Let me let you in on a little secret. The sun shines brightly in Seattle. And Cathy and I had a splendid time enjoying it with Isla Grace, I mean our entire family. We were so blessed to have the time to reconnect, renew, and refresh. What a gift it was. I pray that you have had some time this summer to do the same.

With school starting back and fall just around the corner, we are preparing to enter a new season wherein we will see traffic thicken, our schedules grow fuller, and in general our daily lives becoming more complex. Instead of being overwhelmed by all the demands and longer commute times, how might we enter this season with joy and gratitude for all the season holds for us?

Let me let in on another little secret. Gratitude for all we have been blessed with this summer will help us face the challenges of fall. Remember, gratitude changes everything. Remember every season has its own blessings and gifts.

This week and next we will bring closure to our series. "The World is Our Neighborhood". I am thankful for all those who shared their stories of transformation in our times of worship. I know you were blessed and inspired by each of them.

On September 8th, we begin a new series called: Our Story, A Heroic Journey.
For seven weeks we will be looking at the heroic journey that Jesus took and invited us to take as well.

But it's more than just seven weeks of Sunday messages. We have also put together some incredible materials for us to gather around in small groups to learn more about our stories in a way that will help us to see that each of us in on a heroic journey of our own that leads to transformation.

I hope you will consider being a part of a small group. We have tried our best to offer many different times and ways for you to meet. If you can't meet weekly, then I suggest you consider attending the retreat. Here's a short video I put together to help paint the picture of this series more fully . You can sign up for a small group or the retreat here .

Remember to pray for our Crossover Retreat happening tomorrow through noon on Sunday. This is a passage retreat for families with fifth graders crossing over to Middle School. It's a great way for the students and family to be reminded of God's loving presence in this transition and that they don't have to make it alone.

Don't forget tonight is Food Truck Friday. Wow has this ever been a great offering to the community this summer! Remember that a portion of the proceeds go to our Guatemala mission.

During Linger Longer this Sunday we will have time to connect with one another and also participate in two SERVE opportunities. First, write blessing for the students at Payne Elementary School in DC and write a blessing for Jen Score to take with her to Uganda for the students attending Summer camp there. Our words of blessing mean so much to students, so please take a few moments and write a positive word of hope for these students who live their lives on the margins of life.

I'm looking forward to being with you this Sunday.

See you soon,
Food Truck Friday - Tonight!
August 16, 5-8 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. 

Our Story: A Heroic Journey
New Series Beginning September 8th

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. 

Watch this video introduction and sign up for a small group here .
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.

Payne Elementary School Uniforms and Supplies

This coming school year, Crossroads will again be tutoring at Payne Elementary in Southeast, DC. Many of their students will not have the supplies and school uniforms they need due to lack of family resources. Crossroads has offered to fill the gap and make sure all the children have a great beginning to the school year!

ESL Volunteers Needed

Registration for the Fall session of ESL is Thursday, September 5th from 7-9 pm. Classes are being held on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 7-9 pm from September 11th - November 13th.  New teachers and assistants are needed. No teaching background is necessary – just an open and generous spirit. There is also a need for childcare assistants and hospitality servers. 

For more information contact esl@crossroadsnova.org .  
Tutoring at Payne Elementary

Crossroads volunteers have the opportunity to tutor at Payne Elementary School, in Southeast DC. 100% of the students at Payne are designated at-risk. No specific skills are required, only a loving heart and a desire to serve some of the most needy among us: the children. This mission is a 2 times a month commitment on Wednesdays starting in September, leaving the church at 9 am and returning around 1 pm.

To learn more about becoming a tutor and other ways we connect with our neighbors in DC, please email Kathy MacKrell .
Baptism Workshop
Sunday, September 22, 9 am - 12 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. 

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.

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.

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!

Em ail Kathy MacKrell for more information.
Native Plant of the Week
Goldenrod

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 Goldenrod.
Adult Small Groups

Check out the small groups and workshops for Adults.

Email Flor Norris-Hoydilla for more information
Imagine Well Being
Cultivating wholeness in body, mind and soul!


Get more information  on well being events!
Crossroads Kids (Nursery - 5th Grade) 

Children will meet in their classrooms at 10am this Sunday.

See what else is happening with Crossroads Kids!
Students (Middle and High School)

This Sunday at 10 am, Middle School Students will meet in the Discipleship Room and High School Students will meet in the Ryan Chapel.

See what else is happening with Students!
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.  

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
703-729-5100 / www.crossroadsnova.org