I don't always think of myself as a hero. Mostly because when I think of heroes or heroines I think about the one found in Marvel comic books and so many current movies. They are the kind that have super powers and who end up saving the world from evil and destruction.
I won't ever be given a magic cape, or a super powered sword, and I will certainly never fly through the air, let alone cross time zones and dates to rush in and save
the world.
Our granddaughter, Isla Grace has a heroine named, Nella, from Nickelodeon.
Nella
possesses royal qualities like compassion and grace, while also embodying the courage and determination of a brave knight. She taught me that I will never have a super powered sword.
Watch this
and see. Compassion and grace win time after time. They are two qualities that all heroes and heroines possess. And they learn these qualities in the journey.
You and I are heroes and heroines simply and powerfully because all of life is a heroic journey. Even without capes and super powers we are changing the world every time we hear the call to leave the ordinary, the way things are, to venture into the great unknowns and face the challenges and survive the struggles so we can be born again, resurrected from the death to old ways so we can return back home transformed by God's grace that met us in the struggles, pain and suffering of life. And this is what you and I have in common with every Marvel Comic book, Stephen Spielberg adventure movie, and most important the stories of heroes and heroines in the Bible.
Jesus is our model for our seven week series we are calling "Our Story a Heroic Journey." This week we are going to look at the first four times Jesus and his family were called to depart the ordinary and face the challenges that transformed him. But more than just looking at those times in Jesus' life, more importantly, we will see how our own life stories line up with his. In that we will find the kind of hope and confidence assuring us that we will rise up as new persons.
Instead of me looking at Marvel and the entertainment world to see if I am a hero or not, I look to Jesus and he says, come and follow me and I will reveal to you the hero you are.
I hope to see you this Sunday as we talk about how all of us are heroes and heroines on our heroic journeys.
During this series we have invited people to be in small groups to learn more about their life story. The good and not so good news is all the groups are full. But here is really good news. You can still participate by signing up for an inspiring Our Story, a Heroic Journey day long retreat, couched in the beauty of fall on the mountain at Cathy and my home on October 27th. You will be blessed as you grow spiritually by learning more about your own heroic story. Check out more in the first box below.
On another note. During Linger Longer we will have one more opportunity to write positive notes of encouragement to our ESL students. Also Samantha Kelly has graciously offered to do Blood Pressure checks during Linger Longer. It will only take a couple of minutes. Thank you Samantha for offering us this gift.
Lots of things are happening in the coming weeks. Make sure you scroll down and see the many transformational opportunities to grow relationally and spiritually.
One final thing: Beginning next week, and then on each subsequent third Sunday of the month, we will be offering a "Get to know your Crossroads family better" time during Linger Longer. If you are new, or have been around for sometime and want to know more about our incredible Crossroads family, then plan to attend one of these times. I am looking forward to meeting you and getting to know you better as well.
See you soon,
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Heroic Journey Retreat
Sunday, October 27th, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Our life journey is filled with twists and turns and ups and downs. It is a journey of heroes and heroines. Jesus' heroic journey carried him through birth, adolescence, adulthood, death and resurrection. His is a pattern for all of our lives as Jesus invites us into this journey of heroes and heroines that transforms and makes us new.
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Food Truck Friday
September 20, 5:00 - 8:00 pm in the Crossroads Parking Lot
Come and support our local food truck community and help a great cause! Part of the proceeds will go to support Crossroads' Guatemala Mission. Invite your friends and neighbors and enjoy great local food and live music.
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High School Night
Saturday, September 21st, 6:30 pm - midnight
9th- 12th graders are invited for an awesome night of fun and craziness at Crossroads! Each event will include pizza, snacks, Nintendo Switch on the projector, games, Church-wide Hide and Go Seek, and laser tag.
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Women's Tuesday Morning Bible Study
Every Tuesday, 9:30 - 11:00 am
Ongoing, in-depth discussion of various Biblical studies. Our current study is "The Story" by Randy Frazee, a collection of chronological Bible stories. Childcare available with activities coordinated with each week's topic.
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Baptism Workshop
Sunday, September 22, 9:00 am - 12:00 noon
Preparing for a child’s baptism begins with learning the elements of the family blessing. During this time parent/s will reflect on their family story in connection with the Biblical story and the sacred gift of their child’s
birth and life.
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PFLAG
Tuesday, September 24, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
LGBTQ+ adults, youth, parents, families and allies are invited to attend monthly meetings of the newly formed Loudoun chapter of PFLAG. All are welcome to express needs, fears, questions and offer support in a compassionate, caring, and safe environment. PFLAG Loudoun is a local chapter of a national non-profit organization that provides support, education and advocacy. If you or someone you care about is LGBTQA+ we invite you to join us! Meetings are free of charge.
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Third Grade Bibles
September 29, 10:00 am
Bibles will be given out during the 10 am service on September 29th followed by a family celebration from 11:15-12:45 pm. Children new to Crossroads in 4th or 5th grade are invited too!
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Did you know...
Crossroads owns a house which is typically where the pastor and family live? Pastor Dave and Cathy purchased their own home several years ago and until recently, a ministry staff member was living in the house. At the end of August, the house will be available to rent. If you or someone you know are looking for a
beautiful, 4 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom rental
in Ashburn Farm, take a look and contact the Remax/Team Caines office to schedule a showing.
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Women's Fall Soul Renewal Retreat
October 19-20 @ Blueridge Summit Retreat
We will take time for spiritual practices in nature, time in solitude and soulful story sharing. There will be a simple yoga offering both days and and time around the fire circle as well as time to wander and/or walk the labyrinth. The Women's retreats have been a wonderful way to meet new community in this sacred place and time.
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Couples Enrichment Workshop
November 15-16 @ Crossroads
In this workshop you will learn how to create the "couple bubble" that allows for meaningful connection, sense of trust and a secure relationship. You will also understand what's behind your cycle of conflict, discover new ways of handling conflict, and more.
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Guatemala Mission Trip
February 22-29, 2020
Porch de Salomon’s mission is to serve the Least, the Lost and the Last. This is a one week experience where team members take part in building a small concrete block home for an impoverished indigenous Mayan family. No construction experience is necessary, just an open heart and mind to the transformational power of service!
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Native Plant of the Week
Ironweed
A plant from Crossroads' Native Plant Garden will be highlighted here each week. This is designed to help us all get acquainted with some of the many different native plants available to us, their importance in nature and where to plant them. Additional information about all of the plants in our Native Plant Garden and how you can start one at your home is always available at Crossroads for you to take with you.
The native plant of the week is the Ironweed.
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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 new classrooms at 10 am this Sunday!
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Intersect for Students (Middle and High School)
Middle School Students will meet in the Discipleship Room at 10 am on Sunday morning. High School Students are invited to join their families for worship on Sunday morning and Intersect on Sunday evening from 6:30-8 pm!
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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.
- Facebook - facebook.com/crossroadsnova
- Twitter - @crossroadsnova
- Website - crossroadsnova.org
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703-729-5100 / www.crossroadsnova.org
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