TMG
Hello, Crossroads Family!
Often in the morning while I’m having my quiet time, I have some worship music playing on YouTube. One song that has got me through the dark, cold mornings of winter is a tune called “Come, Let Us Go.” It’s actually all instrumental, and I can’t recall ever hearing or singing the song, so I don’t actually know what the words are! So this morning I decided to look up in the Bible where that expression, “Come, let us go,” is found and what attracts me to it so much.
The first Bible entry I came across was from Genesis 11 (story of the Tower of Babel) where God says, “Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other’s speech.” I don’t think that was the verse I had in mind! A different kind of “Come, let us go”!
But then several others showed up in my search:
- Isaiah 2:3 — “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord. There He will teach us His ways so we may walk in His paths.”
- Micah 4:2-3 — “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord and to the house of the God of Jacob, so that He may teach us about His ways, and we may walk in His paths. For from Zion will go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And He will judge between many peoples and render decisions for mighty, distant nations. Then they will beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks.”
Even this verse, from 1 Samuel 14, about Jonathan’s surprise attack on the Philistines, is a good “Come, let us go …” verse:
- “Come, let us go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few” (1 Samuel 14:6).
I love the courage of Jonathan, and the joy of all those who say, “Come, let us go!” In these anxious times, we find hope in hearing the Lord say (and in saying to each other), “Come, let us go and see what the Lord will do. Come, let us go do the thing He’s asking of us!”
I look forward to seeing you this Sunday morning when we’ll receive from God’s Word a message of reassurance for these challenging times. The sermon will be from Genesis 28, the story of Jacob’s ladder, and I think you’ll be surprised at all God has to say through that story. Worship starts at 10:00 at the Community Center. Don’t forget the time change this Saturday night ; spring forward one hour in order to show up on time Sunday morning!
Notes and Plans from Elders Meeting
Thank you for praying for last Sunday evening’s meeting of our Crossroads Church elders. It’s important that the elders are prayed for. Shepherding a group of Christ’s disciples, even a small group, is a spiritual task that doesn’t come naturally to most of us. It requires a work of the Holy Spirit in those who receive this call. Thanks for supporting them and everyone as we move forward as a church!
The main part of our meeting was a discussion concerning our transition as a church to a new pastor. God willing, this is the plan moving forward:
- The elders will begin the search for a new pastor using a tool available to us through the Evangelical Free Church Central District called PastorSearch. It will involve taking stock of some of the unique characteristics of Crossroads Church and crafting a job description for the kind of person who the church believes would be a good fit for ministry among us. There are other search tools available to us as well.
- For me personally, I anticipate staying in Nevada this fall and continuing my two music-related jobs at Nevada High School and at Cottey College. I will officially resign from my position as pastor at Crossroads on August 1. After that time, I will no longer be on the Elder Board. I will take a break from all church-related responsibilities during the month of August. Beginning in September, as the church continues its search for a pastor, I will be available to preach as needed on Sunday mornings three times per month, and I’ll be available to continue on the Worship Team. I’ll step away from my other leadership roles and allow some of you to fill in the gaps as God leads us forward during the search process!
That’s it in a nutshell. I sense God leading us. I sense, too, as I believe you do, that this is the right step for me. Thank you for praying! Thank you for being the church … all the time, not only on Sundays. Please pray for these specific needs:
- a new pastor
- a more permanent home
- new families, individuals, to join us
- greater outreach
- greater involvement in ministry to children and families
All of this requires prayer. God is looking and waiting to see if we really will depend on Him, if we will believe Him by faith. We can trust Him, and I know that you do! In many respects, we’re in a good place as a church — spiritual growth, healthy finances, a happy spirit, lives being touched. Thanks to all of you who serve, pray, and give!
Other Announcements and Dates
Easter Breakfast
We’re working on plans for an Easter breakfast on Sunday, April 17. More information coming soon.
“Breathe” Women’s Bible Study
The study will take a break this Sunday. Everyone invited back on Sunday, March 20, at 9:00.
Tom Time Off During Spring Break
I’ll be off next week. Please contact one of the other elders if you have a need. Jason Burrows, seminary student from Midwestern Baptist Seminary in Kansas City, will preach in my place on March 20. You may remember that Jason was scheduled to preach for us in January but was unable to come due to illness. You’ll enjoy meeting Jason, and I look forward to being with you that day for worship.
Sermon Training
Reserve Sunday evening, April 3rd, at 7 pm, for a very basic session on how to prepare a sermon. Those interested will meet at my
house. We’ll share some tips on how to prepare and deliver a good teaching from the Bible. Even if you’re not called to preach or teach others, come anyway to gain some ideas that will help you grow in your own personal study of the Bible.
Missions
In our bulletin last Sunday, we were encouraged to continue praying for Ukraine and Russia. Here are some ways we can pray:
- For God’s glory to be revealed in the midst of this struggle. God often uses very serious situations to draw people to Himself.
- For peace and strength. Let’s ask this for all concerned and, in a special way, for our brothers and sisters in Christ.
- For comfort for those who are scared and who have suffered loss.
- For God’s intervention in the war. Pray for wisdom as world leaders strategize, speak out, and take actions. Pray that God would move their hearts and guide their plans.
- For God’s truth to help cleanse world governments of corruption.
- For repentance, grace, forgiveness, and reconciliation throughout Ukraine, Russia, and the world.
- For open doors for the Gospel.
Thank you for being a praying, serving, aware church! I look forward to seeing many of you this Sunday! Come early and enjoy some fellowship prior to the service.
— Tom
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