TMG
Tom’s Midweek Greeting
Crossroads Community Church
Nevada MO
October 2, 2018
Hello Church Family!
I came across this good outline of the book of James this week. I thought it was a simple way to remember the goals of that little book, the theme being “Marks of Maturity.”
James 1:2-4
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
That’s a statement having to do with maturity, isn’t it? “… complete, lacking in nothing.”
Here’s the outline and five marks of a maturing Christian:
Chapter 1 Patient in Testing
Chapter 2 Practices the Truth
Chapter 3 Power over the Tongue
Chapter 4 Peacemaker, not a Troublemaker
Chapter 5 Prayerful in Troubles
Read through the little book of James with that outline in mind, and see if it doesn’t help you understand God’s path of maturity for you and me.
Our lives are in the hands of a loving Father. All testing is filtered through his hands and is used by him for our personal growth. We are not victims. His goal is maturity.
I’m excited that many of you at Crossroads feel like you’re on a path of spiritual growth and maturity. Thanks for the many expressions of your own excitement and of your hunger to grow even more!
Home Group this Wednesday
This Wednesday’s home group will take place at Phill and Judi Edwards’ home **contact us for directions**. I hope you’ll join the group for some good fellowship, laughter, sharing, prayer, and midweek support.
6:00 – Prayer. Everyone welcome to join a half-hour of sharing and prayer.
6:30 – Food. A light dinner and some fellowship.
7:00 – Study and discussion about last Sunday’s sermon from 1 Corinthians 6. Come even if you missed Sunday’s sermon! You’ll be glad you did!
No youth group this Wednesday night!
Walk the Walls
Next Wednesday, October 10, we will meet with Joe Chenoweth again for more thinking and vision-casting using Joe’s “Walk the Walls” material from the book of Nehemiah.
We’ll meet on the 10th at 7:00 pm in the basement of the Cottey College chapel. If you haven’t been to that basement meeting room before, you may enter at the back (south) side of the chapel. There are steps that lead down to the door to the basement.
I hope you’ll plan to join us. Our discussions with Joe about present and future ministry at Crossroads have been stimulating so far. He is helping us “inspect” current ministry and plan for the future. Although I don’t want to speak for Joe, I believe one of his goals is to help us move from being a “Team of Helpers” to a “Mission Community.” A Team of Helpers is a great place to be and will cause us to be a good church for the present time, for ourselves. A Mission Community will help us build a church, not only for ourselves, but also for people around us who need Christ … and on into the future. What is our mission? Please mark October 10 at 7 pm on your calendar and come be a part of building the walls!
Opportunities to Connect
Hayride & Cookout: Our annual fall adventure in Moundville will happen on Saturday evening, October 13, starting at 5:30 pm at the Reedy farm. Bring a dessert or side dish. We’ll have a fun cookout, then a hayride through town and countryside! A great time! Bring your friends!
Women’s Fellowship at The Lavender Patch: All women are invited to a day of fellowship and renewal just for you! Saturday, October 27, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Lavender Patch Farm near Ft Scott. Please let Erlinda know if you’re planning to attend so she can prepare. Invite a friend to come with you! For more information or questions, contact Erlinda.
This Sunday, October 7: Youth Bible Study and Adult Bible Study at 9:00 at the Y. Worship and fellowship at the Y starting at 10:00. Youth Bible Study is open to all Middle Schoolers & High Schoolers. We’re having a great time in our adult study of the book of Leviticus. It’s not too late to join up with us – always good discussion and insights into this book of “pictures” pointing us to wholeness.
Scriptorium
If you’re interested in a new spiritual experience, and a weekend that will contribute to your own personal maturity, why not consider joining others at a “Scriptorium” coming to Kansas City in April. I have wonderful memories of attending a Scriptorium with my family several years in a row in Hannibal, Missouri. A Scriptorium is a weekend during which people recite from memory portions of the Bible. You will be amazed at what Scripture memorization will do for your own walk with the Lord; and you’ll be amazed at how encouraging a weekend spent simply listening to the Word being recited by people of all ages will be. Another great part of the weekend is fellowship with other believers you’ll meet for the first time. I encourage you to consider being part of this special weekend. I hope to attend with Esther and Evan.
Here’s information, and also a website to go to for details:
The 5th annual Kansas City Scriptorium is now open for registration! We want to invite you all to join us on April 12-13, 2019 for another great weekend of recitation and fellowship. This year we are reciting through the life of David – select chapters from 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 1 Chronicles, and Psalms. Please visit the website https://scriptoriums.com/kansas-city-mo to view all details and register for YOUR chapter!
Families, groups/classes, and individuals are all encouraged to sign up for a chapter! If you haven’t recited in the past, why not make this year your first? There are some chapters/Psalms that are a bit shorter, so if you are a little nervous start with a shorter chapter for the first time. For those of you who are experienced and ready for a challenge, register for longer/more difficult chapters.
Cost: Free
When: Friday, April 12 – Saturday, April 13, 2019
Location: Master’s Community Church, 2548 S 42nd St, Kansas City, KS 66106 (Thanks again to Master’s Community Church for the use of their building)
Meals: A light breakfast will be provided on Saturday morning, and lunch will be provided on Saturday afternoon
Desserts: We will plan to have desserts on Friday evening after the recitations, so if you are able to bring a dessert, it will be appreciated. Any extra desserts will be served on Saturday after lunch.
Lodging: We will have some space available for out of town guests, please indicate when you register if you will need lodging. There is no charge for those staying in homes with local families.
Sign up: https://scriptoriums.com/kansas-city-mo
I look forward to being in touch with you this week! Let’s pray for spiritual growth and maturity to take place in our lives and in the church!
— Tom
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