Crosstown Connection

Crosstown Connection Jan 26 - Feb 9

The Crosstown Annual Meeting

Sunday, January 29

Immediately Following the Service

PLUS, Meal @ 12:15 PM for all! Come and share together with our Crosstown family!

Click here for the link to the livestream if you unable to join us in person for the meeting.

Editors Note: There was a change to the Annual Meeting letter from the Church Chair and Lead Pastor in the previous Crosstown Connection. The original paragraph and the updated paragraph are listed below:

The previous letter entry had the following paragraph:

In the last four years, we have overspent the budget that was set by approximately $130,000. In 2022 alone, we exceeded the planned budget by over $60,000. In preparation for the ministry in 2023 our Elder team and Council reviewed our ministry purpose, activity and have prepared a budget that represents an achievable income in relation to our anticipated ministry expenses.

The correction has been made as follows and the updated letter is included in this edition of the Connection:

In the last four years, we have overspent our income by approximately $130,000. In 2022 alone, we spent $60,000 over our income. In preparation for the ministry in 2023, our Elder team and Council have prepared a budget that represents an achievable income in relation to our anticipated ministry expenses.

Thank you.

Annual Meeting

Sunday, January 29

Congregation Members and Friends,

In preparation for this month's annual meeting scheduled on January 29th, please read this in its entirety as it will outline significant changes to the church budget and ministry structure to be aware of as we move into 2023. We will talk about this in detail at the meeting but wanted to prepare you with some information in advance.

As we considered our ministry needs and ministry expenses, the Council recommends two significant changes to the staffing budget: leaving the Office and Communications Manager and Youth Director positions unfilled in 2023. These line items will remain in the budget but they have not been allocated funds. This decision has required and encouraged us to engage more volunteers to support the ministry within these roles. We continue to operate a strong youth ministry program due to an excellent volunteer youth commission and leadership team and we have covered the basic needs of church hospitality by staffing the office with volunteers during weekday business hours and a small volunteer team to support office administration needs.

As we move forward, we will continually evaluate our plan for the 2023 budget and our ministries. We will be in communication with you along the way and would appreciate your prayer, support, and engagement. Thank you for being a part of our church body and supporting the ministry at Crosstown.

Thank you,

Samantha Buchanan

Church Chair

John Jacobi

Lead Pastor

In preparation for the Annual Meeting, please review the October Congregational Meeting Minutes posted on the wall outside of the church office or reply to this email to receive a copy.

For the 5th year in a row, Crosstown is pursuing a “deep dive” into the Bible. This journey into the prophets of the Hebrew Bible will extend for 8 weeks. You’re invited to pick-up a copy of “Prophets” @ Crosstown. Or, request that one be delivered to you. If possible, we ask for a donation of $10/copy. This adventure launches on Sunday, January 15. WARNING! The prophets serve as God’s call to stand against and resist the status quo. We are entering an adventure of life transformation!

There are 2 ways to plug into a Grow Group through Immerse:

Immerse Men’s Group - Thursday evenings, at Crosstown - 7-8:30 (8 weeks, began January 19)

Immerse Co-Ed Group - Wednesday evenings, at Crosstown - 6:30-7:45 (8 weeks, began January 18)

Crosstown Missionaries Profiled in Article!

Jochy and Tammi Hernandez serve Jesus in the Dominican Republic. Their exciting ministry is currently being celebrated in COV magazine (click here to read the article).

Registration is open for 2023 Summer Camp for kids.

https://covenantpines.org/summer-camps/

Save money when you pay in full by February 15. Questions, talk with Polly

Kids Too! Returns for kids ages 4 years old through 5th grade.

Kids are invited to gather as we learn about measuring up…..We will study 5 stories of Jesus’ growing up years, and learn about how God helps us grow too!

Crosstown Youth Ministry wraps up its series "Get to Know Your Church" with students sharing their answers to the same questions the guest speakers shared. Our students are growing deeper in community with each other through fellowship, food and fun together! In February we begin our new series, Alpha for Youth, to dig into the foundations of our Christian faith.

Women's Coffee Inviting ladies of all ages! Saturday, February 4 - 9-10:15 am in the Commons.

We will share coffee and delicious treats. We will hear a devotional from Beth Halbach, and participate in a Spiritual Life Practice! This time together will allow us to take a deep breath of goodness, as we laugh and grow with each other and with Jesus! Bring a pastry to share. Invite a friend!

Questions, talk with Polly

Food Distribution dates in January

Wednesday, February 8

Wednesday, February 22

Prayer Requests:

Pray that God would ignite passion in each of our hearts so that we might be bold to share the good news of Jesus with those around us!
Pray for the food distribution initiative being hosted at Crosstown, and for all the neighbors who are served