It was interesting for me to note how quickly the conversation about the UMC General Conference's decision to not be fully welcoming and affirming of LGBTQIA persons has faded from the media. What I want to assure everyone is that in our Crossroads family the conversation has not faded at all.
Last week I met with two Crossroads' teams, the Discernment Team that holds the vision and mission of Crossroads, and the Recalibrate Team that looks at what God is doing in the world and how we as a church may need to recalibrate some things in order to stay with what God is doing. The one thing that doesn't change is God's unconditional love, but how we express it and live it does need to change as other things change.
I am impressed by the passion and patience that our leadership is showing in how we move forward. Let me be clear, patience does not mean sit back and wait, it means listening and discerning to what God is calling us to do.
We have a pathway. The Discernment Team meets again on March 31st to name what we as a church mean by "affirming" and how we most effectively live that out. On April 10th the Recalibrate Team meets to act on the discernment of the Discernment Team. On April 23-26 the Judicial Council of the UMC meets to decide what parts of the amendments submitted at General Conference are constitutional or not. On May 19th the Discernment Team meets to discuss the findings of the Judicial Council. And then June 20-22 the Virginia Annual Conference meets to talk about and decide how the Virginia Annual Conference will respond to all that is before us.
That's a lot, but my point is we have not faded in our work to be a voice for our LGBTQIA brothers and sisters who live so much of their lives on the margins. We are following the way of Jesus who spent most of his time and ministry with those on the margins.
This Sunday will be another inspiring hour of worship. After worship we will Linger Longer with Great Harvest Bread and celebrate St. Patrick's Day.
Here are just a few highlights of what is coming up:
During Lent, there are opportunities for you serve yourself with a day of renewal in the beauty of nature. Every Wednesday from 9 am - 3 pm you can come up to the mountain and spend any amount of time in silence, prayer, and reflection. Sign up
here
. And there are two half-day retreats at Dayspring Retreat Center also scheduled for March 26th and April 10th. Sign up
here
.
I invite you to join me in praying about how you might participate in the
Giving is Serving
Lenten/Easter Offering. Our goal is $75,000. You can learn more or give
here
.
See you soon,
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Lenten Soul Renewal (self guided)
Wednesdays 3/20, 3/27, 4/3, 4/10, 4/17 - Blueridge Summit Retreat
There will be a beautiful quiet place in the Studio prepared for you to come as you are able between the hours of 9:30-3:00 pm) through the season of Lent.
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Four Hour Lenten Silent Retreats
Upcoming dates: 3/26, 4/10
Four Hour Lenten Silent Retreat at Dayspring Retreat Center. This retreat offers time for silence in community. You are welcome to spend the time in silence walking, praying, reading, or reflecting.
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Lenten/Easter Offering
Our theme this Lenten season is Born to Serve and we recognize that
Giving is Serving.
Read more
about what the Lenten/Easter offering supports and ways to give.
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Adult Small Groups
New small groups forming now during Lent.
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Vacation SERVE Camp- Volunteer Registration is Open!
Camp Dates: June 17-21
Vacation Serve Camp will help your child grow in their faith through scripture, adventure and service as they begin to see their part in God's plan for the world through Jesus.
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Uganda Mission Trip 2019
August 21 – September 3
Join a team for 12 days in Uganda, participating in a 5 day camp, visiting students’ homes, visiting the vocational and nursing schools and gathering for a reunion of more than 40 students, many of whom have graduated from vocational schools and university.
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Reconnect
Sunday, March 24, 11:15 am - 12:15 pm - The theme is Joy!
Reconnect is a one hour experience featuring connection games, mindfulness, breath work and simple standing yoga movement.
For more information and to register
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CARE (Compassion, Awareness, Resilience, Encouragement) Support Group
Upcoming dates: March 17th and 31st from 4-5:30 pm
This bi-weekly support group is designed for friends and family members who have a loved one with depression, anxiety or other mental health challenges.
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Fight Leukemia NOW Benefit Concert
Sunday, April 7, 6-7:30 pm
A Night Of Worship (NOW) event to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, featuring JuST (a CUMC trio), with special guest Stephen Rouse.
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Nature and Soul Events
Each of these experiences is designed to share the restorative gifts of God revealed in nature to nurture your mind, body and soul.
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Imagine Well Being
Cultivating wholeness in body, mind and soul!
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Crossroads Kids (Nursery - 5th Grade)
Children will meet in their classrooms at 10am this Sunday.
See what else is happening with
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Students (Middle and High School)
Middle School Students will meet in the Discipleship Room and High School Students will meet in Ryan Chapel this Sunday at 10 am.
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Prayer Requests on the Crossroads Website
Reminder: Our website has a page where you can submit a prayer request. This is also a page you can visit to pray for others.
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Quick and Easy Daily Spiritual Resources
- GOTGo App - Download from your app store by searching Crossroads GOTGo
- Daily Sacred Pause - Text crossroads to 41411 to receive an inspirational text each day
- Daily Reflection on Scripture - Sign up here
- Sunday Message Podcast- Subscribe at iTunes or on the GOTGo app
- Kirk Martin, Celebrate Calm- Helpful resource for parents. Click here for more info.
- Dr. Kelly Flanagan - Great blog that touches on marriage, parenting and more.
- Facebook - facebook.com/crossroadsnova
- Twitter - @crossroadsnova
- Website - crossroadsnova.org
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703-729-5100 / www.crossroadsnova.org
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