New Version of Crossroads Web Pages Released (UPDATED)

Our entire suite of web pages at www.crossroadschristianfellowship.org has been redesigned and released. It should look different. If your browser still looks the same as a previous visit then hit F5 on your keyboard to force the browser to go get the latest material from our server. (Maybe even multiple times on the F5 as some browsers extensively cache page content even though they are instructed not to by web page developers.)

Changes include a new navigation menu at the top of each page. This will be a consistent layout and keeps several important tools handy. The grayed button indicates the current page location. Notice the text sizing tool is located at the right end of the bottom row and the grayed button corresponds to the current text size setting.

A new Contacts form has been added that provides a list of recipients within Crossroads. This is a secure form that does not need to access your email program in order to submit a message.

The Sermons page now contains a tool to easily find all of the sermons or Bible Studies available from a series. Also you can display all postings for a given speaker as well as the usual keyword label search.

Note the Pastor button on the menu is not yet active.

Please take a look around and check us out.

UPDATE: Pastor Todd's blog is now available on the Pastor button. Check out his thoughts during the week as he prepares his sermons.

Pastor Todd is Blogging!

No, that's not a bad thing. For the uninitiated, Pastor Todd Jaussen has joined the ranks of bloggers -- those who post thoughts and ideas on a web page.

We are excited to have this opportunity to see some of Todd's thoughts and ponderings during the week. We are also hoping this will be a means of receiving updates during his two overseas trips next spring. So please visit our website at www.crossroadschristianfellowship.org or go directly to the blog at www.crossroads16125pastor.blogspot.com

Visitors are encouraged to comment on Todd's postings, but be aware that he can't promise to always promply respond or engage in a conversation. You can also sign up in a feed reader program to receive notice when he posts a new item.

Shoebox Collection Results

On Sunday November 14, 2010, Crossroads turned in 78 shoe boxes filled with toys, books, gifts, and toiletries for the Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child project. Our boxes are now joined with millions of others worldwide for distribution in needy areas of the globe.

Matt Courtney reported from the Missions Committee that distribution of the boxes is only the first step in an evangelism effort to the children who receive the boxes. They also follow-up with a 12 week lesson plan that presents the gospel to the children. The committee extends thanks to all who helped make this program a success.

Good Shepherd Center Christmas Baskets

The Good Shepherd Center will again be providing Christmas basks to area families. They have asked Crossroads to supply 130 canned or dried fruit items this year for inclusion in the baskets. Donations will be accepted through Sunday December 12, 2010. Please drop off your items at the church office so we can keep a count.

Time to Order Christmas Poinsettias

We are currently taking orders for Christmas poinsettias to be displayed for our Christmas services. The plants can be ordered through Sunday November 28, 2010 and the price is $9.75 each. Order forms are available at the church.

Note you can take your poinsettias home after the Christmas service.

Looking for Military Names and Addresses

The Women's Ministry is seeking the names and addresses of loved ones currently serving in the military. They desire to provide phone cards to the military members in time for Christmas. Please have the information to Nita Murrin by Sunday November 28, 2010.

Underground Church

On Sunday November 21, 2010 Greenville area youth groups will get to experience the persecution many Christians must endure in order to worship God. They will see how some countries or cultures force Christians to sneak around and meet in secret or face harm, punishment, or imprisonment.

The event will start at 2:00 pm and will finish later at Fresh Grounds for a follow-up program.

Note to teens planning to participate: a completed permission form is required. See Annie Ball for more information.

Clothing Drive Results

Debbie Weese reported that the amount of items donated for the clothing drive was simply staggering. There were many tables of clothes, shoes, coats, etc.

On the day of the drive 59 people received a generous amount of free clothing. All expressed sincere gratitude for the opportunity.

Debbie hopes this will now be an annual event and extends thanks to all who donated or helped with the effort.

Christmas Caroling Scheduled

The annual Christmas caroling to the area shut-ins will be on Saturday December 11, 2010. The caroling will begin at 1:00 pm by carpooling to the various locations and will return to the church in time for the Christmas dinner.

Congregational Thanksgiving Meal Planned (UPDATED)

A traditional Thanksgiving meal for the entire congregation has been scheduled for Sunday November 14, 2010 at 5:00 pm. Turkey and all the trimmings will be provided. Please sign up if you are planning on attending. Also volunteers are needed for some items and to help serve.

UPDATE: An addition to the evening has been announced. After the meal a concert of special music will be presented. Dawna Walsh and Divine Delay will be the featured performers.

Operation Christmas Child (REMINDER)

The Missions Committee is encouraging everyone to participate once again in the shoe box gift project of Samaritan’s Purse. Boxes and brochures are available at the church.

REMINDER: The filled boxes need to be returned to the church by Sunday November 14, 2010 for a dedication ceremony before they are shipped and distributed.

New Sunday School Class for Women

What's a wife to do? Jan Jaussen will be leading a 6 week Sunday School class for women starting Sunday November 7, 2010. The class will focus on what it means to be a Godly woman. Topics will include respect, contentment, and submission.

New Elder Care Groups Announced

The Elders at Crossroads have an 'Elder Care Group' program to better minister to our growing congregation. By dividing the congregation by last name, each group becomes the special focus of a particular elder. Although all the Elders will continue to minister to the whole congregation, one Elder will be responsible to specifically minister, encourage, help, and be aware of any specific needs you may have. He will also be responsible to keep the other Elders informed of your needs. The Elder assignments shift every year, giving all the Elders an opportunity to become better acquainted with the whole congregation over time.

If you are in need of spiritual care, guidance, or help, feel free to contact your Elder. The desire is to be able to best minister to each and every one of you and to be your servants in the Lord. Please pray for the Elders as they seek to care for Christ's dear sheep as men who must give an account.

After the recent induction of four additional elders, the 'Elder Care Group' assignments have been realigned. Here are the current assignments through the end of 2011:

Pete Keeley	A-B
Chuck Murrin	C-D
Matt Courtney	E-F
Frank Weese	G-H
Todd Jaussen	J-L
Gary Meikle	M
Ron Beil	N-R
Lee Earnhardt	S
Bill Haller	T-Z

New Sunday School Class to Discuss Worldviews

A new class will begin Sunday October 24, 2010 to examine the consistencies of God's creation and His world. Scientists would have us believe that they have all the facts including proof there is no God. However they also have their own worldviews and agendas that affect their ability to interpret the truth. This War of the Worldview -- Science vs. God -- will be the foundation of this class.

How can Christians defend their own worldview? Armed with the information that science has it basis in our creation in God's image, we have no reason to be ashamed of our faith.

This class should be enjoyable, thought provoking, and perhaps a little complicated.

The Good Shepherd Center Needs Your Help

Crossroads has been asked to contribute 130 canned or dried fruit items to The Good Shepherd Center's Christmas Basket program.

Donations will be accepted through Sunday December 12, 2010. Please bring your donations to the church office so we can keep track of what comes in.

We'll Be Ringing the Bells Again

Again this year we will be supporting the Salvation Army's Christmas Kettle Drive by manning the kettle at the Greenville WalMart on Friday December 3, 2010 from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. Two or more volunteers are needed for each one hour time slot.

The Christmas kettle effort is the Salvation Army's largest fundraising endeavor, accounting for a third of their annual budget.

Please sign up if you are interested in helping support this project.

Quarterly Congregational Meeting

A quarterly congregational meeting has been scheduled for Thursday October 28, 2010 at 7:30 pm. There will be voting on the following: 3 deacon positions (3 year terms each), 1 additional deacon position to fill an unexpired term (2 years), 1 deacon secretary (3 year term), confirming an elder, and the proposed church budget for 2011. Agendas will be made available the Sunday prior to the meeting.

Clothing Drive (UPDATED)

A Clothing Drive will be held on Monday November 1, 2010 from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Crossroads. In order for this drive to be successful, we are asking for donations of clothing. All clothing must be clean and in good condition (no rips or holes). We will accept only clothing, coats, shoes and boots. We are also asking for donations of NEW winter hats and gloves. Undergarments will NOT be accepted. If you have clothing that you would like to donate, please bring the items to the church and give them to Debbie Weese, Margie Haller, Donna Webker, Patsy Savchuk or Barbara Freeman.

UPDATE: A free bag of clothing will be available for each individual that needs help.
Also there will be an opportunity to donate items to be used by the Good Shepherd Center. Items needed include any canned goods, boxed dinners, peanut butter, toilet paper, facial tissues, and paper towels.

Time to Do-Si-Do

Polish your boots and practice your dancing moves because a square dance is planned for Saturday October 30, 2010 at First United Methodist Church in Greenville. The festivities start at 6:00 pm with a fellowship dinner of chili followed and followed by the dancing from 7:00-10:00 pm. Come one, come all!!

Basketball, Anyone?

On Sunday October 10, 2010 the youth would like to invite all who are interested in a game of basketball or volleyball or other games to the church! Their “Sports Challenge” will be from 5:00-6:00 pm, followed by a walk and a lesson. All are welcome! The youth are discussing how to use the talents God created everyone with as well as all of God’s creation to share the Gospel! Please come, fellowship, and play.