OUR MISSION
The mission of Elder Serves Cross Ministry is to spread our faith in Jesus Christ through the making and distribution of small wooden crosses. We provide FREE HANDMADE CROSSES to anyone who asks.
WHAT WE DO
Elder students come together to build small wooden crosses in the form of necklaces and simple wood crosses. These crosses are available to anyone who would like them – free of charge.
HISTORY
Elder’s Cross Ministry was inspired by the work of two men – former Elder teacher Mark Klusman and an Iowa pastor named Mr. Bill Evans.
In 1978, Elder teacher Mr. Mark Klusman gave each student in his Geography class a small wooden cross. Mr. Forman was a student in Mr. Klusman’s class and was impacted by this small token of our faith. He still has this cross in his possession today.
In 2011, Mr. Bill Evans of Davenport, Iowa, began the 2nd Chance Cross Ministry to give old, unusable wood a “second chance” by turning transform this discarded lumber into small crosses. Mr. Evans would then send these crosses, at no cost, to whoever requested them. Over the years, Mr. Forman became friends with Mr. Evans and requested and received several thousand wooden cross necklaces for his students. In June 2018, Mr. Evans’ ministry ended when he passed away (obituary) after impacting many thousands of lives through his small creation of a cross.
CONTINUING THE MISSION
At Elder High School we continue Mr. Evan’s mission and honor Mr. Klusman’s memory and gift of crosses to his students. The production of crosses includes acquiring scrap hardwood, planing the wood to proper thickness, cutting and routing the pieces, gluing, drilling, and assembling necklaces.
If you would like some cross necklaces or plain wooden crosses please click the button below. We will be happy to send them to you at no charge.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We can use a few more woodworkers and folks to assemble our crosses and necklaces. Contact formantt@elderhs.net if you would like to help.
THANKS
Scrap Hardwood: Mrs. Terri Hogan and Mr. Harrison Bird of Contemporary Cabinetry East
Woodworking: Mr. Dan Hart
CONTACT
Todd Forman (formantt@elderhs.net)
