About Us
The only African American Lutheran Church in Memphis
Mission Statement
Equipping her members to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and with one another.
We Believe
Cross of Calvary practices the Christian Faith taught by the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, as such we believe the following:
- We believe in the Holy Trinity, God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- We believe that God created the world and universe in 6 days and rested on the 7th.
- We believe that sin entered the world through the sins of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
- We believe that after man fell into sin, God promised to send a Savior.
- We believe that Jesus Christ is the promised Savior and Son of God.
- We believe that the death of Jesus Christ upon the cross has atoned for our sins.
- We believe that Jesus Christ rose from the dead on the third day and has overcome
death and the grave. - We believe that we are saved by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ.
- We believe that Christ will come again on the last day and will raise up all believers who died in faith.
- We believe that in the sacrament of Holy Baptism we receive the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit.
- We believe that in the sacrament of Holy Communion, we receive both the body and blood Christ, yet at the same time brad and wine, for the forgiveness of sins.
Additional links and information
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
Mid-South District of LCMS
Lutheran Hour Ministries
Leaders
Rev. Russell Belisle
Pastor
Hello, and thank you for looking at my biography page. My name is Russell Belisle, and I have the privilege to serve as pastor of Cross of Calvary Lutheran Church in Memphis, TN. I would like to take a little time to share with you about myself.
I felt called into ministry as an 8 year old while attending Resurrection Lutheran School of Chicago, IL. My Christian education was shaped and fostered by my parents, my pastor, Resurrection Lutheran, and Luther South High School of Chicago. I entered full time ministry as Lutheran school teacher after graduating from Concordia Teacher’s College of River Forest, IL. I was blessed to serve at Redeemer Lutheran School, and Southeast Lutheran High School, both of South Gate, CA.
Since completing my seminary training at Concordia Theological Seminary of Fort Wayne, TN, I have been blessed to serve as pastor in Davenport, IA., Fort Wayne, IN, Chicago, IL., and Memphis, TN. In addition to my years of service as a teach and pastor, I am a board certified chaplain with years of hospital service. I thank God for the diversity of ministries that He has allowed me to serve.
I have been blessed to be married to Dr. Jodice Belisle for a majority of my adult life. She has been an excellent wife, friend, mother, and ministry partner.
As for fun, I enjoy travel, old cars, football, smooth jazz, live plays, letter writing and movies.
My favorite places in Memphis include Cross of Calvary Lutheran Church, the Civil Rights Museum, Overton Square, and the excellent restaurants that surround me.
What is most important to me? My relationship with Jesus Christ is that which is most important to me. As a pastor, I see to lead those that I serve to a better relationship with Christ.
Grace
Peace
Russell Belisle, Pastor
Terry Mobley
Administrative Assistant
Greetings brother and sisters in Christ.
My name is Terry Mobley.
I am retired from one of the large financial institutions in Memphis TN. I am currently the part-time administrative assistant of Cross of Calvary LCMS. Two of my greatest accomplishments are my daughter and son. I have 3 grandchildren.
I have been a member of the LCMS for many years. I came to the Lutheran Church via Holy Cross Lutheran School now known as Cross of Calvary LCMS.
The Lutheran school was very active in the Lutheran Church. I’m a strong believer in a quality Christian education and that is exactly what my children and I received. Chapel on Wednesday, students participating in Sunday worship, evening musicals and plays, etc.
The staff of the school were mostly members of the church and synodically trained. I looked forward to the home visits from my children’s teachers and an elder of the Church. My children were baptized at Holy Cross Lutheran Church and are. Confirmed/ charter members of Cross of Calvary Lutheran Church.
I am a confirmed member of Cross of Calvary. Becoming a member is one to my best decisions.
Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay faithful.
In His service
Terry.
Edward Marshall
Congregational President
Mr. Edward Marshall is a long time member of Cross of Calvary Lutheran Church and has serviced as congregational president since 2009. He is a graduate of Jackson State University in Jackson Mississippi, his hometown. After college, Mr. Marshall served our country in the United States Navy. After his discharge from the Navy, Mr. Marshall had a career working for the department of Veterans Affairs before his retirement. He feels that one of his greatest accomplishments of life is being the father of his Jennifer Marshall. His faith life and regular prayer time is important to him.
Christine Strobush
Custodian and Media Manager
I am the Custodian and a Media Manager for Cross of Calvary Lutheran Church. I have been a Member of the Church since age 5, and I have been loyal and dedicated to the welfare and prosperity of my beloved Congregation.
Alumni of Holy Cross/Cross of Calvary Lutheran School
Let’s connect!
Share photos, memories, and reconnect with past classmates and teachers from Holy Cross / Cross of Calvary Lutheran School. Join the Alumni Facebook group.
