At The Crossroads
October 2017 Newsletter from Crossroads UMC
The Pastor's Perspective
WHY?
I’ve been attending a monthly leadership seminar called “NEXT Leadership Academy”. It’s an effort of our conference to expose pastors to best practices and methods used at other local churches to help congregations become better at making disciples. You’ll be interested to know that Rev. Natalee Dukes (one of our own) is in this seminar with me!
I’ve been filling my ministry tool box with a lot of useful ideas. For example, I'm looking at the methods other churches use to welcome new guests and move them toward membership. I’ve seen how worship preparation in these churches is extensive, creative, and extremely intentional. Programs that deepen discipleship are clearly organized and fit into a church-wide vision of who these churches are and what they hope to be in the future. Of course, not all is perfect but it’s inspiring to see how these congregations seek to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
The best tool so far is a book we read by Simon Sinek called Start With Why. It’s a book that helps organizations remember what inspires them so they can inspire others. It helps us create an inspiring vision for an organization. Sinek created the concept of the three concentric circles which he calls “the Golden Circle”. An organization’s “Why” is at the core. “How” is at the second level. And “what” is the outer ring. The “golden circle” is a very interesting model that helps us analyze organizations and businesses fundamental reason for being. The question is asked over and over, “what is your why?” “why are you inspired to do what you do?” and other “why” questions. Check out his video here to see what I’m talking about.
You are going to hear more about this from me, so start reflecting now. It’s actually a question we ought to ask ourselves often. What do you think Crossroads UMC “why” is? Why are you inspired to be here and how can we inspire others as well. This is a very useful tool I hope will help us re-imagine our work in this world.
In Christ,
UPCOMING EVENTS
Operation Christmas Child
Laity Sunday
Make sure you attend worship on Sunday, October 8th for Laity Sunday. You are invited to hear three of our church members stories of God’s Grace in their lives. David Elder, Brenda Hutson, and Ravi Koil will share challenging and inspirational words about how their faith in God has helped them. Don’t miss it!
Marriage Enrichment Group at a New Time!
Marriage is like a car. If you don't maintain your car, then it will break down over time. Come and do some fun and insightful preventative maintenance on the relationship with your spouse. Crossroads Marriage Enrichment Group, Wednesday, October 11th at 5:30pm-6:45pm. This group is open to all couples, from Newlyweds to Empty Nesters. Come enjoy dinner and a fun time talking with other couples and your spouse! If you have any questions, please contact Leigh Martin at leighsmartin@gmail.com
A Celebration Reception
You are invited to a celebration reception for the marriage of Cory and Casey Dukes, Saturday, October 14th, 2017 at 2:00pm at 2330 Lochinver Lane, Conyers GA 30094. Please RSVP: rmdukes@bellsouth.net, 770-922-6134.
Trunk or Treat
A Successful Baby Bottle Campaign!
ONGOING MINISTRIES
Men's Club Breakfast
Rockdale County Emergency Relief Food Bank.
On the 1st Sunday of the month we collect donations for the Rockdale County Emergency Relief Food Bank. If you would like to donate, please leave items on the cart in the Narthex this Sunday,October 1st. For the month of October, items that are most needed are:
Cereal - Boxed (Cheerios, Frosted Flakes, etc.)
Oatmeal
Saltine Crackers
Dry Bags of Beans (any variety)
Canned Chicken or Spam
Instant Grits (box of individual packets)
Spaghetti Sauce & Pasta
Coffee
Jello (regular or sugar free)
Toiletries:
Toothpaste/Toothbrushes
Dish Detergent
Women's Bible Study
BETH MOORE’S “THE PATRIARCHS”
Sunday, October 1st at 4:00pm. It is led by Debbie Carney in the Path Finder’s Sunday School room. The last five sessions will start in the Spring. Contact maryjanelea@gmail.com with any questions.
Financial Peace University
September 17-November 12, 5:00pm-7:00pm.
This is an insightful study on God’s and Grandma’s ways of handling money. The class is led by America's most trusted financial coach, Dave Ramsey.
Click here for more information: https://www.daveramsey.com/fpu
Youth
YOUTH
Crossroads Youth meets every Sunday 5:00-7:00pm but will not meet on October 1st and October 8th due to the schools' Fall Break. It’s a great time of fun, games and great lessons to dive deeper with God. Join us on October 15th at 5:00pm.
CLEO's
“CLEO" (Christian Ladies Eating Out) meets the first Tuesday of every month. We will meet this month on October 3, 12:00pm at Mandarin Garden.
HAPPY HEARTS
Children's Choir
Rehersal every Wednesday at 5:00pm for children ages Kindergarten– 5th grade. Due to the schools' Fall Break, Children's Choir will not meet on Wednesday, October 4th.
Kids Club
Calling All Kids!
Kindergarten through 5th graders meet every Wednesday at 6:00pm. Due to the schools' Fall Break, Kid's Club will not meet on Wednesday, October 4th. This is a time of fun, games, refreshments and learning the Bible in a fun way. The kids are earning badges for learning their Bible verses and everyone will get a sash to put their badges on so they can wear them each week.
The Walton Gang Breakfast
The Piecemakers
Promise Keepers Breakfast
Exploring Arts
UMW Meeting
UMW meets the third Tuesday of every month. Our next meeting is October 17th, at 6:00pm. Contact Sharon Roberts at iphoto1611@hotmail.com for more information. Visit www.unitedmethodistwomen.org for more information about our national work.
Wednesday Night Supper
Pork Loin w/gravy
Wild Rice
Cinnamon Apples
Fried Okra
Squash Casserole
Green Beans
Tossed Salad
Rolls
Iced Tea & Lemonade
Spice Cake
October Worship Volunteers
October 1
8:45am
Scripture Reader: Brandon Thomas
Holy Communion: Julian & Pat Harwell
11:00am
Scripture Reader: Charlene Hutson
Acolytes: Savannah Martin, Ben Helton
Holy Communion: Steve & Susan Brinson, Sherry Wheeler
October 8
8:45am
Scripture Reader: No reader (Laity Sunday)
11:00am
Scripture Reader: No reader (Laity Sunday)
Acolytes: Lilly Moon, Sadie Moon
October 15
8:45am
Scripture Reader: Pat Harwell
11:00am
Scripture Reader: Brenda Hutson
Acolytes: Mayce Page, Emily Page
October 22
8:45am
Scripture Reader: Bruce Carey
11:00am
Scripture Reader: Steve Brinson
Acolytes: Evan Boyd, Caylee Compton
October 29
8:45am
Scripture Reader: David Copple
11:00am
Scripture Reader: Susan Brinson
Acolytes: Savannah Martin, Ben Helton
November 5
8:45am
Scripture Reader: Joel Crissman
Holy Communion: Joel & Nancy Crissman
11:00am
Scripture Reader: Brenda Edwards
Holy Communion: Bobby & Sally Barfield, Paul Wine
Acolytes: Lilly Moon, Sadie Moon
Crossroads Shut-In List
Many of you have asked about our church members and friends who can no longer make it to Sunday Services and other fellowship events. Below is a current list with contact information if you would like to reach out to them. We ask that you keep them all in your prayers and thoughts. If you would like to add someone to the list, please contact the church office.
Barbara Finlayson
Remington House Apt. 8a
1504 Renaissance Drive
Conyers, GA 30012
678-562-4068
Ruby Straley
1611 Pratt Rd
Covington, Ga 30014
770-786-2599
Nora Pelowski
1358 Manchester Dr
Bristol Village - Room 230
Conyers, GA 30012
770-760-8269
Effe Ashong
1500 Callaway Loop
Conyers, GA 30012
770-760-1075
Donna Peek
131 Vickery Dr.
Central, SC 29631
Happy Birthday! October 2017
October Birthdays
John Schaal - 10/04
Gary Bryant - 10/08
Kevin Hall - 10/09
Dot Musgrove - 10/11
Jean Hambrick - 10/12
Wendy McCalmon - 10/13
Mary Jane Lea - 10/15
Weyman Owens Sr. - 10/18
Louise Melton - 10/20
Vicki McDonald - 10/21
Pat Harwell - 10/22
Karen Rosen - 10/24
Cindy Dod - 10/26
Rachel Bailey - 10/27
Corey Dukes - 10/27
Nancy Crissman - 10/29
Natalie Smith - 10/29
Stephanie Boyd - 10/30
November 2017 Newsletter Deadline
The deadline to get information into the November 2017 Newsletter is Thursday, October 26. Submit all articles, information, and pictures to secretary@crossroadsumc.net or call 770-388-7438. If you wish to receive a mailed copy of the church's monthly newsletter, please contact the church office at secretary@crossroadsumc.net or 770-388-7438.
Crossroads United Methodist Church
Office Hours
Monday - Thursday
9:00AM - 2:00PM
Email: secretary@crossroadsumc.net
Website: www.crossroadsumc.net
Location: 2460 State Highway 138, Conyers, GA, United States
Phone: 770-388-7438
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Crossroads-UMC-Conyers/227593134052091