Families This Week
May 23, 2020
Greetings from Jill
This weekend we celebrate Memorial Day by honoring the men and women that gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country to protect our freedom. You and your children could write patriotic messages with sidewalk chalk or take a moment of silence before a meal as you gather. Also, this weekend traditionally marks the start of the summer vacation/travel season and opening of community pools. Our celebrations and plans will look different while we continue to safely distance. However, we can be creative with family fun, with activities like outdoor hikes, picnics in the park, and water balloon games. Ask the children to help come up with ideas or lead the festivities, or help cook the meal.

It is very tempting for my family to get together with neighbors, friends, and family in groups as the weather warms up, but I am cautious to avoid contracting the virus. Our children's bible story and puppet video this week is focused around the first and second commandments in the Bible. Love God with all your heart, and love others like you love yourself. In this regards, I will continue to practice safe precautions as I decide to gather with others or venture out to businesses or in public. So, enjoy time with your family and stay safe.

To help illustrate this bible lesson to children, we encourage you to click on the puppet show link below.

We have also put all of our family resources together on the Heart & Home page on our website for easy reference.
Honor Your Graduates!
Graduation Sunday, June 7th, 2020
Do you have a student graduating from either high school or college?

Click  here  to submit their name and school so that they can be celebrated by the Crossroads community!
This Week's Highlighted Resources
Watch Here!

Watch this week's puppet show as Pastor Dave as Joey, Ms. Cathy as June Bug and Ms. Jill lead us in a Bible Story about the greatest commandment.

We also celebrate Memorial Day.
Check out the following links (click on heading to go to a website link) for family activities and resources.



Growing Leaders at Home 
Here is a great activity designed for parents to do with your kids during these challenging days. Click here for a discussion and lesson on Opportunity Statue (Time Management). It is designed by Tim Elmore from Growing Leaders for this extended time of being alone.

We will feature a Growing Leaders at Home activity every week.
This Week's Hope in Action Activity
Hope in Action
Monday, May 25 th  is Memorial Day – This day is usually observed by going to parades, parties and traditional Memorial Day observances. While we won’t be celebrating communally this year, it's important to remember what the holiday is truly about: honoring the men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom.
 
Here are a few ideas of how we can celebrate and honor the true meaning of Memorial Day:

  • Moment of Remembrance - There is an official time to remember the lost each year on Memorial Day: The official National Moment of Remembrance takes place at 3 p.m. local time around the country. 
  • Sidewalk Chalk Art - Get all the kids involved to create a patriotic-theme mural, or even just write out a simple thank you to our veterans, using side walk chalk.
  • Send words of support and appreciation to our heroes serving on the frontlines of the COVID-19 Pandemic including the military. A link to Operation Gratitude is here.