly in each position. It is important that our musicians are able to have some weekends off to attend services with their family/friends, have time away, or have a back-up if illness or necessity makes them unavailable to serve. We will also strive to further the understanding of how music can facilitate our worship with God through the Spirit and create a deeper connection and knowledge of Who God is.

2021: 10+ people serving

In 2021, The Chapel Music Ministry team did our best to bring a joyful noise to The Chapel’s choir loft. We had one primary lead singer for most of the year, and she did a terrific job. After a long search, God blessed us with a wonderful keyboard player who goes over and beyond writing trumpet and violin prelude arrangements. He is joined by his wife and a new harmony singer as well. Pastor Josh Lake’s "brain child" of the N.O.W. (Night of Worship) brought all three choirs together, and it continues to grow and nurture the Church's music life. We are grateful to our other musicians who together bring the sounds of the trombone, trumpet, alto sax, and piano to our worship, including a Brass Quintet. 2022 looks even brighter with the addition of a new guitar player. We are actively looking for talented singers to join us on a regular basis. 2 male voices is our main priority, but all are welcome to audition.

2021: 50+ people serving

In 2021, the Safety Team successfully managed the demands of Covid in keeping our parishioners safe. The team was able to increase those serving in this area and has renewed its medical training efforts with a new training provider and 5 opportunities for training in 2021 and 2022. As we look toward the addition of a 9am CrossPoint service, we are actively seeking new members at all three campuses. If interested in serving, please contact the Church office. The Church of the Cross Safety Team would also like to say a special thank you to all of our local law enforcement officers who assist each weekend by working our services and events.

2021: 4 people serving 5 weddings 

The Wedding Guild served five beautiful weddings held on the Historic Campus ranging from 30 to 150 attendees. Many thanks to the Altar Guild, Flower Guild, ushers, crucifers, chalice bearers and Roger Abney! In 2022, we hope to recruit and train more members since some current members are facing challenges and cannot serve.

2021: 10 people serving who contributed time, talents, and tools 

Even with the continuing impact of Covid, the Handyman Ministry was able to complete several projects. The ministry served Cross Schools by providing drapery rods on stage, assembling various items and relocating 20 ft. of student lockers, to name a few projects. The Handymen also assembled a standing desk, mounted mirror and key cabinet at the Chapel. At the Parish Hall, the handymen retrofitted fluorescents with LED lamps, cleared out overgrowth and debris, did pressure washing, and rebuilt the service yard fence gate. Our team will continue to serve the congregation in 2022 and our love of God will be reflected in the quality and craftsmanship put into the work we do.

2021: 5 serving the Docent Program, 4 others requesting information

The Historical Committee resumed meeting in June to continue its work compiling the history of The Church of the Cross and the Diocese by archiving Parish and Diocesan documents (both current and historic) and researching related events. In 2022, we would like to add computer and copier capabilities, expand our archives file cabinets, and develop a program for digitizing the records. The Docent Ministry restarted tours on the Historic Campus with 13 docents. The goal for 2022 is to have 25 docents serving to allow for tours more days each week.

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.

1 Peter 4:10