At The Crossroads
March 2019 Newsletter from Crossroads UMC
Dear Church,
As many of you know, this past week there was a special session of General Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, discussing the future of the United Methodist Church. The Commission on the Way Forward spent two years in prayer, discernment, and hard work to come up with three different options that would be voted on at General Conference. We are a global denomination, and 864 delegates from around the world met to weigh each option carefully. In the end the Traditional Plan was approved, which maintains our current language regarding homosexuality, prohibiting pastors from officiating same sex weddings, and prohibiting self-avowed practicing homosexuals from seeking ordination.
However, much of the Traditional Plan as proposed is believed to be unconstitutional, and may not be enforceable. It has now been sent to the Judicial Council to determine which parts of the plan can go into effect. They will meet in April, and we will know more soon. If it is deemed constitutional, the plan will go into effect January 1, 2020. If it is deemed unconstitutional, it will not stand. So for now, we wait.
While there are many who are relieved and excited about the vote, there are many who are disappointed and upset. Our denomination is made up of traditionalists, moderates, and progressives, and it has become increasingly more difficult to see eye to eye on this stance. We asked our Bishops to help us find a way forward. Many of the Bishops supported the One Church Plan, which would’ve allowed for each congregation and each pastor to choose where they stand, while the denomination as a whole could remain together as United Methodist. Many of our Bishops believe that we are stronger together, and yet they do not get to participate in voting. So the delegation has voted, both laity and clergy in equal numbers.
What does this mean for us at Crossroads? The good news is, our mission has not changed. We are still committed to making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We are still committed to gathering together for worship each Sunday, studying the scriptures, offering our prayers, and serving together. We are still committed to reaching out to our neighbor, being a welcoming church, and seeking for all to know Jesus Christ. We are still committed to seeking justice, offering hope, and loving one another just as Christ has loved us. We are still committed to upholding our baptismal vows of accepting the freedom and power God gives us to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves.
As your pastor, I want you to know that you are loved and all are welcome at Crossroads UMC. Let us continue to be in prayer with and for one another as we move forward in our mission and continue to serve together.
Peace,
Rev. Julie Schendel
UPCOMING EVENTS
ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6TH AT 6:00PM
Ash Wednesday is the 40-day season leading up to Easter where we reflect on scripture, the story of Jesus’ last week before the crucifixion, and our own sinfulness and mortality. We are invited to repent and turn our thoughts back to Christ, releasing our old way of life, and embracing a new life that embodies Jesus and all of his teachings. Join us March 6th to begin this season in prayer and reflection as we receive the sign of the cross on our foreheads.
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS!
John Luke Sr. Memorial Service
There will be a memorial service for John Luke, Sr. on Saturday, March 16th at 1:00pm in the Sanctuary. Everyone is invited to attend this service. The family will receive friends before the service at noon, and there will be a reception immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made
in memory of John Luke, Sr. to Crossroads UMC.
Candy Donations Needed
We are collecting candy for our Easter egg hunt on Wednesday, April 10th. Candy donations will be collected through April 8th. No chocolate please, as it tends to melt. You may leave your candy in the basket in the Narthex. We are also looking for volunteers to help with this event. See Ginger Peek for more information.
CELEBRATIONS!
pAJAMAS FOR THE uNITED METHODIST CHILDREN'S HOME
United Methodist Women
Piecemakers Quilters Backpack Project
ongoing ministries
Men's Club Breakfast
Rockdale Emergency Relief
We collect food donations for Rockdale Emergency Relief on the first Sunday of each month. On Sunday, March 3rd, you may leave your donations in the cart in the Narthex.
Items needed this month are:
Elbow Macaroni
Pork & Beans
Dessert Mixes
Condiments (Catsup, Mustard, Mayo)
Shelf Stable Milk or Powdered Milk
CLEO's
"CLEO" (Christian Ladies Eating Out) will meet at Mandarin Garden on Tuesday, March 5th at 12:00pm.
Happy Hearts
Retired and inspired members of the church will gather at O'Charley's. Join us Friday, March 8th at 11:30am.
Exploring Arts
United Methodist Women
Wednesday Night Supper
The Walton Gang Breakfast
The Piecemakers Quilters
Youth Group
The Youth Group meets every Wednesday, 5:30-7:15pm . All Youth 6th-12th grades are invited!
Kid's Club
Every Wednesday at 5:30pm-7:15pm. Kid's Club has fun, games, refreshments, choir and learning the Bible in a fun way! All kids Kindergarten through 5th grade are welcome!
March Worship Volunteers
March 3rd
8:45am
Scripture: Julian Harwell
Holy Communion: David & Cheryl Copple, Nancy Jackson
Audio: John Schaal
Video: David Elder
11:00am
Scripture: Brenda Hutson
Acolyte: Ben Helton
Holy Communion: Steve & Susan Brinson, Sandra Rodrick
Audio: Reggie Charles
Video: Fred Wastson
8:45am
Scripture: Cindy Watts
Audio: John Schaal
Video: Brandon Thomas
11:00am
Scripture: Steve Brinson
Acolyte: Evan Boyd
Audio: Susan Smith
Video: Jennifer Edwards
March 17th
8:45am
Scripture: Joel Crissman
Audio: John Schaal
Video: David Elder
11:00am
Scripture: Susan Brinson
Acolyte: Lily Moon
Audio: Susan Smith
Video: Jennifer Edwards
March 24th
8:45am
Scripture: Tanya Hunt
Audio: John Schaal
Video: Brandon Thomas
11:00am
Scripture: Brenda Edwards
Acolyte: Sadie Moon
Audio: Theresa Jones
Video: Michelle Sinclair
March 31st
8:45am
Scripture: Bruce Carey
Audio: John Schaal
Video: David Elder
11:00am
Scripture: Jennifer Edwards
Acolyte: Ben Helton
Audio: Theresa Jones
Video: Michelle Sinclair
April 7th
8:45am
Scripture: David Copple
Holy Communion: Grady & Roxanne Dukes, David Elder
Audio: John Schaal
Video: Brandon Thomas
11:00am
Scripture: Charlene Hutson
Holy Communion: Bobby & Sheri Hanson, Sherry Wheeler
Acolyte: Lily Moon
Audio: Fred Watson
Video: Sandra Rodrick
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.
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
Martha Bryant
2592 Abbey Ridge Road
Conyers GA 30094
770-483-4648
Mattie Lou Hammonds
1239 Milstead Avenue
Conyers GA 30012
770-483-7162
Happy Birthday! March 2019
Erin Peper 03/01
Marty Boyd 03/03
Barbara Finlayson 03/04
Emily Page 03/04
Mark Carroll 03/06
Joyce Howe 03/06
Howard Rowe 03/07
Robert Thomas 03/07
Judy Compton 03/08
Helen Rooks 03/09
Martha Wright 03/10
Stacey McCalmon 03/11
Melissa Thomas 03/13
Taye Pierce 03/15
Susan Brinson 03/16
Donna Peek 03/16
Stephanie Dana 03/17
Lindsey Preiss 03/18
Selina Koil 03/20
Mark Peper 03/23
Luvicia Bryant 03/24
William Lea 03/24
Jeremy Ridgway 03/24
Diane Reagan 03/25
Deborah Willis 03/27
Grady Dukes 03/30
Mayce Page 03/30
Bryce Edwards 03/31
April 2019 Newsletter Deadline
The deadline to get information into the April 2019 Newsletter is Wednesday, March 27th. Submit all articles, information, and pictures to admin@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 admin@crossroadsumc.net or 770-388-7438.
Crossroads United Methodist Church
Office Hours
Monday - Thursday
9:00AM - 2:00PM
Email: admin@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