Upcoming Events and Virtual Gatherings |
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Sunday, May 2nd, 6:00-7:30p
We are launching a brand-new weekly, in-person gathering for Middle and High School students- Sunday Night Picnics! We would love to kick it off with a family picnic, so students, parents, guardians, and siblings can catch up with their Crossroads Family and meet some new folks. Everyone is invited, but pre-registration is required.
Bring your own masks, meals, and chairs. All activities will meet social distancing regulations.
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Sundays, beginning May 9th, 6:00-7:30p
Any students 6th-12th grade are welcome to join the fun, catch up with old friends, and meet some new ones! Everyone is invited, so feel free to bring a friend.
Bring your own mask, meal, and chair. All activities will meet social distancing regulations.
+ We would love to have parents help lead or co-lead once a month (one or more of the six planned picnics) plus get a chance to connect with some fellow Crossroads parents of teens! Please email Deborah if you can help out.
(Younger siblings are welcome to join if parents are volunteering)
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Every Sunday Morning, 9:30-10:00a
Families with elementary-age children are invited to join us for an exciting, interactive gathering! Parents and children can join from home for bible stories, prayer, songs, crafts, and time to get to know each other.
Anyone is welcome, so invite friends or neighbors to sign up too!
Register here to receive the secure Zoom link
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HOPE Preschool Registration 2021-2022
After the long shutdown due to the pandemic, we are excited to safely welcome back our HOPE Preschool students, families, and teachers this Fall! Registration forms are available now online for HOPE Preschool for the school year 2021-2022.
Please visit their website for additional information, FAQs, and forms.
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Jesus Appears to Thomas
Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”
But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
John 20:24-31 (NIV)
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A Reflection:
Jesus understood it was hard for Thomas to believe. He appeared to Thomas so Thomas could believe like the other disciples did. The story of Thomas reminds us it is okay to ask questions about our faith. We can ask questions and still believe. Everyone has questions, about a lot of different things, most days. What should we eat for dinner, what should I wear today, and how can I be a better friend? Also it is good to ask questions of our teachers in class, and of our parents when we do not understand something. We can only grown and learn by asking questions and searching for the answers.
- Can you think of a time that you asked a question and learned something new? What helped you to understand?
- What have you seen that helps you believe Jesus is alive? How can your actions help other people believe in Jesus?
A Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for stories that help us believe in Jesus. Help us to live following Jesus' example so others may also believe. Amen.
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This Week's Highlighted Resources |
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Even though most of the cherry blossom trees are past blooming in the DC area, there are still plenty of local gardens to visit and other spring events. Our county neighbor of Fairfax encourages families to get out to these local gardens and experience natures beauty. My family really enjoys Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, something different is in bloom all times of the year.
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Here are some fun and simple Science and Art crafts to do with your kids. Springtime is full of fun themes and ideas to get your child's creativity flowing. Color changing flower, Cloud in a jar, Germinating seeds, and other fun activities that children can learn while being creative. Happy learning!
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As the weather outside warms up, and more adults are being vaccinated against Covid, parents are asking what outdoor activities or camps are available for their children. Here is a resource that lists many organizations that offer kids sports programs in VA, MD, and DC. Click on the links in the website to find out more. My kids are missing physical activities and being social with other kids their ages. We are excited for our daily neighborhood walks and playground outings to begin again, with face masks and hand sanitizer at the ready.
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