This Week at Crossroads I 03.30.23

LENT SERIES  This Lenten series calls us to journey outside of our comfort zones and to embrace the unknown.  Following God can lead us to unexpected places which in turn builds our trust in God.  Jesus’s return from the wilderness almost led to people in his hometown throwing him from a cliff! This week as we celebrate Palm Sunday we'll explore how our religious expectations and preconceived ideas about Jesus can prevent us from seeing him as he is.      SCRIPTURE TEXTS   Matthew 4:14-30 Matthew 21:1-11 HUDDLE/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS  What is one thing that stood out to you from this week’s message? Have you experienced an unexpected homecoming before? If so, describe what happened when you returned home. Did it feel like everything you remembered had changed? Or did it feel like you had changed and everything else remained the same? Do you have a reputation from a past experience or a label placed on you from childhood that you’ve never been able to shake? If appropriate, share how having people see you in this way has affected your interactions with people from your past. Has there been a time when you have been slow in recognizing God moving in or around your life? Share a time when God shattered your limited expectations of what he can do in your life. What preconceived ideas about Jesus do you have? Have they prevented you from encountering Jesus? This Sunday's Playlist:  Hosanna (Praise Is Rising) Goodness of God King of My Heart Amazing Grace (My Chain Are Gone)  We Praise You WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW PURCHASE EASTER LILY  Every year for Easter, we decorate our sanctuary with flowers -- and we welcome donations toward the purchase of these flowers. For each $10 donation toward purchasing these flowers, you may take the lily following the Easter celebration, or you can leave it and someone from our Care Team deliver it to someone in need of care.  To make a donation online, visit Easter Lily Purchase and complete the form.  You can also call the church office at 480-849-2465 with any questions.  Buy Now SHARE YOUR STORY! God is doing amazing things at Crossroads, but we are most in awe of the fact that individual lives are being forever changed. Whether you've been a part of Crossroads from day one or just joined us recently, we would love to hear your story. Please take a minute to share with us your unique story. Share Now MEET GOD 2023 LENTEN SCHEDULE Journey together with us on this Lenten journey for time of meditation and blessing. Listed below is our Holy Week Schedule: 4/2 - Palm Sunday Worship Gathering @ 9:15am 4/6 - Maundy Thursday Gathering @ 7:00pm  4/7 - Good Friday Worship Gathering @ 7:00pm  Please use the link below to bring a soup dinner: PALM SUNDAY WORSHIP APRIL 2, 2023 I 9:15 AM Palm Sunday is a Christian moveable feast that falls on the Sunday before Easter. The feast commemorates Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem, an event mentioned in each of the four Gospels. Palm Sunday marks the first day of Holy Week. MAUNDY THURSDAY WORSHIP SERVICE April 6, 2023 I 7:00PM Maundy Thursday is the day during Holy Week that commemorates the Washing of the Feet and Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles, as described in the gospels.  Join us for this special communion service as we commemorate the washing of the disciples feet and the Last Supper. GOOD FRIDAY WORSHIP SERVICE APRIL 7, 2023 I 7:00PM Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary. It is observed during Holy Week as part of the Paschal Triduum. It is also known as Holy Friday, Great Friday, Great and Holy Friday, and Black Friday.  Please wear black as you are able and leave the Sanctuary in silence.  EASTER SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE APRIL 9, 2023 I 9:15AM Easter, also called Resurrection Sunday, is a Christian festival and cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in the New Testament as having occurred on the third day of his burial following his crucifixion by the Romans at Calvary.  Our Easter Photo Booth will be available for your family Easter pictures.    CONFIRMATION STUDENT GATHERING WITH PASTOR   MARCH 30, 2023 I 6:30PM Confirmation ministry is a pastoral and discipleship ministry which helps students 7th-12th grade to identify more deeply with and understand the teachings of the Christian community and participate more fully in the mission of the church.  Confirmation students meet once a month.  Contact Pastor Charles if you would like your student to participate in this ministry. SUNDAY APRIL 9, 2023 Jesus commands his followers to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19). This is not a polite suggestion; it is a command from Jesus which he gives as his "last words" before his ascension into heaven! Baptism Sunday is a public event for the whole family of God to celebrate! If you would like more information concerning baptism or you are ready to be baptized or affirm your baptism, contact Pastor Charles.  BAPTISM SUNDAY MEET FRIENDS CROSSROADS ALL CHURCH PICNIC  EMPIRE PARK  SATURDAY, APRIL 8 11:00am -1:00pm  Bring your friends and family for a good old fashion picnic.  You're invited to join your friends and Crossroads for some fun & games at our annual Easter Picnic and Egg Hunt! They'll be games and activities in addition to hunting eggs. Just RSVP using the button below, to bring items for the potluck.     POTLUCK SIGN UPS  COMMUNITY ON MISSION At Crossroads our vision is to invite all people to experience and express the Kingdom of God. One of the main ways we do this is through Missional Communities that meet throughout the East Valley. Have you ever been curious about joining or starting a Missional Community? If you’re interested in learning more, join us for this 3-week journey on Sundays at 10:30 AM to form relationships with others seeking community starting 4/16. Lunch and childcare provided. By the end of the three weeks, you will experience God’s heart for community and be a part of a brand new Community on Mission. We will meet after the worship gathering on April 16, 23, & 30 SIGN UP MAKE LIFE BETTER HELP CROSSROADS RECEIVE $250.00 GRANTS FOR MINI PROJECTS Support the work of Crossroads while taking part in meaningful service, education and fundraising events for Crossroads.  Catherine O'Neal will provide the resources you need to get started and register the event. Once approved you will receive a Thrivent Action Team Kit and $250 gift card in seed money for the project.  The possibilities are endless.  Bring friends together to donate to our Barefoot Sunday with seed money.  Or host a Hymns and Hops event as the proceeds support one of our ministry partners.  Contact Catherine O'Neal to register for Thrivent and a Thrivent Action Team Today!  LEARN MORE DIVORCECARE Mondays at 6:00PM Facilitators: Rachel Evans & Tim Sersig 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 GRIEF SHARE Tuesdays at 6:30pm Facilitators: Dani Miller 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.  ADULT VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED Children are disciples too! At Crossroads they learn about Jesus’ love for them and how they can share this love with others in their homes, school and community. We have an urgent need for adult volunteers to support KidsCity as teachers and substitute teachers.  If you can offer 1 hour a month on Sunday, we'd love to welcome you to our Crossroads KidsCity Team.  Please contact Nicole Crowder or Pastor Charles for more information.   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 sampling go to our Crossroads website or use the GIVE TODAY button.  We encourage you to set up your profile and use the reoccurring gift option.  It will only take a couple minutes enter your information.  You can also mail your gift to us at: Crossroads Church 2769 E. Combs Road Box 4 San Tan Valley, AZ 85140.  GIVE TODAY CROSSROADS AT A GLANCE March 30            Student Confirmation Meeting @ 6:30pm (Crossroads Church) April 2                 Palm Sunday Celebration @ 9:15am (Crossroads Church)                             FORM @ 12:30pm (Agape Ministry House 7165 E. Thistle Ave.) April 3                 Divorce Care @ 6:00PM (Crossroads Church)  April 4                ASU Agape Campus Ministry @ 10:30am (ASU Poly Union)                            Grief Share @ 6:30pm (Crossroads Church) April 6                Maundy Thursday Worship @ 7:00pm (Crossroads Church) April 7                Good Friday Worship Gathering @ 7:00pm (Crossroads Church) April 8                Crossroads All Church Picnic @ 11:00am (Empire Park) April 9                Easter Sunday Worship @ 9:15am (Crossroads Church)  April 10              Divorce Care @ 6:00PM (Crossroads Church) April 11              ASU Agape Campus Ministry @ 10:30am (ASU Poly Union)                            Grief Share @ 6:30pm (Crossroads Church) April 16              Worship Celebration @ 9:15am (Crossroads Church)                            Encounter Missional Community @ 10:30am (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: Nashville Mass Shooting Victims  John Meigs (Pastor's uncle) healing from back surgery   Herron family for Celebration of Life for Dan Shaun C. recovery from ablation  Nicole C. discover of new treatment options Alexis T. answer from neurological examination  Scott Sandstrom family at his passing  Kathy Larson (Mavis' Mother) in hospice care  Gilbert Family at the loss of Terri's brother Tommy continued healing from his surgery  Maya Rose gallbladder surgery Victims of toxic train wreck in Ohio Family of Tyre Nichols  Juan Gonzales continued healing from surgery Central Arizona Lutheran Church  John Wells for continued healing  Debbie Wells as she continues to care for John Aaron Mathis family as they grief Aaron's passing Terrell P. for reconciliation with his family and life transitions Laura D. discernment for God's path as she journeys forward in faith  Praise God for blessings through The Station Coffee Company Norma as she continues with challenging health issues   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.