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September 22, 2016 | Issue #54
SUNDAY MORNING



What The World Needs Now...
This week we continue our series "What the World Needs Now" by looking at the importance of being people who serve the world willingly and enthusiastically.   Every year members of the Crossroads community give thousands of hours of selfless service to each other, 
our community and the world. Why would people do this?
 
The Big Why...
The answer may be a little different for each person, but we have a couple things in common. First, as people who strive to live in the way of Jesus, we see his way of life as our model. Second, it has been proven scientifically, medically and spiritually that serving really is one of the most important things we can do to change our personal lives, our families and ultimately the world.  
 
Real People, Real Experiences...
This Sunday pastor Dave will teach on the ways of Jesus that show all of us the importance of both being served and serving each other. We also hear inspiring real life stories from people who had their lives changed through transformative experiences on one of the many service opportunities we offered this Spring and Summer. Don't miss these powerful and inspirational stories that put skin on the teachings of Jesus.
 
The Celebration of Baptism...
Baptism is an act of service to the world. At both 9 and 11 we will celebrate the sacrament of baptism with an inspiring story from the VanZetta family telling how their lives were transformed through the experience of service in the Crossroads community.
 
NEW: Pre-Service time of reflection and prayer
In the month of September, musical artists from our congregation will provide 10-minutes of beautiful reflective music accompanied by inspirational scripture on the screens. This time is designed for you to have a few minutes of quiet calm in your week. It is a way for you to be still to both know and feel God's presence for the week ahead.  Music and reflection begins at 8:50 and 10:50

See you Sunday.  
Invite someone to come to worship with you and  participate i n this life-changing series.
FALL OPPORTUNITIES

                                                                      Friday, September 23 at 7-9pm

Talking with Teens workshop will help parents of children, ages 11 - 16, acquire the confidence and skills  essential to effective communication with their teens. Attendees of this workshop will explore questions such as "What is good communication?" "How can my teenager and I both get what we want?" and   "What communication skills do I want my teen to learn from me?"  Read more...



Sept 25 at 9am and Oct 2 at 9 and 11am
 
On October 2, the Crossroads community at 9 and 11 am will share in the experience of presenting the "Deep Blue Kids Bible" to all our 3rd grade students. A celebration will immediately follow in fellowship hall.

  In preparation for the Third Grade Bible presentation, parents are asked to attend a workshop 
 (September 25 from 9-10:30am): "How to read this most amazing and mysterious book we call the        Bible".  Register Here



Sunday, September 25  at 2:30-3:50pm

This workshop will equip you and your child (ages 4 through 5th grade) to connect to God's Spirit within  and to each other through simple stress releasing games, movements, breathing practices, prayer and meditation.  No yoga experience or flexibility needed. You will leave with take-home tools to enjoy the blessing of a few short family yoga practices to share at home, at school and anywhere.   Register Here



Need some R & R?  
Sunday, September 25  3:00-5:00 pm
 
Renew body, soul, mind and spirit at Blueridge Summit Retreat on beautiful Mt. Weather near Bluemont (Dave & Cathy's home - the retreat starts with the drive).   This 2.5 hour mini-retreat will allow time for guided meditation with scripture and poetry, personal reflection in silence and sharing in community.   Learn More...

CHILDREN

OUR KIDS LEARN :  Everyone has some kind of TROUBLE in life. God helps us remember that he is with us through every minute of our TROUBLE?  God has a plan for each of us, every day.  What is God's plan?  To love God...and love others as we love ourselves.

 

OUR KIDS SERVED:   Their offering will buy pizza for some hungry ESL kids and they will work on great artwork that will be part of our 3rd Grade Bible celebration next Sunday.

 

OUR MEMORY VERSE:  "Don't be alarmed or terrified, because the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. " Joshua 1:9

 

LOOKING AHEAD:  3rd Grade Bible Celebration on October 2nd at  9 and 11am. 

Still time to sign-up 3rd graders to receive a Bible.  Register Here.
STUDENTS

Weekly on Sundays:   Intersect at 9 and 11am (6 - 12th grade)  
12:30 Club at Zinga (6 - 8th grade girls) - meeting next on October 2

Thursdays:   Thirsty Thursdays at 4:30-5:30pm at Blend Coffee Shop (9 - 12th grade)

Check out the Students website for more information
COMMUNITY/WELL BEING
Serenity Hatha Yoga - Tuesdays at 7:30pm 

Mindfulness Practices Class - Sundays at 5-6:30pm
The Mindful Way Through Stress and Anxiety - 3 week class beginning  September 18th

Living Well Mindful Mediation Class --4th Monday of each month at 7pm (next class - September 26)
                     
View all the Spiritual Growth Opportunities   HERE 
SERVICE


Porch de Salomon's mission is to serve the Least, the Lost and the Last.  This is a one week experience where team members take part in building a small concrete block home for an impoverished indigenous Mayan family.  The days are spent constructing the home with time built in for interaction with the local people and learning about their culture and way of life.  No construction experience is necessary, just an open heart and mind to the transformational power of service!  Total cost of the trip is approximately $1,400.00.  Two brief informational meetings are scheduled for October 2nd after 9am and 11am worship services in the Discipleship Room.  Come and learn what Porch de Salomon is all about.  Learn More.  You can also check out their website at http://porchdesalomon.org/about-us/ or if you have any questions, you can contact Kathy MacKrell at [email protected]



Crossroads in once again gearing up for our Annual Warming the Homeless, "Coats and Boots" mission.   You can get involved by donating new boots sizes 10-13(we'll need a few 14-15) as well as jackets/parkas(90% men apparel) in LG through 3X.    We have a large number of coats and boots preordered from Walmart and Costco.  A monetary donation of $40.00 will purchase a coat or boot.  You can make a monetary donation to Crossroads marked "Warming the Homeless" during worship on Sundays or online. All donations are tax deductible.   The deadline is October 23rd.   To learn how to serve in this mission by sorting coats and boots on October 28th or delivering to Franklin Park on October 30th click here.


During this school year, Crossroads has once again been blessed with the opportunity to tutor at a DC Public School. We are excited to be starting at a new school, Thomson Elementary, in Northeast DC.  This mission is a 2 times a month commitment to tutor underprivileged children in downtown DC.  No specific skills are required, only a loving heart and a desire to serve some of the most needy among us-the children.  Tutors travel together to Thomson on Wednesdays starting in September, leaving the church at 9:00am and returning at approximately 2:00pm. This mission truly is a blessing for all involved!  If you are interested, please contact Kathy MacKrell 
Visit the website for information on upcoming events and ways to serve. We are thankful you are part of the Crossroads Family helping us share the compassion of Jesus with all...one person, family and community at a time. 
 
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Crossroads United Methodist Church
[email protected] | http://www.everydaylifewithgod.org