MetroLutheran

An ELCA congregation in the west Minneapolis suburbs has closed its doors.
Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 4151 Highway 7, Minnewashta (Excelsior), Minnesota, held its final worship service January 21.
Organized in 1964, the 221-member parish was averaging 80 at worship. Begun as a new mission start, the ministry did not develop as hoped.
The Rev. Keith Olstad had been serving as interim pastor for the congregation in its final months. In his sermon on the last Sunday he said, “We are thankful for the faithful ministry of [this congregation]. We have decided to do the right thing, a good thing because we know God is good, but we are deeply saddened today.”
Members of Holy Cross have been invited to transfer their memberships to area ELCA congregations. The physical property will be given to the Minneapolis Area Synod. A ministry study and planning committee has formed in order to study options for future ministry in the immediate area.