Go Do Something…Now

My life is funny. Sometimes “ha -ha” funny, other times it’s tragically funny. Usually something is breaking down, or I’m losing my keys or my check chard. I’m spilling something or running into something. I should do it with jazz hands and win a Tony because dramatic is my tone of choice. By the way, I’m Nicole. I do the web here at Crossroads. It’s nice to meet you. You can add “forgets to introduce herself” to the above list as well.

Basically, I’m kind of a mess, in an endearing kind of way. The kind of way that people smile at you and genuinely hope that you don’t break a bone by walking out the door. I’m that girl. Ever the Underdog. But God bless the people who keep rooting for me.

Don’t worry though, I have lots of reasons to smile, to laugh, and to be thankful. I love my job. I love my city. I love who I surround myself with and what Jesus is doing with all of it.

I’m clumsy but I’m also a planner, which seems like an interesting juxtaposition of qualities, but it is my essence. I like to know what’s coming and how much time and money I’ll need when the future gets here.

So you can imagine how I sometimes forgot to be in the moment. I got so busy scheduling, checking my phone, filling in my planner, I sometimes miss moments. Experiencing them. Letting teach me, or show me, whatever they were supposed to right then and there.

Last night I had the great privilege of being at an Urban Ventures fundraising event. I was sitting in a room full of people who believed in change and the power of Now. I put my cell phone down, my planner away, and I was just present. I let the words, statistics, and stories of the night roll around in my brain, soaking up every second of my time with these incredible people who are literally breaking the cycle of poverty and changing the lives of thousands of people.

It was pretty incredible to be in a room of people who are taking ordinary moments and using them for great things. It was an excellent reminder that I need to “go do something” way more instead of simply making a plan to “go do something” at some point, maybe, down the road, when life is less chaotic.

Does that sound like you? Are you taking advantage of moments you have? This weekend we are launching our Missions Catalog. It is full of places like Urban Ventures who are using the here and now to love like Jesus. Pick one up at the Adult Ministries desk and see all the amazing opportunities you have to “go do something.” To get your hands dirty. To make a difference. To be Jesus-like people doing Jesus-like stuff.

Circle some things in the catalog that interest you, and then come back on Nov 8-9 and meet the faces behind the programs you’ve circled during our annual Mission Weekend. You’ll get to ask questions and meet the people who are part of the organizations listed in the catalog. Make some contacts and get inspirited! Say your first yes in the moment and go do something amazing!

We’ll see you this weekend for the beginning of the second part of our Genesis Series, Turing Point.

Nicole Case
Web Administrator 

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In the Beginning…

I love Fall. Love is actually an understatement for how I feel about this season.  It’s my favorite.  I love the colors, the leaves, bonfires, football games, school supplies, and yes, pumpkin spice lattes. But my favorite thing about fall is actually that it always reminds me of my roots. Of home. Of my humble, simple beginnings.

This season Crossroads is going back to our roots, too. We are taking an 11 week look at where we can from, in our new series The Starting Point: A Journey through Genesis. I’m super excited about this series because we get to look back on how it all began. How through God’s powerful words and the dust of the earth, life as we know it was born, and it was good. We will be reminded of God’s perfect plan, how it was supposed to be, how we messed it up, and what he does to redeem it. It’s the most beautiful love story and we are a part of it. I’m excited to see what God with these next 11 weeks, and how we’ll be changed by it.

While we’re on the topic of beginnings, has the idea of adoption or foster care ever crossed your mind? Have you thought it would be a great fit for you (and your family) but weren’t quite sure where to begin? This Monday, September 15 at 6:30pm we’ll be hosting a Strengthening Families Roundtable at the Woodbury Campus. It’s an evening to ask questions about domestic and foreign adoption, foster care and other ways to help families who are in crisis. There will be a Q&A, as well as Crossroads Families who have been through the foster and/or adoption process to talk to! It’s sure to be a great night!

Finally, our mission partner, Urban Ventures is starting something new this season, too! The Urban Ventures Mobile Farmers Market will be at the Cottage Grove Campus this Sunday! What’s a mobile farmers market? It’s a full-service market that sells fresh food in neighborhoods where it’s difficult to find. If you’ve been to Growing Hope Farm, you’ve touched the food available at the Mobile Market!  This Sunday, you won’t have to go to the Farmer’s Market, it will come to you! Be sure to stop by and check out the new ways Urban Ventures is making an impact in the community, and bring some delicious food.

Fall has a lot in store of us this year! Join us this weekend was we look back on the most important beginning, as we wait in anticipation of what’s to come!

See you this weekend!

Lisa Adams,
Director of Missions and Care

Over the River

Over the last couple of weeks, our Middle School and High School students have led the way in serving and volunteering during their mission trips to Minneapolis and Osceola!  Such a fantastic way to live out the Bible’s instructions to care for those who live in fear of violence and poverty. Our youth learned about the importance of food (by helping on the farm and providing produce for the Mobile Market) and the importance of relationships, fun, and education (by spending time at Urban Ventures).

Sometimes we need to step out of our comfort zone or our neighborhood to experience something new or something different. It’s where we can see God moving in new ways, learn how we can be used by Him and the mission he has for us. Each time I volunteer and get outside of my neighborhood (suburban Minnesota living) I’m grateful. Grateful for my home. Grateful for my family. Grateful for the opportunity to meet people who challenge my prejudices and ways of thinking.   Grateful that God’s grace is abundant and every day His mercies are new.

There are many opportunities for you to get out of your neighborhood this summer and fall!

There’s the family mission trip to the farm that starts on Friday. Pray for these families and their time serving!

Crave is going to the farm on Saturday, July 26^th.  You can join HERE.

Serve His Kids is hosting their next mission trip to Reynosa, Mexico, October 11-19^th.

Grab your Bible and your sense of adventure and join us over the river, through the woods or over the border!

Lisa Adams
Director of Missions and Care 

“Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.” 1 John 3:18 NLT