Hello, Crossroads Family !
A lot of praying took place yesterday ! Thank you for your part in it, whether it was a few moments of prayer on your own, or a longer session of prayer perhaps accompanied by fasting. Several of us gathered at the church both at noon and at 6 pm for a sweet time of unhurried communion with God and each other. Prayer cleanses our minds and hearts and allows us to focus on priorities. It allows us to ponder, to the best of our ability, what it is we want or need God to do in our lives. God will honor our committing the new year to Him in prayer together.
As I watched parts of the inauguration ceremonies yesterday, I was impressed that God’s name was invoked, sung about, and prayed to. Although perhaps some of it was a formality, certainly much of it was real and offered up by brothers and sisters in Christ who serve our nation in various ways.
The music sung and played in the capitol rotunda itself made it worth taking time to watch. A band played but also, at times, piano only. (I have to say I never grow tired of hearing the piano !) My ears perked up as I heard “For the Beauty of the Earth” and “Great is Thy Faithfulness” played. I’m grateful for that pianist and for the person who chose the music.
I can remember years ago how curious this sort of thing seemed to our friends in France — that the Bible would be present (and read), and that songs of worship would be sung, at a state event. It’s wonderful that this is still a part of the country we live in … and hopefully is a reminder of the need we have for God’s help and guidance.
We need His help and guidance as a church too. Parts of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians communicated to believers then and now, “You are the church !” Each individual member is a microcosm of the church. We can’t say, “The church should do this,” or, “The church isn’t all it should be,” without looking at ourselves and asking, “Am I being all I can or should be ?” God help us to be a beautiful church — beautiful individual believers that make up a beautiful church.
Coming up at Crossroads
“Recharge” for men, this Thursday at 6:30 pm
All men are invited to the church this Thursday evening for fellowship, games, and food ! It will be a chance to get to know each other better and find out about a monthly study offered this year in the Ten Commandments called “The Ten Greatest Struggles of Your Life.” Plan to join us from 6:30-8:00 this Thursday night.
Women’s Breakfast & Bible Study this coming Saturday morning
All women are invited this Saturday morning ! 8:00 – 9:30 at the church. Contact Erin Townsend for questions or more information.
Women’s Abound Conference, Feb 21-22
Come join the women of Crossroads for a wonderful time of fellowship and renewal at the Abound Conference! Hosted by Forest Park Church in Joplin and featuring Ruth Chou Simons, this will be a wonderful two day event to learn and grow in the word. Please plan to purchase your ticket online at Abound 2025 — Forest Park Church | Jesus First and let Erin Townsend know if you are planning to attend and/or carpool. If you have questions, or need assistance ordering your ticket online, see Erin as well. We hope to see you there!
8- to 13-year olds class begins
A new Bible class for 8-13 year-olds will be offered this Sunday during the sermon time, in addition to our Children’s Church group for 7 year-olds and younger. Emily Lewis will lead the new class which will meet in the conference room near the restrooms. This class will meet once a month on the fourth Sunday of the month. Thanks, Emily, for serving God and all of us in this way !
I look forward to seeing you this Sunday morning, Lord willing !
The sermon will be from Ephesians 2-3. Take a look at it before Sunday if you can !
— Tom
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