What's happening this weekend that's different than before? What are the housing options? Check out the retreat schedule.

If you are staying in Minneapolis, how can you still participate?

In 2004 Kaye Lillehei and Shawn & Erin Radtke funded a bus for Crosstown. The vision was that this bus could help with transportation of seniors to church and for events. It was utilized to transport seniors to church and for numerous senior day trips. It was also used for many youth outings as well as a trip to CHIC. It made a yearly appearance in the 4th of July parade and assisted with Minnehaha Academy trips. The Sunday morning ride service became a hard ministry to staff as drivers needed class C licenses. In 2010, the State of Minnesota added the additional requirement for commercial driver’s license holders to also obtain medical certification (DOT physical). Special thank you to Lew Olson, Lowell Dengerud, Greg & Beth Carlson, Nathan Johnson, Dennis Olson, and Josh Smith who did obtain Class C licenses to allow the bus to continue to be utilized by the congregation.

Along with the challenge of finding drivers who meet the special licensing requirements the bus started to develop more mechanical issues. Over the last 5 years the bus has required extra care and monitoring to continue functioning, and unfortunately it is no longer functional. The bus has been sold back to the dealer. Properties and Finance Commissions are also currently in a discernment process regarding the maintenance of the church van.

We would like to celebrate Thomas Ritter as the 2021 recipient of the Katherine Lillehei Medical Scholarship Fund. The purpose of the scholarship is to encourage faith-filled members to pursue careers in the field of medicine. This includes doctors, nurses, physician’s assistants, nursing assistants, psychiatrists and other caregivers. This scholarship is for education of current practitioners as well as those still considering a career in medicine. Thomas is pursuing an education in the medical profession as a doctor. Please encourage Thomas via email as he continues his educational journey. His email address is Thomas.e.ritter@gmail.com

The Community Caring Commission is requesting the congregation to share some food love with the Stembridge family. Recently Ruth started to receive hospice care and their daughter Sheryl has been providing care. We are asking the congregation to provide a meal for the family to support them in this challenging season. If you are interested in helping contact Kathleen Lindahl and she will clarify dietary restrictions, delivery process, and dates. jklindahl@comcast.net Dick and Ruth are also open to visitors if you would like to provide some in-person encouragement.

Crosstown's Lead Pastor will be taking a sabbatical from October 4 - November 14. This is a reinstatement of 1/2 of the sabbatical that was previously scheduled for 2020. During this season, Pastor John will be spending extensive time in solitude as he focuses on his "life verse" from Psalm 46:10, "Be still and know that I am God." The 2nd 1/2 of Pastor John's sabbatical is scheduled for May-July in 2022. Planning for Crosstown's needs during this six week period is ongoing and will be shared in future editions of the "Crosstown Connection."

How do we improve our welcome of guests to Crosstown on a Sunday morning? This has been a topic the Community Caring Commission has been wrestling with for the last 3 months. This is what adaptive leadership looks like.

The commission is looking for friends who would be willing to join the ministry of greeting. Stand at the door, smile, and greet people with the love of Jesus. And especially care for those that walk in the door that you don't already know. Greeters need to be at least 10 years old, you can pick the Sundays that work for you, and we hope to be able to staff two volunteers each Sunday. Interested? Contact Kristi Johnson office@crosstowncovenant.org

Baptisms are scheduled for August 29th at Lake Nokomis and September 18 at Covenant Pines.

Have you been considering being baptized? Please contact Pastor John. What does the Evangelical Covenant Church believe about baptism? Learn more here.

On Sunday, August 29 we will take time to express our appreciation to Josh and Carrie Smith. This will be their final Sunday with us as Josh will be serving another congregation. Josh originally began serving at Crosstown from 2011-2017. Josh then returned as Director of Worship Arts in 2018 and has served since that time. Let us be praying for Josh, Carrie, Amos, and Percy as they journey into a new season.  

This six-week Zoom webinar series will explore a holistic approach to living vital lives. It is designed to inspire boomers and beyond to hear what God is saying about their value in His plan. It starts on Wednesday, Sept. 1 at noon, and will meet in a large class and breakout rooms, as participants explore the SPICES framework—a holistic approach to living vital lives.

Register for the webinar today at https://bit.ly/addingzest. Let Judy Peterson, NWC Crescendo Coach, know if you have any questions.

Passion for Christ Compassion for People