December 27

Come, all you who are thirsty,

    come to the waters;

and you who have no money,

    come, buy and eat!

Come, buy wine and milk

    without money and without cost. Isaiah 55:1

With 11 services in the last 7 days we have witnessed  a lot of thirsty people coming to find life! What a privilege to be a part of God's great redemptive work. Thank you for being a part of it (and everyone receiving this email was a part of it).

Here are a few stories I have heard from the past week. PLEASE share yours below!

Our first Christmas Eve service in Hampstead was a great success. We had 231 people at 3 o'clock in the afternoon- and lots of new faces. It is fun to imagine having next years Christmas Eve services in our own building in Hampstead.

The Choir was a big hit at all 5 services. Nick Wheatley shared that a friend of his came back to church for the first time in 10 years and ended up singing in the choir.

I heard more than a few stories of people who came feeling underdressed and uncomfortable but who left feeling like "ALL PEOPLE" meant them.

December 20

The people walking in darkness

    have seen a great light;

on those living in the land of deep darkness

    a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2

5 Days until Christmas!
And 5 Christmas Eve Services!!

5PM & 7PM Westminster 12/23

3PM Hampstead 12/24

5PM & 7PM Westminster 12/24

After months of preparation and prayers the celebration of the birth of Christ is here. I hope God will give you an opportunity to be a light to someone walking in darkness this week. 

In case you missed it we made the front page! Here's the Carroll County Times story on the flashmob from Friday night.  CCTIMES VIDEO

Share your stories below!

December 13

As a young man marries a young woman, so will your Builder marry you;

as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you. Isaiah 62:5

Thank you to EVERYONE who made the Live Nativity such a huge success! I've heard some great stories already (I love the one about Kevin's Clydesdale sticking his head into the Lexus and then sneezing on the leather seats - and the driver!) i'm sure you have more spiritual stories to tell.  Please share your experiences with all of us in the comments section below. Then check back throughout the week to share in the testimony of God's Spirit at work.

Last week we ran a Facebook ad for the first time ever. The ad was announcing the opening of our Hampstead campus and was targeted to people who lived within a 3 mile radius of NCHS. It was really well received and as of tonight over 150 people have clicked on the ad to visit our website or our Facebook page. This week we are going to run another ad highlighting our Christmas Eve service in Hampstead. you can multiply the effectiveness of our ad by clicking here https://www.facebook.com/events/1530389653940120/  and indicating you are going. 

With just over 2 weeks left in December we have the opportunity to lead by example for our congregation. I do not have any results from today but I at the end of last week we had 151 givers to the NEXT offering. Yay God! That number includes about half of our staff and leadership teams. For those of you who have given, THANK YOU! If you have not yet given would you consider participating this week? I'd love for us to lead by example - regardless of the amount - and have 100% of our staff and leadership participating. 

December 6

And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord,

    in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.

And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great

    to the ends of the earth.

And he shall be their peace. Micah 5:4-5

So much happened before the shepherds stopped by...

And so much happens before every weekend service and every story of life change. I was reminded this morning of how many people serve in so many ways - even ways that most of us are unaware of - and how crucial every person is to the ministry of Crossroads. Thanks for playing your part!

Here are two stories of God moments...

After the Men of Standard presentation last month the Mayor of Union Bridge recognized the men from the recovery house walking through town and stopped them to share how encouraged he was at their story he heard at Crossroads.  He went on to ask them if they would sing at the Christmas tree lighting in Union Bridge! This is not the tree lighting but a shot of the men and Everett putting up their own tree in the house.

After receiving new members at the 11am service in Westminster we celebrated tonight with a dinner. It was so encouraging to hear their stories and enjoy fellowship with our new partners in ministry. 

PLEASE share your stories in the comments below.

November 29

The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly. Joshua 14:9

Happy Thanksgiving!

What a great way to end the NEXT series! Lots of people shared how they were going to embrace what God had next for them. From going back to school to opening a memory care assisted living facility, people were challenged and encouraged to move from here to there. Let's keep praying for the NEXT offering as we move into December and the end of the year.

Here's a story from this morning...
I met Connor after the 11am service in Westminster.  But I didn't meet him in the Sanctuary or in the Foyer but in Chipotle! He came up and introduced himself and shared that he had attended off and on with his parents and was currently a Sophomore at Loyola University. He shared how he thought he was a Christ follower his whole life but recently "found his way back" to God and was so excited to embrace what God had next for him. I was so encouraged by his story and so thankful that God allowed me to run into him at Chipotle.

Share your stories below!

November 22

Then the LORD said to Joshua, "See I have given Jericho into your hands..." Joshua 6:2

What a great encouraging morning worshiping at both campuses! I am so thankful for ALL our volunteers that make it happen. 

Here's a fun story that culminated this morning...

Michelle is a 20 something new Capernaum leader who is from a deaf family but who has cochlear implants that allow her to hear. She has been signing at our monthly club meetings and last week asked if it would be possible for her to interpret for her deaf sister who was open to coming to church for the first time this Sunday. Of course I said yes. 

Michelle shared this Tuesday night and asked others in our group to pray for her meanwhile, Janet (another member of our group) was working at the front desk on Wednesday afternoon and answered the phone and was asked by the caller if Crossroads had any deaf interpreted services! Well she explained we normally did not but it just so happened that we would this Sunday at 9:30 in Westminster. How cool is that?

November 15

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

NEXT off to a great start! As we began to focus on what's next for Crossroads I want to highlight a few things for everyone on our team.  Over the next 2 weeks I will continue to challenge our congregation to embrace what's next for Crossroads by serving and giving. Our NEXT offering will begin on November 29 and continue through the ed of the year. Our goal that I will continue to communicate from the stage is 100% and $100,000. I would ask that you join me in praying specifically for those goals. Be strong and courageous!

This is one story from this morning from Michelle (A 20 something who serves with us in Capernaum) she wrote to Elizabeth...
...the coolest thing is right before service I saw Lori in the lobby and we were talking and somehow she was led to ask me if I'd be interested serving in children's ministry and funny thing was a few days ago God brought that to my heart but I kept putting it aside BC of fear.   Well I said yes and got an application and then I heard the sermon and it fit so well that being courageous is being afraid but doing it anyway... I always let fear get in the way but at the same time if I'm really still and listen to His whisper - look for opportunity then joy happens! I'm super excited to see what God is going to do at Crossroads! 

Please share your stories below!

November 8

But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. Luke 15:32

What a great celebration of life!  Thank you to everyone who participated in the baptism services this morning.  We had such a diverse mix of people of all ages and backgrounds. I know the Hampstead campus was with us in spirit and I can't wait until we have out first baptisms there. Maybe some folks who came for the first time today will be those people!

Please share your stories from this week in the comments below!

November 1

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him." Luke 15:20

At the end of a week where we were without power for 2 days the Spirit's power was unmistakably present this morning! As people at each service in Westminster walked up and placed the broken pieces into the pot I could just see the love of the Father becoming more real to each of them. 

Here are a couple of stories...

A young man named Andrew came up after the service and told me he and his wife had moved back to Westminster specifically to reach out to her family who were not Christ followers. He shared through tears how his Father in law had come this morning for the first time!

Gary Hibbs shared with me how the Starting Point topic for this morning was brokenness.  We couldn't have planned that any better if we tried- which we didn't! I love it when God takes our plans and weaves them together better than we could have ever hoped. 

PLEASE share your stories!

October 25

For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26

"I saw flat Reid earlier today..." This one of the comments I heard from someone in the Chipotle parking lot today. As I was at Westminster at 8am and Hampstead at 9:30 and 11:00 it was a really powerful picture of the way God is at work!

Thank you to all of those who led groups and participated at both campuses today. Please share your stories of how you saw God at work in the comments section below.

October 18

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret... 2 Cor 10:7

Such a powerful opportunity this morning to share in the process of  people turning back to God! Thank you for playing your part.  Whether you were on stage, in the warehouse, in the cafeteria or not even in either building you should know we could not do what we do each Sunday without YOU!

I had several leaders tell me about new people who were coming for the first time this morning, especially in Hampstead.  I was excited during the message to picture them sitting in the auditorium.

One conversation I had this morning after the 9:30 service was with the Mother of a single Mom who has been coming off and on for several months. She wanted her Mother to meet me and Elizabeth (probably mostly Elizabeth). The Mother shared how she had lost both of her parents and an uncle in the past 6 months.  Then she said I really needed to be here this morning and hear I can turn to God. Amen!

PLEASE share your experiences below in the comments section. And don't forget to check back during the week to read other comments.

October 11

For this Son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. Luke 15:24

The initial reports from our first official second campus Sunday were great! Attendance was 234 in Hampstead- about 100 more than last week.  As we continue to serve and reach out to that community God is going before us beside us and behind us. 

Two stories from this week;

Today after the 11:00 service in Westminster a woman who I do not know cane up to me and almost in passing said, "I am so lost!" to which I replied, "You're in the right place.  You can find your way back." She said thank you and went on her way.  I believe her words reflect many folks who were with us for the first time today!

My Capernaum Selfie

Tuesday I had the opportunity to serve with Elizabeth at the Capernaum Club.  The talk was focussed on Ephesians 2 and how we are God's masterpiece.  During the message Elizabeth has a picture frame that she allowed several students to put their face in while saying "I am God's Masterpiece." The scene of these twisted faces and garbles voices speaking and illustrating this truth was about as powerful an expression of the Gospel as I've ever seen!

PLEASE share your stories below!!

October 4

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. Genesis 50:20

Life change happens in so many ways around our community.  From conversations at a wedding yesterday to new members classes to discipleship groups to planning a funeral - all of which happened in the last 24 hours.  Oh yeah, and then there were 4 services at 2 locations.
I know sometimes the scope of our ministry can begin to feel overwhelming.  But let me encourage you instead to focus on the privilege it is to be included by God in something so much bigger than we could ask or even imagine. Please share your experiences with everyone below!

A couple of "family business" items for your attention.

The Belt family is mourning the loss of Jays mom. Betty Jean Belt, passed away October 3rd.
Arrangements are:
Tuesday:  viewing at Eline Funeral Home, Reisterstown, 3-5 and 7-9
Wednesday: funeral at Elines in Reisterstown, 1pm

Joe and Camden Belinko are running the Baltimore Half Marathon to honor Janice and Diane Hidey (Karen Belinko's sisters) who are both battling cancer. We want to pray for them and to support them in their efforts go here https://docs.google.com/a/crossroads140.com/forms/d/18WemCvU_Tf0BPGv9wDGYWO0z_OPVB8d5MgUdrdMfC7g/viewform?c=0&w=1

Our new Website is now live! www.crossroads140.com

September 27

Then Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." John 5:8

One down and who knows how many more to go!  A huge thank you to EVERYONE who made the North Carroll High School service happen today.  I obviously wasn't there so I'm counting on those of you who were to share stories of how each of you saw God at work in our first dress rehearsal.

I have 2 brief stories from Westminster...

- We had a little staff get together last night at Hoffman's Ice Cream and I noticed the gal who was taking our orders (like 30 of them!) was acting like she knew us. It turns out that she just started coming to Crossroads a few weeks ago and this morning she ended up in my communion line! I felt like I should offer her sprinkles - but I refrained.

- I heard another story this morning about someone who was having a conversation where the other person shared "I think its just too late!" Well you can imagine how directly it applied to our current series.  So they invited them and they came for the first time today!

PLEASE share your stories in the comments below!

September 20

The LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below. Joshua 2:11

The last one campus Sunday is in the books!  Pretty exciting to think that for the foreseeable future there will be Crossroads worship services happening in more than one location every Sunday. Thank you to everyone who has prayed and sacrificed to get us to this point.

Elizabeth and I met a single mom on Saturday night (she was actually our waitress) who has attended off and on and who lives in Hampstead.  She was SO excited about the campus opening there and wants to get plugged in. Tonight at our Hampstead prayer time we thought about many more people like her will be reached because of this step of faith.

Please share your encounters below!!

September 13

On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. Mt. 16:18

After watching parts of 2 services on live stream this morning and attending church in Chapel Hill I am struck again at how amazing it is that God entrusts something so incredibly important to us! I want to remind us all that as we launch out into new uncharted territory this Fall it is all because people matter to God. Every new seat is an opportunity for a relationship.

Here's a story of life-changing faith from the eyes of a Capernaum kid that Elizabeth shared with me today.  Please share your comments below...

So, I used to not like going to Church. I also didn't like being Christian. Because the places I went for church we'd always talk about the same topics over and over again. But once we found Crossroads Church that's when I found my home. I've made friends with so many amazing people. I also admire the fact that I'm not the only one with a disability going to this church. A couple of my team mates go to this church. The other churches that I've gone too I was pretty much laughed at or picked on. But this church? You can wear any clothes your comfortable in. They have so many amazing groups you can be in. They make you feel right at home and their just like my second family! The pastor of the church is amazing, sweet, and very down to earth. He is a lot of fun and great to be around. I've been going to Capernaum for maybe six years now? I'm not too sure. Feels like it's been forever since I've been having a major blast there. I've met amazing friends. If it weren't for this Church I wouldn't of met Elizabeth Robinette, Tiffany Lewis, DeeDee Lehner, Kelly Olson, Kalynn Maschelle, Christy Lynn, and everyone else. I will admit throughout my teenage life I didn't know if I wanted to be a Christian. I was so angry at life and everything. But these amazing people have helped lift up my spirit and bring back the love of the Lord and Jesus back into my heart. I love them very much and am so grateful for their friendship!

September 6

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

For everyone who was not here today I hope you had a fantastic time with friends and family wherever your travels took you.

For everyone who was here today thanks for being available for God to work in and through you. I had a significant impression that there were SO MANY visitors today.  At least 4 "regulars" told me the same story of feeling prompted by God to take their eyes off of themselves and in so doing noticed a new face who turned out to be a first time guest.  I am constantly amazed at how God continues to entrust more people to us every week!

Give thanks for the first Century HS YoungLife club of the school year (pictured below). They had 175 students in Joe Belinko's basement! Well done good and faithful servants.

Please share your experiences in the comments section below.

August 30

For you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:9

Well that was something!

I knew when we planned to move the service times that it wouldn't be nothing - but nobody knew exactly how it would go. I have not received our final numbers but I know that the 9:30 service was over 600 and the largest single service we have ever had. A huge thank you to everyone who served faithfully without having all the answers ahead of time. I met so many new people just today who were attending for the first time!

Here are a few highlights for me. Please share yours in the comments below so that we can rejoice together!

- The McDaniel Bus was standing room only! Really cool seeing all the new faces.  I think of our kids who are off at school and I pray that they all find a church to plug into.

- I met several Moms who identified with the stress of back to school and appreciated the words of truth and hope.  Lets pray for parents and kids and TEACHERS going back to school tomorrow.

- Here's a picture of our Hampstead Launch Team Ice Cream Social.  About 100 people came out and signed up to serve. The countdown is on for our public launch at North Carroll High School on October 11. Pray for this team and our opportunity to serve this community.

August 23

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.  1 John 3:18

What a big weekend... Thank you to EVERYONE who played a part on making it happen. Please share your experiences from the Ho Down and Group Link with everyone below!

Here's part of a letter I received a few weeks ago.  It is from someone who is currently incarcerated but whose family began coming and continues to attend.  Here's part of what he wrote...
     "The church sent Marc Cummins. He became such a friend. We prayed every morning and evening. Marc became a life saver!  When I was at the bottom of my life, there was a voice that said 'you are in the right place' (that voice was Bill Barton). Thank you so much for opening your doors to me and my family."

August 16

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus -Phil 2:5

Summer schedule has thrown me off but it doesn't mean that God has not been at work in and through our Crossroads community! Here are just a few of the ways I've seen God at work over the last week.

Here's a picture of our middle school students leaving for Wyldlife camp.  If you missed the announcement yesterday we collected $5700 in 2 weeks in our extra offering and the cost for kids and transportation was just over $5500.  How cool is that??

Saturday night we had a small group of Crossroads folks helping to take down the tents at the Hampstead Carnival to support the local fire dept.  We had a good time and received a lot of remarks about how much help we had been.  We keep serving and God will keep opening doors for the Gospel!

Please share your stories!!

August 2

A new command I give you: Love one another. 

As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  John 13:34

It was a fun day at Crossroads with lots of new faces at our services and lots of familiar faces at our leadership launch.  Thank you to everyone who made both happen.  I'm glad we get to do this together!

The one story I would share from this morning is the Century lacrosse coach Nick who was at church for the first time with about a dozen guys from the lacrosse team.  Nick was an adult guest at Saranac with us and gave his life to Christ a week ago!

Please share where you sensed God at work in the comments below!

July 26

Be Joyful Always...

Great job by Joe today!  I loved the simplicity of Joy from giving your life away.  What a great reminder of what we're called to do and be as a church. Remember to pray for Joe and Britton as they fly to join our second Nicaragua team Monday morning.

Elizabeth and I (along with Wayne and Pepper) were able to witness first hand the way the Holy Spirit was moving so powerfully in the lives of all the kids from Century High School at Saranac. We saw 41 kids from Carroll County (100+ overall) stand up on Saturday morning and profess their new faith in Jesus Christ. Perhaps the most moving moment for me was when Nick - a 20 something coach from Century - stood up and professed his new faith right along with all the kids!  So cool to be a part of what God is doing!

Please share where you have seen God at work in and around Crossroads...

July 19

I am going to rely completely on input from everyone who was a part of ministry this weekend to share your experiences with us in the comments below. Elizabeth and I are at Saranac for the week.

July 12

Then Jesus said to them,"The son of man is Lord of the Sabbath." Luke 6:5

Bluegrass and Sabbath just seemed to go together! What a cool morning to see God at work in so many new faces. I think for me that was the blessing of this morning. From the 2 new faces in the bluegrass group with Kenny to the 4 or 5 first time visitors I spoke with God continues to bring new people in our doors. With so many of our regulars not here this morning it was so cool to see the sanctuary packed at 10am. 
Thanks to all of you we get to witness our God doing immeasurably more than we could ask or even imagine! Please share you experiences in the comments below. (Someone please share the story of the playground equipment going to Appalachia)

July 5

Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Happy 4th of July Everyone!  

For everyone who was traveling or not able to attend this morning- we missed you!  Its just not the same when our team is not together.  I hope many of you had the chance to watch online (Richard told me we had 20 different viewers online today!)

For everyone who was in attendance this morning what a great morning filled with God's presence.  I loved the worship set with the small acoustic team.  And I thought Jono was just great doing the call to worship.  Everything that team did pointed people to Jesus!

For everyone on our team I want to celebrate with you that one young woman, Carly, gave her life to Christ today right after the 8:30 service! Praise God!! I got to pray with her after she and her boyfriend came up.  She said today is my day!

I'm so thankful for all the ways you are a part of what God is doing.  Please share your stories of where you have seen God at work.

Amen Crossroads!

June 28

And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 9:9-10

I was really amazed this morning to see and hear the stories of people and families who were visiting for the first- or one of the first few times.  Some were connected with the baby baptism and others just finally said yes to a friend or family member who had repeatedly extended an invitation.  What a great week to have someone join us and hear about God who engages people who feel far from Him!  Let's pray for more opportunities as we move through the summer.

Please share your stories of how God was at work in the COMMENTS below.

June 21

And He got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Hush, be still.” And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm. Mark 4:39

I'm going to have to rely on you all for the report this week.  I can report that we watched the service on Livestream from Friendsville and it was great!  Please share where you saw God at work this week below in the comments section.

June 14

The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.”  Mark 1:27

I really enjoyed just being a participant at worship today.  I love that the reality of Jesus' authority and power were on display this morning!  Please share where you saw God at work this week in the comments below.

Here's one of my favorite quotes from a book I read last week...

"The closer we are to Jesus the further we will be from sin.  Likewise, the closer we are to Jesus the closer we will be to sinners." 

June 7

Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed.  Mark 1:40-41

What a great spirit of worship this morning after a challenging week for many.  As we started a new series "Pale & Pious" I met several new families who were either visiting for the first time or who have started coming in the last few weeks.  It's always so fun to hear them share thee way they experience our services with "new eyes".  Here's part of an email I received tonight from a new family.  

Tonight, after smoking chicken, sausage and a pork roast, I asked the boys our end of night question, which is  "what was your favorite part of the day?" Thinking it might be smoking meat with me all day & then grilling, they both replied "church and talking about Jesus and the big boat". I was floored and teared up. Their time with me and out at the smoker, doesn't even come close to that with learning about Jesus and forming that relationship.

Amen Crossroads!

Please share your experiences in the comments below.

May 31 - Blitz Weekend

Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. John 13:1

So many great things happen when we put our faith into action.  So many blessed on both sides of the equation this weekend at the Blitz and at the Sunday services.  PLEASE share your experiences so that we can celebrate together.

Mark Batterson writes, "Hearing a testimony is the way I borrow faith from others.  Sharing my testimony is the way I loan my faith to others.  If we aren't sharing testimonies, we're cutting off circulation to the body of Christ."

Share yours in the comments below!

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting

As we seek to follow God's leading in our first campus launch we commit to prayer and fasting for 40 days.  Share your insights and encouragements in the comments below!

May 24

Faith without works is dead!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Our prayer for this weekend was for people to be challenged to put their faith into action.  Whether with one of our Be the Church Blitz projects or simply on their own the "win" is anywhere faith is combined with action.

One conversation that blessed me this morning was with Melissa Hilliard between services.  You may know Melissa's father just passed away this week and she is planning the funeral for him next weekend- Saturday during the Blitz.  Here's the cool part of the story.  Her Dad who had an awesome faith really wanted the funeral to be held at Crossroads even though he never attended. He knew how important our church had been for Melissa's faith and his hope was that the rest of the family who are not Christ followers would see the local church in action and be drawn to Christ themselves.  What a fantastic vision for someone who knows this life is not all there is!  And what a great part of "Being the Church!"

Please share your stories of how you've seen God in the Comments below!

May 17

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Eph 2:8-10

Wow! There were so many different elements to todays services it was hard to focus on just one... Here are some ways I saw God at work.  Please share your own observation in the comments section.

- Roger was a real blessing to have with us all morning.  He is someone who just drips with passion for people to know Jesus.  I was challenged listening to him!

- The baptisms at the 10 O'clock service made the timing a challenge but was such a great opportunity to serve a family and model our commitment to young families.  Ashley and Justin were blessed.

- While the Contestibles served our volunteers their daughter was visiting with a friend who is a spiritual seeker.  Jenna shared with me how the combination of Roger's story with the scripture from Ephesians was just what her friend needed to hear.  But it was the Be the Church Blitz that made him take notice that we did not just talk about faith.  Very cool!

May 10

While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

What a great response this morning to the beginning of our Good Works series!  Lots of interest in Appalachia (after Jenn's story who would't be interested!)  A few technical issues at both locations didn't stop God's Spirit from being active.  Discover U and Starting Point classes were filled with new people signing up as late as last night.  It's so encouraging to see people taking next steps in their faith!  Thanks for being a part of the team that makes it possible.

Please share your experiences in the comments section below so that we can all rejoice together!

May 3

Where your treasure is there is your heart also. 

Just back from 2 days in Charlotte at Sticky Teams Conference!  Some great stories from last weekend and our FIRST HAMPSTEAD SERVICE!!

So excited about what is doing and the people He has assembled to lead us.  If you were at the Hampstead Launch or at the Sticky Teams Conference please share your experiences in the comments below.

My first reaction to the conference is to identify young leaders in our congregation and give them opportunities to lead.

Baptism Sunday April 25

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit Mt. 28:19

What a fantastic celebration this morning!  It is such a privilege to witness the life-changing faith in the lives of people we know and humbling to think that God has used us as part of the process.  Thank you everyone who played a role in making this morning happen!

There are so many God moments to share from this morning.  Here are a few... PLEASE share the stories from folks you know who were baptized today in the COMMENTS section so we can rejoice together!

- I got to hear the back story from Chris Howard tonight of how God had been working through so many different relationships and encounters all week.  Chris had been texting and talking with Don Dorsey about getting baptized and ended up feeling called himself to proclaim his own faith (along side Don!)  He even ran into Matt Michael in the changing room that encouraged both of them!  Way to go fellas!

- Billie Ward was someone who knew my Mom from Westminster Methodist church and could really relate to her story.  Billie has served our body in so many ways and today God prompted her to be baptized.  She really believes God is not finished with her yet!

April 19

fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

I had a different perspective today...not from the stage!  Here's where I saw God at work; 

(Please add your Amen moments in the comments section)

- I had some great conversations with men who are nominated for leadership this year.  I am encouraged by the way God continues to build our team.  I don't claim to know how God will lead these men through the confirmation process but they are already partners in the Gospel and ints a privilege to serve together.

- Perhaps the most impactful moment for me came in a car ride after the last service.  Elizabeth's Mom made it to the 11:30 service but her Dad, who was staying with us for the weekend did not feel up to coming.  So her Mom asked if we could listen to the Easter message on while we drove them back to Rockville.  After listening to the message her Dad began asking all sorts of questions about the resurrection and having faith in Christ.  We ended up praying together before we dropped them off.  God is always at work!

April 12

Our Father in heaven,

Hallowed be Thy name Mt. 6:9

Thanks to everyone who made this Sunday a success for so many people.  Here are a few stories of how I saw God at work today.  Please share your won stories in the comments section!

- I had several people come up after each service who wanted to talk about the prayers that God had not answered in their lives.  Many of them had never been able to express their frustration or questions about prayer with anyone.  The conversation was an opportunity for God to work!

- I heard discussions about both care workshops coming up in the next 2 weeks. Caring for aging parents seemed to strike a chord with many people and the encouragement to pray was received with enthusiasm by many.

Easter Weekend

Why do you look for the living among the dead?

He is not here; he has risen! Luke 24:5

What a fantastic celebration of the resurrection!  To everyone on the team a huge thank you for whatever role you played.  This was a total team effort.  Well done good and faithful servants!

Here are some highlights from the weekend (please add your own in the comment section!!)

- The constant stream of people who came to the stations of the cross on Good Friday all left with a profound experience of the Lord in prayer.  The station on vulnerability really ministered to a young couple who had just lost a baby through miscarriage last month.  People connected with God in so many authentic ways when we just allowed the space for it to happen.

- I met numerous people who had first time guests with them today.  Some were family and others who friends or co-workers.  I know one guest was the result of several years of invitations and more than 10 years of prayer. 

- I saw some friends who have moved away but who were back for the holidays and they each expressed how there's no place like Crossroads for them.  Even those who have found great churches wherever they are still call Crossroads home and say it feels like home whenever they come back!

Palm Sunday 2015

But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.  John 20:30

Here are some wins from this mornings services...

I had several people come talk to me today who were thinking about what it means for them to trust Christ.  It was interesting that some were brand new to faith and some were long time Christ followers!

Kevin Nottingham told me about a relative who came this morning who does not normally attend church but who was at the funeral yesterday.  Kevin said they were definitely a skeptic and when that part of the message occurred he felt like it was specifically for him.

Carl told me about a man who came out in the foyer after his drama and said that he was just like the character in the drama.  Praise God he was here today.