Two Churches, One Roof
We hold a covenant with Highlands Lutheran Church. We share a building, some ministries, and more!
Before Wheat Ridge was even incorporated as a municipality, Holy Cross was here. In 1955, we decided to construct a church building, which resulted in a small, east-facing sanctuary along Wadsworth Boulevard. As we grew, we eventually determined that we needed a bigger building, which led to the construction of our current sanctuary. However, our original sanctuary has always remained a special space, and it has served many purposes for us over the years.
In the summer of 2025, we were led to enter a cooperative partnership with Highlands Lutheran Church. Highlands is another congregation of the ELCA that was in need of a new space to worship. Our original sanctuary was the perfect size for them, and our building has become Highlands’ new home!
Both churches now worship and work inside the building at 4500 Wadsworth Blvd, living in an intentional relationship of mutual respect and support that honors each congregation’s distinct identity.
Our shared values include acceptance and belonging, compassion, generosity, and hospitality. Both of our churches are Reconciling in Christ, and both of our communities believe that God gathers, feeds, and sends us with the call to share God's love in the world.
In the spirit of collaboration and openness that brought us together, we seek to share gifts, wisdom, and resources across our ministries. Some ways that we are currently connected include:
- Shared Worship on Special Holy Days - on some holidays and special dates (especially around Lent and Advent), we worship together. Our pastors sometimes rotate preaching responsibilities at these special services.
- Joint Office Administrator - our churches share one office, and Holy Cross funds the greater portion of the shared administrator’s salary. All weekly bulletins, email newsletters, and communications across churches are managed by the same position.
- Shared Neighboring Ministry - both Holy Cross and Highlands are committed to accompanying our vulnerable neighbors in Wheat Ridge, especially those experiencing homelessness or poverty, and train volunteers to be present on resource access days.
We look forward to the years ahead with Highlands, and are continuing to explore how our relationship will evolve and grow in this new mode of doing church together. We give thanks for the opportunities for shared ministry and worship with our beloved partners!