Crosswinds Family and Friends,
Last Sunday marked another powerful morning of services on our Canandaigua campus. Each week familiar faces return, and new ones are coming to check us out. Last weekend I spoke with a friend who was scouting out the scene, whose wife has some underlying health issues, and he gave us a thumbs up and will be returning to worship alongside his wife. I continue to hear good reports from those participating online. We can even offer the service to our Hopewell campus that meets in the Ontario County Jail. We have much to celebrate.
I have spoken to those who serve in our Kids Ministry and whose children have attended during our 9:00am offering. It is exciting and reassuring to hear how well safety concerns are being met while these kids can participate in a service tailored to their age. Watching these kids and ministry partners head to their ministry space with such joy is something to behold.
I said from the outset of the closing of Crosswinds’ Canandaigua campus that weekend worship experiences are not the win. The win is growing in our knowing God and making Him known, being disciples, who make disciples, who make disciples. However, we are called in Scripture to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together for worship (Heb 10:25). It is an integral part of our spiritual development.
I understand that we are still in the gray area where some are willing and able to participate at one of our two-weekend worship gatherings on our Canandaigua campus. Still, some for a variety of reasons are not able to do so. This, in part, is why we are doing our best to make sure our live-stream and online offerings are at the highest quality we can provide. I hope if you are not able to come to campus, you are faithfully participating online.
The uncertainty of our times can be nerve-racking. That's why, now more than ever, it is crucial to be connected to your local church family. If you can do it in person, great, come join us on campus. If you can't, I miss seeing you but don't miss out on our online offering.
Talking about online, you can go to
www.crosswinds.church and support our local mission partner, The Spot, online. They have an Amazon wish list and Walmart registry. You can be a part of our sock and underwear drive from the comfort of your home. If you go to our website, you can learn more about our partnership with this significant outreach to the students in need in our Canandaigua school system.
I know 2020 has been a crazy year. Let me encourage you with this verse: “They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint” (Isa 40:31). This verse speaks of savoring God’s promises by faith until the time of fulfillment. When we trust in the Lord, we find endless supplies of fresh strength. Trust in the Lord. I know He will be faithful to you.
I love you and continue to keep you in my prayers.
Believing with you,
Craig Cooper
Lead Pastor
