Hello, Crossroads Family !
I’m looking forward to Immerse this Wednesday night and hope you can join us ! The reading is fairly easy and not too long this week — stories about the life and reign of King David, ending with King Solomon’s accession to the throne (pp 153-183 in the Immerse Bible, or 2 Samuel 13 – 1 Kings 3 in your own Bible). Even if you haven’t done all the reading, come anyway ! You’ll find it easy to join the discussion, and you’ll be glad for the midweek fellowship !
One part of these stories that impressed me was God’s praise for the things Solomon asked for in the prayer he prayed at the beginning of his reign. And also God’s praise for what Solomon didn’t pray for ! Praise because Solomon asked for wisdom to govern the people with justice ; and praise because he did not ask for wealth, long life, or the death of his enemies. It made me wonder if I’m praying for the right things ! How does God feel about what I typically ask for in my praying ? Am I missing out on something in the way I pray ?
I heard on Elisabeth Elliot’s radio program (now very old re-broadcasts) this helpful statement : “Every stage in my pilgrimage is a chance to know God.” I hope that will be true for you this week, whatever stage you’re at in your pilgrimage. Wednesday night Immerse is for getting to know God better. Sunday mornings too !
I found it interesting, reading in the Gospel of John this week, that when the disciples first met Jesus, some came to Him because a friend brought them (or, in Peter’s case, his brother). But of Philip it says that Jesus found Philip (John 1:43), as if Jesus was looking specifically for Philip, or for someone like him ! To me, that’s an interesting. People bringing their friends to the Lord, but Jesus looking for people too ! It caused me to think about our cookout and outreach last Sunday and the people from the park and neighborhood who joined us. May it be the case that some had a glimpse of the Lord in our fellowship. Thanks to everyone who contributed to such a good time, and to our Missions Team for organizing !
Coming up at Crossroads
This week :
- Immerse : Wednesday night, 7-8:15, at the church.
- Sunday :
- Come at 9:00 and join a few others in prayer before the worship service.
- 8-13 year-olds Bible study class during the sermon ; Children’s Church for ages 0-7
- We’ll receive Communion this Sunday as part of our worship.
- Elders meeting following the worship service.
In April :
- Women’s “Dignity in a Bag” outreach & fellowship : Sunday, April 13, 3 pm, at the church.
- Men’s Recharge : Thursday, April 17, 6:30-8:00 pm, also at the church.
- Women’s breakfast & fellowship : Saturday, April 19, 8 am, at 54 Cafe.
- Easter Breakfast : Come early Easter morning for a light breakfast & fellowship at 9:30.
Opportunities to Bless Women
All Crossroads women are invited to bring a gently-used purse and travel-size toiletries to help put together gifts of encouragement for those in the Nevada community who could be blessed by a small gesture of love. Join us Sunday, April 13, at 3 pm. at the church. Please contact Diane Ray or Bobbie Barbour if you have a question or need more information. Thank you !
In addition, Rachel DeWeese is collecting hygiene products (shampoo, body wash, toothbrushes, feminine hygiene, etc) as part of a school project at Pitt State to donate to the Wesley House, an outreach to women in Pittsburg. Please bring a contribution any time this month and leave it in the box available at the back of the church. Thank you !
Easter Morning
We’ll have an extended time of fellowship prior to the worship service on Sunday, April 20. Heather Vestal is preparing a sign-up sheet for some simple breakfast food ideas you can bring that morning to share. Due to space limitations, we’re not going to try to have a full sit-down breakfast like we’ve done in the past but instead just some extra time for fellowship and food we can eat standing up or using the chairs already set up for worship. Plan to come around 9:30 that morning if you can ! Worship will begin at 10. Who might the Lord be putting on your heart to join us that morning ?
May God bless and strengthen you today !
— Tom
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