TMG
Hello, Crossroads Family!
Paul often started his letters to churches this way: “I thank my God always when I think about you!”
For example,…
- to the Corinthians: “I thank my God always concerning you…” (1 Corinthians 1:4)
- to the Philippians: “I thank my God every time I remember you…” (Philippians 1:3)
- to the Romans: “I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you…” (Romans 1:8)
- to the Thessalonians: “We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers…” (1 Thess 1:2).
As I thought about this the other day, and was praying myself, I decided to make a list of things I thank God for about Crossroads Church. What’s worthy of praise and thanks in our church? The list I started is below. The order of things is entirely random, and I’m certain I’ve overlooked some obvious things that should be on the list. Maybe you can make your own or add to mine!
- Crossroads Church is a church that has good musicians.
- It’s a church that takes good care of its pastor.
- It’s a church that’s sincere in prayer.
- It’s a compassionate church.
- It’s a church that is growing in worship.
- It’s a church made up of people devoted to their families.
- It’s a diverse church, made up of people from different backgrounds, opinions, and stages in life.
- It’s a church with a concerned heart for Nevada and Vernon County.
- It’s a church that continues to grow in its appetite for God’s Word, the Bible.
- It’s a church whose “love languages” are : (1) giving gifts, and (2) acts of service.
- It’s a church whose desire is to be like the churches of the early days of the New Testament.
- It’s a scrappy church.
- Its people have been faithful (to ministry, to God, and to each other) over the past seven years and beyond.
- It’s a kind church.
- It’s a generous church.
- It’s a church concerned with disciple-making.
- It’s a church concerned about good doctrine.
- It’s a church that is anticipating the Lord’s return.
- It’s a church with some great cooks.
- It’s a church that laughs … when prompted.
- It’s a church where men sometimes dress alike?!
Francis Chan, in his book Letters to the Church, writes, “The Church has real issues, but Jesus still refers to the Church as His Body, His Bride! We must love His Bride, not gripe about her or leave her.” He also writes, “The Scriptures tell me you are indispensable, and the Body cannot function perfectly without you.”
Thanks for being who you are. I still like the following mission statement for a church (borrowed from someone; I’m not sure who): “We are bringing people into an ever-deepening relationship with God and with each other.” I believe that happens at Crossroads, and what a rich experience it is for all of us!
I also like what I heard Charles Stanley say once: “Don’t miss out on the finished product!” At Crossroads, we’re participating in God’s process of making “finished products” of our lives. Let’s invite others to join us in that!
I hope as many of you as can will hang around Sunday for a congregational meeting as we take stock of where we are and make plans, under God’s guidance, for the remainder of the summer and the fall. An important connecting time. We’ll also look at the church’s finances. The meeting will last less than an hour. Thank you!
Calendar
Worship this Sunday Morning
We’ll worship again at 10:00 this Sunday morning. The sermon will be from Genesis 33, “Endings & Beginnings.”
Congregational Meeting
Please plan to stay after worship for the meeting. Your presence and participation are important.
Monday Night Prayer
Monday Night Prayer has been great so far! Come join us! 5:00 pm next Monday at my house, 628 W. Arch Street. If you need some time for prayer, connection, or if you would like help learning to pray, MNP is for you! Email or text me if you have a prayer request we can pray about.
Youth Group, June 29
Next Wednesday evening — a nacho and swim party at the Vestals *contact us for address*., starting at 6:30.
Concerned Women for America Meeting
Concerned Women for America (CWA) of Missouri invites you to a conference in Nevada on the subjects of Gender & Sexuality Issues, and Critical Race Theory. Saturday, July 16, 1-5 pm, at Enchanted Prairie Farm, 17557 East Stockade Road. The event is free, but registration is required. To register, please call Edith McReynolds at 918-527-7604. The speakers will provide a Biblical worldview approach to these two issues. The speakers will be Dr. Alan Branch, Dr. Mary Byrne, and CWA State Director, Bev Ehlen.
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).
— Tom
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