At The Crossroads
January 2018 Newsletter from Crossroads UMC
Why not ask Why?
The Wall Street Journal recently studied the idea of New Year’s resolutions and discovered that 41% of Americans make one. Predictably, these resolutions are some form of self-improvement. We make a resolution to lose weight or take steps to find a new job. Others include improving our love-life, learning something new, and making better financial decisions. Most people don’t succeed beyond the first quarter with these new resolutions. Sound familiar?
In my own life, I make New Year’s resolutions, but I fail because I cannot sustain a deep sense of “Why?”.
For example, two years ago I resolved to lower my cholesterol and weight. My deep sense of “Why?” came from bad cholesterol numbers and the fact my clothes didn’t fit anymore. A possible heart attack and tight pants motivated me for six months to work out, eat less, and care for my health better. My “Why?” was clear and inspiring. Six months later, I was happy to find the cholesterol and weight numbers went down considerably.
Unfortunately, my original “Why?” didn’t stay very motivational. I reached the goal and didn’t have a way to sustain my success. To sustain low cholesterol and weight, I pretty much needed to continue working out and eating a low-calorie diet. No fun. Now 18 months later, I’m climbing back up to where I started. Time to ask “Why?” again and find my motivation.
A Christian life can have a similar pattern. Your “Why?” for being a Christian may have changed over the years. At one point you may have become a Christian because you had a deep fear of death and wanted to live eternally. Perhaps you joined a church because the congregation, music, or preaching was exceptional. Both reasons are wonderful, but can be unsustainable for the long haul. Your “Why?” might change and you fade away.
In other words, the fear of death is a very motivating reason to become a Christian, but that immediate fear fades over time. You see this as folks become more active Christians following the death or hospitalization of a loved one then they fade way. Joining a church because of the people or music is great, but what happens when change occurs?
This year, I encourage you to resolve to pay attention to your “Why?” of the Christian faith. Ask yourself some basic questions like, “Why am I Christian?” or “Why do I value membership at Crossroads UMC?” or “Why do I worship or study?” (You could also ask why you don’t do some of these things!) A clearer “Why?” will guide you well this year.
None of us is perfect. I fail more times than I care to mention at my goals in life. But one of the “Why’s?” of my faith is that God forgives me and welcomes me to try again. My hope is that you will find a deep sense of “Why?” this year.
In Christ,
UPCOMING EVENTS
Ladies Bible Study
THE PATRIARCHS By Beth Moore will resume for part two of the study of Jacob and Joseph, each Sunday beginning January 7th through February 11th, 4:00pm-6:00pm. For any questions, please contact Mary Jane Lea at maryjanelea@gmail.com.
ONGOING MINISTRIES
CLEO's
“CLEO" (Christian Ladies Eating Out) meets the first Tuesday of every month. We will meet next month on February 6th at 12:00pm at Outback.
HAPPY HEARTS
Retired and inspired members of the church normally gather the 1st Friday of every month at O'Charley's. Join us Friday, January 5th at 11:30am.
Men's Club Breakfast
Rockdale County Emergency Relief Food Bank.
On the 1st Sunday of each month we collect donations for the Rockdale County Emergency Relief Food Bank. If you would like to donate, please leave your items on the cart in the Narthex Sunday, January 7th. For the month of January, items that are most needed are:
Stuffing
Chicken Broth
Gravy
Instant Mashed Potatoes (Mashed, Au Gratin, or Scalloped)
Cranberry Sauce
Carnation Evaporated Milk
Pumpkin Pie Mix (Canned)
Grits (Individual Packets)
Ramen Noodles
Elbow Noodles
Fruits
Spaghetti Sauce & Pasta
Jello or Pudding (Boxed)
The Walton Gang Breakfast
Children's Choir
Rehersal every Wednesday at 5:00pm for children ages Kindergarten– 5th grade.
Kids Club
Calling All Kids!
Kindergarten through 5th graders meet every Wednesday at 6:00pm. 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.
Youth Group
Exploring Arts
BALLROOM MAGIC 2018, Saturday, January 20 at 2:00 pm at the UGA Dance Arts Building in Athens GA. Come watch Shelby Anne Watts,Crossroads UMC member,as a dancer and costume mistress. Tickets: $16.00 * group rate may apply. Sign up in Communications Center or Contact Mary Jane Lea for more details for group rate. EVERYONE WELCOME!
Note: Dance Building is across the street from the South Deck Parking area directly behind the Marine Science Building.
The Piecemakers
The United Methodist Women
Wednesday Night Supper
Promise Keepers Breakfast
January Worship Volunteers
January 7
8:45am
Scripture Reader: Pat Harwell
Holy Communion: Joel and Nancy Crissman
11:00am
Scripture Reader: Brenda Hutson
Acolytes: Mayce Page, Caylee Compton
Holy Communion: Brenda Edwards, Paul Wine, Sandra Rodrick
Audio Tech: Theresa Jones
Video Tech: Fred Watson
January 14
8:45am
Scripture Reader: Bruce Carey
11:00am
Scripture Reader: Brenda Hutson
Acolytes: Ben Helton, Sarah Sinclair
Audio Tech: Kathy Edwards
Video Tech: Reggie Charles
January 21
8:45am
Scripture Reader: David Copple
11:00am
Scripture Reader: Steve Brinson
Acolytes: Savannah Martin, Evan Boyd
Audio Tech: Debbie Carney
Video Tech: Michelle Sinclair
January 28
8:45am
Scripture Reader: Joel Crissman
11:00am
Scripture Reader: Susan Brinson
Acolytes: Lily Moon, Sadie Moon
Audio Tech: Reggie Charles
Video Tech: Sandra Rodrick
February 4
8:45am
Scripture Reader: Brandon Thomas
Holy Communion: Julian & Pat Harwell
11:00am
Scripture Reader: Brenda Edwards
Acolytes: Mayce Page, Caylee Compton
Holy Communion: Susan & Steve Brinson, Sherry Wheeler
Audio Tech: Susan Smith
Video Tech: Debbie Carney
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! January 2018
January Birthdays
Stephen Crotty, January 1
Delores Green, January 1
Kevin Walter, January 1
Tom Fincher, January 4
Sheri Hanson, January 5
Buka Okafor, January 5
John Martin, January 6
Elvis Presley, January 8
Douglas Howell, January 10
Janelle Sikes, January 14
Cindy McCrary, January 15
Wayne Watts, January 15
Charo, January 15
Larry Reid, January 16
Artis Spencer, January 18
Steve Brinson, January 19
Cynthia Dean, January 20
David Hammonds, January 21
Sandra Rodrick, January 21
Bob Dickerson, January 22
Pat Floyd, January 24
Austin Nation, January 27
Ruby Straley, January 29
Franklin Roosevelt, January 30
Donna Parks, January 31
February 2018 Newsletter Deadline
The deadline to get information into the February 2018 Newsletter is Tuesday, January 30th. 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