November 30, 2018 
This Sunday in Worship - First Sunday of Advent

How do we find peace in our hearts and the world?
The story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, shows us a way.

A take home card with the path to peace 
will be  given to each person at communion.

We will be introducing a creative 
and  beautiful Advent Calendar.

Invite a friend to come along to  experience  peace this Advent season.

If you can't make it to worship this week, be sure to check out our  livesteam or podcast.
You can also sign up to receive a  daily scripture and prayer, our various newsletters, download our GOTGO app, or receive our noon and evening text by texting crossroads to 41411.

A TREK TO ADVENT: 
A JOURNEY INWARD, TOGETHER AND OUTWARD

The ancient season of Advent marks the four Sundays and subsequent days preceding the birth of Jesus on Christmas. It invites daily preparation of Christ being born afresh in our inner lives, actions, and relationships.

We have designed a guided journey inward, together and outward to deepen the meaning of this Advent season and remember the true invitation that Christmas invites.

Each day we will focus on a word and image with a brief prayer and SERVE invitation that invites us to "welcome the coming of Christ" in our daily lives to transform us from the inside out.  


A TREK to Advent will include the blessing of sharing a Christmas gift with our neighbors in Loudoun and DC through Advent SERVE and a weekly Advent Wreath Sunday Candlelight Reading on Sundays at home.


This Christmas, we want to show our gratitude for God's unconditional love, Jesus' unconditional welcome, and the unwavering hope of transformation for the world.

People everywhere are looking for the real gifts of Christmas: 
Love , W elcome  and H ope
These three gifts are what Crossroads uniquely offers to the world 365 days a year!

 Your Christmas Offering is one way you can say thank you to God 
for the Crossroads family and the message we share.
Our goal is $175,000. 
So far, we have $84,570 
Almost half way there with four weeks to go.
Incredible!
We need your help to go the rest of the way.

How to give: online, use the  GOTGo App, mail in your gift, give during worship on Sundays, or on Christmas Eve at one of our five services (3, 5, 7, 9 and 11pm).
School Break Bundles - Payne Elementary - Christmas Break

Help food insecure students at Payne Elementary. By providing the food items listed below, or donating $30.00 to School Break Bundles, you will be helping those students at risk of going without food during Christmas Break. Our goal is to provide 75 Bundles. Food items must be returned by December 18th. They can be dropped off on Sunday, during worship service or any time during the week at the Crossroads office. Monetary donations should be marked School Break Bundles and can be made online or during worship. To find out how you can get involved, contact Kathy MacKrell.

Food items : Peanut Butter, Jelly, Macaroni and Cheese, Baked Beans, Spaghetti Os, Chef Boy-R-Dee, Granola Bars, Cereal. Ramen Noodles, Pudding Packs, and Juice Boxes.

Bells and Lights Christmas Mission

You can help needy families in Loudoun County have a wonderful Holiday! Friendship Bridge and the Ashburn Rotary are looking for those interested in sponsoring a family this Christmas. Stop by the Fellowship Hall after worship during advent and pick a bell from the tree. It will list the family's specific wants or ones asking for donations of Target or Walmart gift cards.   These gifts or cards, along with care packages, will be given to families in Loudoun County who are in need of extra help during the holidays. 

If you know of any family in need this holiday season, contact Susie Howard or Kathy MacKrell  and we can add their bell to the tree. You may also make a monetary donation and someone can do the shopping for you! Mark your donation Bells & Lights. All gift donations will need to be returned to Crossroads by December 18th.
Blue Christmas
December 9th, 6:30-7:30 pm @ Crossroads

We all experience grief in our lives. This candlelight service is designed for those who have experienced loss, whether it be a loss of a loved one, friendship, job, health... all are welcome. Come and be encouraged in the presence of God's love and take with you a gift of hope. Music, story, scripture, prayers, and the lighting of candles are some of the elements included in this service.

It is offered as a time for reflection and healing during the holiday season that is anything but merry for many in our community.   For more information, please contact Tammie Bond .
New Year Soul Renewal Retreat
Sunday, January 5 - 2:30-5:00 pm

We will gather at Blueridge Summit Retreat (Dave and Cathy's home) for a time to retreat for fellowship, renewal and reflection in the beauty of wintertime on Mt. Weather.


During our gathering we will reflect on the gift of the new year through spiritual practices including:
  • Nature and Soul Meditative Walk (easy walk)
  • Reflective scripture and selected short readings with herbal tea or hot chocolate
  • New Year's Soul Renewal Reflection
  • Bonfire fellowship with campfire cooked apples
Pittsburgh Project Middle & High School Mission Trip
July 15th - July 19th

This year's Pittsburgh Project Mission Trip is open to students in both middle and high school. The trip cost is $385 per student. If your student registers by 12/31/18, there is a 10% discount and the cost is $350 per student. 
Nature and Soul Events

Jesus said "And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?"  Matthew 16:26 

Each of these experiences is designed to share the restorative gifts of God revealed in nature to nurture your mind, body and soul.   Every major medical school is recognizing the healing reality of nature. 

For more information and to register for these events.  Questions? Cathy Norman  
Cultivating wholeness in body, mind and soul!

Get more information on well being events!

Crossroads Kids (Nursery - 5th Grade) 
Will mee t @ 10 am in their classrooms. 

See what else is happening with 
Students (Middle and High School)
Will mee t @ 10 am in the Discipleship Room

See what else is happening with 
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.  

  • 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 - www.facebook.com/crossroadsnova
  • Twitter - @crossroadsnova
  • Website - www.crossroadsnova.org

 
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