Dear Crosstown Saints!
What a greeting! The Apostle Paul was known for his faith-filled greetings. Here is one example that I have borrowed and inserted our church’s name into it:
“To the church of God known as Crosstown Church, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ – their Lord and ours: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor. 1:2-3)
So, grace and peace to you! Thank you for your patience as we have been taking measures to keep all of the “saints” of Crosstown Church together in the Spirit of God. I appreciate your understanding during this pandemic.
Another thank you is appropriate to those who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to prepare and produce our online broadcasts. They include these weekly helpers: Jim Badger, John Brazauskas, Wendy Conaway, Dave Harker, Rick Riso, Bobby Rolon, Dan & Stephanie Westover, and the incomparable, Rosemary Tolle. And gratitude to Kim Kimes and Dee Villela who are available when needed.
And to all of the Small Group leaders, thank you to you, as well! Your effort for the Lord’s Kingdom does not go unnoticed.
Here are three brief updates:
1. We are planning to have an in-person Worship Service with Communion on May 31 with a number of health and safety measures being observed. Right now, it appears we will be meeting in a park. Which park you ask? The short answer is that it is still to be determined. Stay tuned.
2. We will be continuing our Sunday online Worship Services for those who are not able to join us in person. You are important to me and to all of us!
3. We are presently assembling a Reopening Response Team to help implement our church’s protocols for get-togethers.
In the midst of this challenging and unprecedented time, let’s keep living for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
1. Keep praying! Exercise your God-given authority in Jesus’ name over the coronavirus pandemic. Pray for its elimination. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
2. Keep your eyes on Jesus! Your life’s GPS system is only good when you are fixed upon the Lord Jesus Christ. Otherwise, you will be running around aimlessly. (Hebrews 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27)
3. Keep pressing ahead! For those who are available to Him, God is using this time to advance us. His calling is to lead us forward through this time! May His Kingdom come and His will be done. . . (Philippians 3:14)
I am always encouraged and challenged by God’s Word. Let me conclude with this brief verse of Scripture.
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, be people of courage; be strong. Do everything in love. (1 Corinthians 16:13-14)
With my love and prayers! –Pastor John