Who Are We?

We are a church that has a love for Jesus and His message of Hope. Teaching people about Christ is our mission and passion. We have two church locations: Laguna Woods and Aliso Viejo. We also have a full-day preschool and a Christian school, K-8. We are a Christian Community for all Generations: A church of diverse ages and interests, that worships God together, studies God’s Word together and serves God’s people together.

Two Locations. One Community.

Our Staff

We are especially blessed to have these servants who lead God's ministry here at Lutheran Church of the Cross. One thing special about this church is the pastoral care that is given. If you have any questions about us please feel free to connect directly with any one of our pastors or ministry directors

Leland Lantz

I am the Senior Pastor here at Lutheran Church of the Cross. My office is at the Laguna Woods Campus, but I am at both locations regularly.

¹⁷Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

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John Foss

I am the Pastor who is based at our Aliso Viejo Campus. I am the Pastor for our School, AVCS. I enjoy ministering to our families from church and school.

¹²Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12

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Roger Marsh

As one of the most recent to join the team of pastors here, I am involved with most ministries across the church and schools, but, my passion is preaching.

¹⁰He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. John 1:10

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Rob Warren

I am a Pastor here and I work with our worship teams and Bible study programs.

⁹And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, ¹⁰so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, ¹¹filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11.

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Ron Michelson

I am a Messianic Lutheran Pastor, and the Visitation Pastor. I teach Bible studies and work with Bethesda Homes, and Stephen Ministry.

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11.

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Bekah Bay

I am the Director of our Children's Ministries. We have Sunday School at both locations and Wednesday night.

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WHAT WE BELIEVE

Lutherans are Christians who have a very clear definition of what we believe and it can be broken down into five statements about our faith:

BIBLE ALONE

We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God and is the absolute and ultimate authority for our lives.

II Timothy 3:16

FAITH ALONE

We believe we are a fallen humanity and need salvation. It is by faith in Jesus the Son of God, that we are saved.

Romans 3:19-28

GRACE ALONE

We believe it is by the Grace of God and the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ that we are forgiven of our sins.

Ephesians 2:8-9

CHRIST ALONE

We believe Jesus is the only pathway to God.

John 14:1-6

TO THE GLORY OF GOD ALONE

We believe we are created to serve and worship God and that all glory be given to Him.

Ephesians 2:10

What is our heart's desire for our community?

That everyone in our community around us and within our buildings, hears the Good News of Jesus Christ.

We are a hub where people gather and serve.

We describe ourselves as a community because we are a place where people and families can center their lives. You can come and worship, and if you want more, we offer several small group environments that meet at church and in homes. Bible Studies, to Life Groups, for kids and youth to even those who are young at heart.