Crossroads Connection

Church Work Day, Saturday, June 5...

2010-06-01T06:24:00.000-07:00

THIS SATURDAY, JUNE 5 BEGINNING AT 9:00AM. LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED.

You can see a "to-do" list by following this link.

2010-05-10T12:21:00.000-07:00

Ladies of all ages are welcome to attend the Crossroads Church of God

LADIES DAY TEA

The Ladies Day Tea will be held on Saturday, May 15, 2010 beginning at 1:00pm in the fellowship hall of the church.

Come enjoy a great time of fellowship, lunch and special guest speaker.

There is no charge for tickets... Although donations the day of the tea will be appreciated if possible. Contact the church office for more information!

2010-05-03T13:43:00.000-07:00

The challenge has been set for our Crossroads Congregation to donate 2,000 pairs of shoes to Soles 4 Souls. Souls 4 Souls is an organization that was started by one person in 2004 in the aftermath of the tsunami that struck Southeast Asia. You can learn more about the history of Soles 4 Souls by clicking here.
According to the Soles 4 Souls website over 300 million children world-wide have never had one pair of shoes. It's great to have shoes for different occasions. Imagine the need for the following scenario as described by Soles 4 Souls: "The greatest daily challenge for many village women is to supply the family with drinking water. Many women walk as many as five miles one way to get to the water source. On the return trip they carry as much as 50 pounds of water back to their village. Most women accomplish this daily with no or inadequate footwear. Your support of casual/comfort shoes can make this daily task much more achievable for these women."

You might be thinking that your shoes are too worn out, and would be embarrassed to send someone your shoes. But your definition of what a worn out pair shoes looks like is probably not the same as someone that is currently walking barefoot! Donate your shoes and we'll let Soles 4 Souls make the determination.
Ask your family and friends to donate toward this cause as well. Ask your boss if your work site can participate in this shoe drive. 2,000 pairs of shoes is not that many once you begin to think about it and understand how many people could potentially donate in Livingston County alone.
On our church website home page you'll find our "Shoe Scale" which monitors approximately how many pairs of shoes have been donated thus far. As of 4/29/10 more than 150 pairs of shoes have been given. Our shoe drive will go on through June 7. Contact the church office for more details at 517-546-0722.

-Pastor Mike

Donate Canned Good for Gleaners...

2010-04-26T12:57:00.000-07:00

Our Crossroads congregation is teaming up with the Howell Kiwanis in collecting canned food for the Gleaners Food Bank in Livingston County. Now through May 31st you can donate canned food items at Crossroads for this worthy cause. A Gleaners Food Bank box will be set up outside the sanctuary. There are many people, escpcially the young and elderly, here in Livingston County that do not have enough to eat. Gleaners is doing a wonderful work in providing food to those in need. Gleaners is one of the first organizations our church office refers people to that contact us requesting help for food. Please consider giving canned food items for this cause. You can learn more about the work of Gleaners by logging on to www.gcfb.org.

FYI Kinda Stuff...

2010-04-19T09:17:00.000-07:00

Here's some FYI kinda stuff to pass along to all those interested...
The church playground finally has a PICNIC TABLE! It took some time... not certain why we waited so long; but the table is in place. Now parents can sit and relax a little while the kids exhaust themselves!

Another piece of information is regarding the Family Camp coming up July 23-25. Below are a couple of links you can follow to see a layout of the lodges we will be staying at for the Family Camp. One is called Lakeview. This lodge will be where most of the gathering will take place because of the larger common's area and larger kitchen. It also has a large deck that overlooks the swimming area. Our church picnic on that Sunday, July 25, will take place at this site.
The other lodge is called Wildwings. The Wildwings lodge will sleep many more people but doesn't have as large of a common area or kitchen.
Each lodge has separate bunk areas for boys and girls; as well as separate shower and restrooms. Families will sleep in the same lodge with boys in one bunk area and girls in the other. Depending on the amount of registrations we may have to do some adjustments, but we will attempt to keep families together in one lodge. We can even pitch an air mattress or two in the common areas if needed.

Checkout the Crossroads Trail...

2010-04-12T11:32:00.000-07:00

The Crossroads Church of God congregation owns the property just north, and on the same side of the road of our church building... about 8+ acres that we really can't do much with at the present time. One way we have found to utilize this property is to build a walking trail around it! The trail meander through tall grass, around trees and through the woods. As you walk the trail you'll see an open area with a fire pit... excellent for camping. You'll also see the area around the volleyball court is mowed and ready for use (when we get a new net). Eventually we hope to have picnic tables by the fire pit area and close to the volleyball court.

When you get an opportunity feel free to experience the trail for yourself. Enjoy a quiet prayer walk, or use it for your place to exercise. Invite your friends from the community to check it out as well. If you know of groups (like the scouts for instance) let them know of the fire pit and camping area. Have them contact the church office for more details.

Please be mindful of our neighbors and inform children to respect property boundaries which are easily identifiable. As you walk the trail you will see some trash and debris that needs to be cleaned up too. Hopefully in the near future we will have a clean up day to take care of those items.

I truly hope you'll be able to utilize this trail and enjoy it! Any other ideas you may have to put this property in better use please forward to the Leadership Team.

Thank You... Pastor Mike

2009-12-21T11:21:00.000-08:00

Everyone is welcome and invited to our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service from 6:00-7:00pm. This year Pastor Mike and UofM Chaplain, Ryan Swingera, will explore the "Sounds of Christmas" from Gospel narratives of the birth of Christ. We will share in the experience of glowing candle light as we sing beautiful Christmas carols; celebrating the birth of God's One and Only Son. I hope you make to this speical service.

Merry Christmas from Cote d'Ivoire...

2009-12-21T11:02:00.000-08:00

Our missionaries, Larry & LeAnn Sellers, from Cote d'Ivoire West Africa send Christmas Greetings. To read their December 2009 Newsletter please follow this link...

Mission Trip to Cote d'Ivoire...

2009-10-12T10:37:00.000-07:00

Oh, how time seems to fly! It doesn't seem possible that it is time to leave for West Africa. This coming Sunday, October 18, Mark Price and I will be joining seven others from the New Creation Church of God in Flint, MI and flying to Cote d'Ivoire for a two week mission trip. We are going to support our brothers and sisters in Christ to assist in building a needed church facility that will serve as so much more to the people in that area.

Our missionaries, Larry and Leanne Sellers, are looking forward to the partnership with the churches in Cote d'Ivoire (not only for this trip, but in the future). The picture in this message was taken this past June. Larry Sellers is seen with three of the pastors from Cote d'Ivoire. It was great to meet with them this past summer as part of the 2009 General Assembly of the Church of God in Anderson, IN.

I'm excited to experience their culture (although it's for a short while) and see what God is doing in another part of the world. Mark and I go as representatives of our Crossroads Congregation with hopes of many others being able to take part in furture mission trips. My hope is that a long standing partnership will be developed with the Christians in West Africa.

Please be in prayer for all of us on this trip. Pray for safety in travel, productive work to take place, relationships to be formed, and Christ to be glorified. Without your support in so many different ways this trip would not have been made possible. Thank you and may you experience God's blessings in very special ways! -Pastor Mike

Howell Community Events...

2009-10-08T12:42:00.000-07:00

Follow the links below to learn more about these upcoming community events and information:
FOCUS on Parenting
Livingston Shop With A Cop
Free Weatherization Information
Circle of Parents
If you have any question please contact the church at 517-546-0722.

FUEL FOR THE SOUL... the Heart of a Servant

2009-10-07T04:09:00.000-07:00

I have come to understand that very few Christians intentinally stop serving God and others - it just happens. I know that there are many that would give the shirt off their back to someone in need, but lack the knowledge of how to do this and/or the opportunity in which to serve. At the same time many of the same people will allow their own perceived limitations, unwillingness to follow others, the low-profile tasks, and the everyday mundane opportunities to prevent them from serving.

Many Christians are serching for answers to strengthen them in their spiritual journey...

This coming week we will conclude our series called Fuel For the Soul. Over these weeks we have explored various spiritual disciplines and how they serve to strengthen and encourge us. Week one we looked at the the most overlooked of spiritual disciplines - silence and solitude. Week two we focused our attention on reading God's Word in a transformational way rather than just informational. Last week we explored the most ignored and least practiced of spiritual disciplines - fasting. This coming Sunday we will look at a spirtiual discipline that is very close and dear to the my heart... one that encourages and strengthens my soul - servanthood.

I hope you can be a part of our service this coming Sunday. If interested, you can download the sermons by logging on to our church website at http://www.crchog.org/, then click on the "forms & downloads" tab, and click on sermon downloads. Blessings... -Pastor Mike

A Love Language Minute: When the Nest Isn't Emptying - By Dr. Gary Chapman

2009-10-01T14:16:00.000-07:00

The not-so-empty nest syndrome is on the rise. Adult children used to leave home shortly after finishing high school. But times have changed, and today nearly 20 million young adults still live at home with Mom and Dad...

This was not in the script for many of these midlife parents. They were looking forward to having more time for themselves. They expected to feel a brief time of loss after the children left, but they anticipated increased freedom.

The reasons for staying with parents often make sense, but it still creates new stresses. Once they are out of high school, they expect to be treated differently. But they are still living at home and still have expectations of their parents. These differing expectations often create conflicts.

If your high school graduate wants to continue living at home, it's time for a family conference. You thought they would graduate and move out. They did graduate, but the stay at home may be extended. Perhaps they are going to a local college and stay home to save money. Perhaps they want to take some "time off" from school, but aren't ready to "get a job." Perhaps they are emotionally and financially unable to live apart from you. Whatever the reason, it's time for a family conference.

The big issue is to clarify expectations. You cannot do this without open communication. An open forum where each family member can share ideas and feelings and together you can come to an agreement. You as parents need to listen carefully to the thoughts, feelings, and desires of your child. This does not mean that they have the final word, but it does mean that you take their opinions seriously. On the other hand, you need to be honest about your own thoughts and feelings. Without talking and listening you will never be able to clarify expectations.

Certainly emerging young adults should be given more freedom than high school students, but freedom does not preclude responsibility. If they are to live at home, they must assume responsibilities for the welfare and peace of the family. Living under the same roof means that we must respect each other and learn to work together as a team for the benefit of all.

Some of the areas that need to be addressed are: finances, chores or household responsibilities, noise levels, and other common courtesies. You may have to negotiate agreement on these matters, but it is essential that everyone get on the same page. Otherwise, conflict will become a way of life and family unity will be destroyed. Balancing freedom and responsibility makes for harmonious relationships.

Frequently the personal values of young adults differ from those of their parents. However, if your grown children plan to continue living in your house, you have the right to ask them to respect your values. It is appropriate for you to insist that they not bring their "lover" into your house for an overnight sexual encounter. It is also appropriate for you to insist that they not use tobacco, alcohol, or drugs in your house, if these are your values.

In doing this, you are not enforcing your personal values on them, but you are expecting your adult child to respect your beliefs and not to violate them while living in your house. A kind but firm commitment to your own values demonstrates your strength of character. Your child would probably be disappointed in you if you failed to maintain the values you have taught them through the years. You may not always have agreement, but you can have harmony in the house.

Clarifying expectations is also a part of making life better for everyone. Don't just continue in your stress. Call a family conference and negotiate understanding. It's good for your health, your marriage, and the well-being of your child.

Adapted from Parenting Your Adult Child: How You Can Help Them Achieve Their Potential Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about Dr. Chapman's resources, visit http://www.fivelovelanguages.com/.

Give Yourself a Boost - Easy Debt Reduction Ideas

2009-09-28T10:49:00.000-07:00

Easy and debt reduction in the same sentence? Is it even possible? Yes, if you're determined....

Try these ideas and see your debt begin to shrink. Save your change. Everyone should have a change jar. The idea is that when it's full, cash it in and apply it all to your debt as an extra payment. Don't cash it in to put in your wallet to spend. Turn cash gifts into extra payments. Make a deal with yourself that anytime you receive money, make an extra payment on your debt. Pay raise. Don't think a pay increase is an inviation to spend more! Take it as an opportunity to pay down your debt. You'll be much happier. Tax return or bonus. Money like this should go directly to your debt, on top of your regular payment. Hire yourself. If you hire someone to cut the grass or claen, start doing these things yourself and put the money towards your debt. Have a garage sale. Get rid of your junk. Empty out some of the things you never use and are just taking up space. You'll be surprised at how liberating this can feel, with the added bonus of making some money and paying down debt. Eliminating your credit cards. Just do it. Using cash helps you make better purchasing decisions. Taken from the Financial Freedom Gazette Volume 1 Page 3

Fasting as Fuel for the Soul...

2009-09-28T05:15:00.000-07:00

We are entering into the third week of a series called Fuel For the Soul. We're looking at some Christian disciplines that serve to strengthen us spiritually. Week one we looked at silence and solitude - turning off the noise in life and listening to the voice of God. Week two was about transformational Bible reading - not reading Scripture for information, but for transformation. This week we will look at one of the most unpopular and least practiced of the disciplines: fasting...

Although there are no hard-set rules for biblical fasting, there are some guideliens we can follow. Fasting, like all other spiritual disciplines, is a matter of the heart (always has been, always will be). We will focus a significant amount of our time on Sunday exploring the motives of fasting... the ones to avoid, as well as five scriptural motives for a fast.

I know for myself, a reason I avoided fasting in my life was due to the fact that I wasn't certain how to go about it. This coming Sunday we will look at some methods for fasting. Believe it or not, fasting doesn't require a great deal of training or explaining... Just a desire to connect with God on a deeper level.

Tips to Minimize Family Stress

2009-09-27T20:06:00.000-07:00

Parents play a critical role in setting the tone within their family and household...

While this is true throughout the year, it is even more important when transitions occur, such as a new school year, the addition of a child or another family member, or at the difficult times of divorce or unemployment. As parents, we teach our children how to maneuver these tiems of stress by the words we choose, our actions, then expressions on our faces, our tone of voice and the time we spend with our family. Some practical suggestions to minimize family stress are: 1. Eat dinner together, as a full family, as often as possible. Aim for at least 3-4 times weekly, though more is better. The food doesn't need to be special, the important things is that everyone is togeher, TV and other distractions are off, and everyone is able to share. 2. Keep your children ona routine schedule. This is true even for our middle school and high school students. Regular times for bed, meals, homework, etc., help everything from attention spans, to digestionand sleept habits. 3. Working parents, to the extent possible, shold also maintain regular schedules. 4. Attend worship together. Like the family meal, this provides a 1-2 hour break in the week for everyone to be together and to strengthen our moral compass. 5. Schedule a family night once per week. There are 3 nights on the weekend, reserve one for everyone to be home and to relax together as a family. This can be your game/movie/pizza night, or anything else that reinforces your family unit. 6. Do not over schedule your children. Say"NO" when the activites become too many. Focus on the priorities. We should not expect, nor should we allow, our children to do everythng that they want. Instead of "super kid", parents should focus on raising children that are happy and well rounded. 7. Volunteer with your children's activities. If you coach, carry gear, chaperone, or teach religios education, these activites have th potential to become part of your family routine. 8. Make regular time for yourself as a couple - nurture your marital relationship. This can be different for each couple. With younger children, regular bedtimes cna provide some alone time for the parents on most evenings. A "date" every 4-6 weeks can allow time for husband and wife to have some relaxation. Be creative, but make it a priority. Shared by the coworkers a Livingston County Catholic Social Services.

Focus on Parenting

2009-09-27T19:34:00.000-07:00

Need Practical tips on discipline? Would you like powerful and practical tools to help your child thrive? If so, you won't want to miss this one day seminar/telecast here in Howell...

Cost: $30 individuals (thru Oct. 31) $40 individuals (thru Nov. 14). When: Saturday, November 14, 2009 9:30am-4:30pm. Place: First Presbyterian Church of Howell. Lunch availabe at $5 perperson (please register at ticket purchase). Child Care available at no charge - must register child care with ticket purchase. Tickets availabe by calling 517.546.0290 http://www.fpchowell.org/ To see a flyer go to http://crchog.org/documents_forms/documents/Parentingpdf.pdf

FUEL FOR THE SOUL... the Word - transformative, not informative

2009-09-22T06:11:00.000-07:00

So many times I read the Bible in preparation for something... a sermon, Sunday school, a presentation of some kind. The Bible becomes my number one resource for the information I need... But sometimes the Bible becomes just that, a resource for information. Why I read and how I read God's Word are very important.

Last Sunday we bagan a sermon series called FUEL FOR THE SOUL. We looked at the spiritual disciplines of silence and solitude. I hope you've been able to implement these disciplines into your busy life this week. This coming Sunday, September 27, we will look at another very important spiritual discipline to add Fuel for the Soul... reading God's Word. The title of the sermon is "the Word - transformative, not informative."

There are four steps to transformational Bible study. We will explore each of these steps on Sunday. The more we implement these strategies of spiritual disciplines into our everyday lives, the better our relationships become with God and others. I hope to see you on Sunday!

Leadership Team Meeting News...

2009-09-16T06:03:00.000-07:00

The Leadership Team had their last meeting on Tuesday, September 15, 6:00pm at the church. There were many items discussed to include the purchase of a stair lift...
Our congregation has been saving for this project for over two years now. The issue of greater accessibilty to the downstairs area for those who have trouble navigating the stairs has been growing over recent years...and in fact has been an issue since the time the building was built.

Over the years numerous ideas have been considered to help with this problem to include installing an elevator. But the cost to install an elevator is just not feesible for our facility, and the Leadership (then and now) does not see the expense of an elevator (upward of $60,000.00) as a appropriate use of the church's resources. A couple of years ago the idea of a stair lift was re-introduced and plans were set in motion to save for the purchase and installment of this equipment.

The initial goal for this project was set at $12,000.00. Todate we have just under $10,000.00 donated. With recent quotes received it appears that we may have enough to have this project completed. Stay tuned to see when we hope to have the stair lift installed!

FUEL FOR THE SOUL... silence & solitude

2009-09-15T10:51:00.000-07:00

Are you like me and can't sleep without a fan going? Even during the winter (well, most of the winter) I've got to have the noise in the background to help me sleep. How about the radio playing in the background... or the TV going even though you're not watching it?

Do you realize that silence and solitude are important to the soul? They are... in fact these are two of the most overlooked of spiritual disciplines.

This coming Sunday we will begin a new sermon series called Fuel For The Soul. Over the next 4 weeks we will discover what God's Word has to say about how practicing spiritual disciplines affects our lives. The first of these 4 weeks will be on "silence & solitude." We are going to look at reasons that make it difficult to practice silence & solitude... and then discover areas in which we can learn to 'still and quiet' our souls.

I hope to see you at worship on Sunday!