"Newsbites"
Softball Champs!
[May 27, 2008]
Congratulations to the Crossroads Men’s Softball Team for winning 2nd place in their division last spring season!
CROP Walk Update
[April 27, 2008]
The Service Group organized our participation in the CROP Walk again this year. It was held on Sunday, April 20th. Crossroads’ walkers raised $2,275 — 75% for CRWRC and 25% for local Fire Relief. Crossroads had a total of 37 walkers this year! Mark Gailey has the distinction of being the only Crossroads' walker to have participated all three years, and the Varvel's have the distinction of being the top sponsors. Thanks to all who participated in the CROP Walk this year!
3rd Annual Community Nights
[updated Dec 29, 2009]
Every Wednesday night in August
Around 60 children enjoyed the stories of Joseph through the theme
Dreams and Schemes. They learned through dramas, crafts, games, singing,
and lessons. The adults were able to enjoy golf lessons, card making,
and a marriage class called Love and Respect. Each evening we shared a
meal together before going to our classes. We ended Community Nights
with a Sunday Potluck and Giant Slip and slide. Thanks to the many
participants and helpers that made Community Nights possible. Look for
this exciting and fun adventure next August 2010!
How Beautiful is the Body of Christ: Stephen Ministries
[June 24, 2007]
There are many thoughtful, caring, giving people at Crossroads. Many hurting people associated with Crossroads over the years can testify to being embraced and encouraged by Crossroads members. Some of these care givers have sometimes wondered if there was a more effective way to reach out to hurting brothers and sisters. Some brothers and sisters in need of care have been neglected—not intentionally, but because someone didn’t know how to show care or because people didn’t know what to do or say. Some attempts at care giving have resulted in hurts instead of healing.
Several weeks ago our congregation approved enrolling in the Stephen Series system of lay caring ministry, developed by Stephen Ministries, a nonprofit Christian and educational organization based in St. Louis, MO. Thousands of congregations throughout North America are already using this model of ministry to equip lay people to minister to others who are in need.
Crossroads will be preparing for this ministry in the months to come. From July 15 – 21, Carol Beezhold and Trena Boonstra will be attending a one-week Stephen Series Leader's Training Course in Ontario, CA. We will receive the instruction and materials necessary to implement and sustain this program of lay caring ministry here at Crossroads.
Following the Leader's Training Course, members of our congregation will be invited to participate in a training series in Christian caring skills under our guidance. This training will prepare the participants to care for others, covering such areas as how to listen effectively, how to deal with feelings, how to use traditional Christian resources in caring, how to maintain confidentiality, how to deal with people experiencing crises, and many other areas of concern. A Christ-centered approach to caring and the need to care for the whole person will be stressed throughout the training.
Upon completion of Stephen Series training, these lay caregivers will be commissioned as "Stephen Ministers" and will become an important part of the caring ministry here at Crossroads. These Stephen Ministers will provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care for people experiencing challenges in their lives such as hospitalization, loss of a loved one, loneliness, divorce, unemployment, birth of a child, and many other life events for which a person could benefit from an effective helping and caring ministry. At one time or another any member of Crossroads may be either a care giver or a care receiver.
This will be an exciting time for Crossroads. The Stephen Series both multiplies the amount of caring ministry that goes on in our congregation and deepens the level of participation by lay people in the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. Pastor Mark, the elders and deacons, and other staff members, will, of course, continue in their roles of visiting, caring, encouraging, and discipling the members of Crossroads. Individuals who on their own demonstrate the love of Jesus to hurting members will be encouraged to continue. This ministry is intended to expand and support what is being done by church leaders and members.
If you have questions about this new form of ministry our congregation is undertaking, please feel free to ask us. In the meantime keep Trena and Carol and our congregation in your prayers as we prepare for this major step forward in our lay caring ministry.
Looking For Somewhere to Serve?
[February 27, 2007]
The Crossroads Service Group is active every week in a variety of service and outreach ministries. Feel free to join them for any of the following service opportunities—more volunteers are always welcome!
- The first Thursday of each month we serve breakfast to the homeless from 5:30-7:30am at Interfaith Community Services in Escondido.
- The second Thursday of each month we serve dinner at Merle's Place from 4:30-6:30pm. Merle's Place is a shelter/recovery home for veterans at Interfaith.
Middle School Youth’s Diaper Bag Project Was a HUGE Success!
[January 25, 2007]
Thank you, Crossroads, for your generous support of our diaper bag project for the Catherine Busse Community Closet! Our group delivered 20 completely full diaper bags as well as other extra things that can be used by the Closet in the future. Our bags filled one side of the closet from floor to ceiling! Many new moms will be richly blessed because of this. Thank you so much!
Pastor Jose Balderas Ordained as Ministry Associate in the CRC
[November 30, 2006]
The ordination of Pastor Balderas as a CRC Ministry Associate took place on Sunday, November 26 in the Camino al Cielo worship service. It was a joyful service. Rev. Lou Wagenveld was able to challenge both Pastor Balderas and the congregation in growing leadership.
[November 30, 2006]
This Thanksgiving Crossroads members wrote down their blessings on pumpkins and gourds and filled up a bushel basket of blessings!
Crossroads Join Millions to STAND UP Against Poverty
[October 19, 2009]
Record Breaking News!
Let’s break a world record, make record breaking news and contribute to the call to end poverty. Come to Grape Day Park in Escondido at noon on Sunday, October 19th. Be part of this international and global Guinness book of World Records attempt. We will form a giant white band and let others know that we won’t stand by while others die from poverty. This coincides with Escondido’s Street Faire, so join StandUP, then go on to enjoy the fair. “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” —Proverbs 31: 8-9.
last updated 12.29.2009 | © 2006 Crossroads CRC | hosted by ipowerweb