This Week at Crossroads I 1.05.23

BOLDNESS  Every new year, we make decisions about who we want to be. We make resolutions; we set goals. But often these goals are focused on ourselves. Losing weight, saving money — even the best goals are often inherently self-centered. To live the life God has for us, we must be willing to reject our own comfort for the good of others. It’s not easy, and it sure isn’t comfortable. But when you deny yourself, God can do so much more. SCRIPTURE TEXTS   Matthew 16:24 John 20:19-20 Acts 4:8-13 HUDDLE/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS  What is one thing that stood out to you from this week’s message? Have you ever outright shared your faith with someone? What was that like? What do you think stops you from more boldy telling others about your faith? Read Acts 4:13. Who’s someone you recognize as a person who has “been with Jesus.” How so? How Bold do you feel about sharing your faith with someone else? What do you want to do about it in 2023?             Unmoved     1     2     3     4     5     6     7     8     9     10    Amazed   WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW CROSSROADS IS NOW ON CHURCH CENTER Beginning January 1st, Crossroads exclusively uses uses Church Center. This is an integrated system for our online giving, events/RSVP's, calendar and groups.  Please download the Church Center App on devices.  If you need assistance to download or a tutorial on how to use the Crossroads Church Center App, please contact Kelly Dunlap or Pastor Charles Newman.    DOWNLOAD THE APP CHRISTMAS CLEAN UP We would love some extra help taking down all of the beautiful Christmas decorations.  It shouldn't take too long, we just need to take the decor off all the trees and tables in the Gathering area and worship space and place them in bins so they are ready for next year.  SIGN UP  LET'S GO HEAD TO HEAD!!!  Join us as we kick-off the Generosity Bowl '23 this Sunday, January 8, 2023. We invite you to wear your favorite team jersey to church and bring your favorite party snack to share.  In honor of Super Bowl LVII being played in our own backyard, we will be challenging each other to a “friendly competition” we are calling the “Generosity Bowl”.  Each Sunday, Team Red (coached by Pastor Charles) or Team Blue (coached by Intern Pastor Tim) will earn "points" based congregational involvement at Crossroads.  Don't know your team? Check this list to find your draft team?  Don't see your name? Contact the league commissioner Rondi Eggenberg.   MEET GOD COVENANT SEASON IS COMING... Crossroads is not a membership congregation but rather a covenantal one.  Choosing to become a covenant disciple of Jesus at Crossroads means Crossroads becomes your spiritual home and community. Each January we ask our Crossroads community to prayerfully discern God's call to commit or recommit to being a Covenant Disciple.  During this season (Jan. 1 - Feb. 5) come hear about how God is leading Crossroads. We will share exciting stories and future directions as we start a new year together.  Make plans to be present for worship in person or online during this season. Please take time to read through Crossroads Manifesto.   CROSSROADS MANIFESTO MEET FRIENDS DISCIPLESHIP PATHWAYS  Jesus had intimate friendship with His Father and close friends like the disciples Peter, James, and John. We encourage you to explore intimacy with God by knowing God’s story and how you are a part of it as His image bearer. Seek spiritual friendships where you can grow in being completely known. Spiritual friendships are formed organically as you walk in community with others, being open to who you connect with at a deeper level. Join or start a missional community or huddle group today.  MORE INFO  NEW! TODDLER TIME 2nd and 4th Fridays at 9:30am  Everybody loves a good story, especially our preschoolers! Parents and caregivers are invited to bring their little ones to play and learn at Crossroads' Toddler Time.  We'll provide stories, songs and crafts.  At the end of our structured sessions, littles can enjoy a pre-packaged (nut free) snack and play while adults can talk and share in their journey of raising small people.  This group is for children ages 0-5 along with their caregiver.  Register WELCOME BACK WINTER DISCIPLES AND FRIENDS Everyone is welcome! We especially invite all our friends who worship with us during the winter months. Come meet new friends, hear what's been happening while you were away and enjoy some great coffee and baked goodies      Register DIVORCECARE Monday Jan. 23 - April 17, 2023  Divorce Care is life-changing support groups welcome people and guide them on the path of recovery after separation or divorce.  The cost of the workshop is $20.00. Scholarships are available.  Register GRIEFSHARE Tuesday Jan. 24 - April 18, 2023 GriefShare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone.  The cost of the workbook is $20.00.  Scholarships are available.  Register MAKE LIFE BETTER FIRST IMPRESSIONS TEAMS Do you love to make people feel welcome and seen? Do you have a great smile…or decent enough that people aren’t scared to say Hi to you? If yes, you’re in! There are so many ways to use your gifts as we work to connect people to Jesus. We can’t wait to have you on the team! More Info You are invited to join the Lutheran Advocacy Day at the Capital.  Lutherans and friends from across the state will gather at the Arizona Capitol for a day of advocacy on Monday, January 30, 2023 from 9:30am - 11:30am.   REGISTER WE'RE MAKING A DIFFERENCE At Crossroads, we believe that one way we can worship God is by being generous with our finances. To give online, we use Church Center an app for churches and Stripe to process online payments. We encourage you to set up your profile and new giving pattern with Stripe. It will only take a minute or two to enter your information.  GIVE TODAY CROSSROADS AT A GLANCE Jan. 7               Christmas Clean Up @ 8:00am (Crossroads Church) Jan. 8               Worship Celebration @ 9:15am (Crossroads Church)                          Generosity Bowl Kick-off                           Student Ministry New Year Kick-Off (Top Golf) Jan. 11              Prayer Team @ 2pm (Online) Jan. 13              Toddler Time @ 9:30 (Crossroads Church) Jan. 14              Church Board @ 9:00am (Crossroads Church) Jan. 15              Worship Celebration @ 9:15am (Crossroads Church)                           Staff Meeting @ 10:30am (Crossroads Church)                           FORM Missional Community @ 6:30pm (ASU Ministry House)  Jan. 17              Agape Coffee & Convo @ 10:30am (ASU Poly Student Union) Jan. 22             Worship Celebration @ 9:15am (Crossroads Church)                          Crossroads Orientation @ 10:30am (Crossroads Meeting Room) Jan. 23             Welcome Back Winter Disciples @ 10:00am (Crossroads Church)                          DivorceCare Group @ 6:00pm (Crossroads Church) Jan. 25             Prayer Team @ 2:00pm (Online) Jan. 27              Toddler Time @ 9:30pm (Crossroads Church) Jan. 29             Worship Celebration @ 9:15am (Crossroads Church) Jan. 30             Lutheran Day at the Capitol @ 9:00am (Arizona State Capitol)                          DivorceCare Group @ 6:00pm (Crossroads Church) PRAYER WALL There are many ways to offer and receive prayer at Crossroads.  Send your prayer request to Crossroads Prays.  Go to the Prayer Station during worship service and light a candle. Receive confidential prayer with a  A Prayer Team member.  THIS WEEK'S PRAYER & PRAISE: Rosemary S. for healing  Charlene B. for continued healing Congratulations to Pr. Kaila Armbruster and family on the birth of baby Rigg Malone Armbruster on Dec. 19 Terrell P. for reconciliation with his family and life transitions Kelly Le Beaux recovery for procedure and God's grace Sheriff Lamb at the loss of his son and granddaughter Caroline, fiancé of Cooper Lamb in critical condition Cooper family at the sudden infant death of baby Zayla Winter disciples as they travel during this season Laura D. discernment for God's direction as she journey's forward in faith  Evie W. gratefulness for moving to Arizona and healing for grandson Family of Dale Gronhovd as they mourn is passing Praise God for blessings through The Station Coffee Company Bruce L. recovery from open heart surgery Norma as she continues with challenging health issues  Marin family recovery from illness    Donya healing as she battles cancer  All members of the Armed Forces Ukraine and all people across the world affected by aggression & war  All those affected by gun violence The Crossroads Livestream worship starts at 9:10am every Sunday.  Worship right alongside your friends at Crossroads each Sunday. FACEBOOK LIVE YOUTUBE CHANNEL CROSSROADS ON-DEMAND Copyright © 2023 Crossroads Church, All rights reserved. Our Mailing Address Is: 2769 E. Combs Road | Box 4 | San Tan Valley | AZ | 85143 Our Physical Address Is: 2769 E. Combs Road Building D I San Tan Valley I AZ I 85140 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.