Sean Bolli on a mission...

Sean Bolli, who starting attending Crossroads in 2006 left this past fall for an internship with 'YWAM' or Youth With A Mission. He went through several months of training, and how he's getting hands-on experience in the Dominican Republic. He wrote to me this morning that he's been ministering in orphanages, to those who have leprosy, and even prostitutes. Join me in asking God to use Sean in big ways. Sean will return home later this spring.
Sean at an orphanage.

Doing a skit for those with leprosy.

Baby Boom Continues...

In case you haven't noticed, everybody is having babies! There are 7 expecting couples in Crossroads, and I couldn't be prouder of this group. Strong marriages, strong commitment to Christ and to each other is going to lead to some above-average kids! The latest...
Matt Kessler holds Brooke Kessler! Brooke arrived to Matt & Cessiah Kessler on Monday.
Shane Birr holds Serena Renee Birr! Serena was born to Shane & Anitra Birr on January 6!

Very Interesting...

I'm not responsible for the following link, but I find this counter voice long over-due. www.slicedlaodicea.com.

I'll have more to say on this when I return from Hawaii!

Jon

Crossroads on Ice 2006

Here are our performers...
Here's Crossroads on concrete...
Deric, Rachel and Eric smiling
Rachel being herself
Nobody minds posing for the camera
A sister moment...Jessie & Danielle Shadd
Ryan and Paul catch up on a trip around the rink
Some people didn't skate as much as they ought...Windy, Amanda, Kristin & Cheryl

New Year's Eve...

It's already the end of 2006, and what better way to bring in the new year than with friends! On Sunday at 6pm the church will be gathering in the gym for appetizers and a look back at 2006 through pictures and video. This is always a highlight, so make plans to be there.

Afterwards, you're invited over to the Kasper's, where we'll have snacks, games, and more as the night unfolds. Your friends are welcome too. This will start at apx. 8:30

The Kaspers live at 3138 W. Briarwood Dr. in Franklin. Map

3rd Annual Crossroads on Ice Tonight!

Join your friends from Crossroads tonight for ice skating downtown! Skate rental is $5, and if you own your skates, it’s free. We will be meet­ing at 7pm at the rink, which is located across from the Marcus Center, at Water St. and Kilbourn Ave. There is a Starbucks rinkside, so you don’t need to worry about getting the chills. See you there! (There is no church tonight due to Christmas events)

Crossroads Christmas Party

Cool Shirts...

There is a guy from our church, Jordan, who has opened a kiosk at Mayfair Mall selling some pretty cool Christian T-shirts. Stephanie and I were shopping there yesterday, and we each found good gifts there. After talking to Jordan, I was able to see that this is a visible ministry in the midst of the busiest mall in the state, and I know he'd love a visit from you! His stand is located on the 1st floor in front of Express!

A Checklist for Change...

In Sunday School this past week we discussed how change can be a major hurdle in having a beneficial attitude. Here are some questions that should be asked anytime a change is considered:

• Will this benefit the followers?
• Is this change compatible with the purpose of the organization?
• Is this change specific and clear?
• Are the top 20 percent (the influencers) in favor of this change?
• Is it possible to test this change before making a total commitment to it?
• Are physical, financial, and human resources available to make this change?
• Is this change reversible?
• Is this change the next obvious step?
• Does this change have both short- and long-range benefits?
• Is the leadership capable of bringing about this change?
• Does everything else indicate the timing is right?

List is from The Difference Maker by John Maxwell.

The Story: Christmas 2006 Pictures

Crossroads Christmas Party

Make plans to join us for great food, games & fun this Saturday at the Crossroads Christmas Party! We will be meeting at the home of Jen Bernander in Franklin, and you can view a map here. Jen will be making some 'gourmet' food, Sandy Gudelsky will be baking her famous lasagna, and of course great desserts. There will be a white elephant gift exchange, so start hitting up the thrift stores (A white elephant gift is meant to be cheap and funny: entertainment is the goal)! We will be collecting $6 from each person to cover the costs of the food preparation. Please sign up by this Wednesday at church or at crossroads@oakcreekag.org. Your friends are welcome.

A new look for a good cause...This Sunday!

Cut-A-Thon for Rob Wagner, brother of Jerad Pearson

19 year old Rob, an area resident for over 15 years and an outstanding young man, has recently been diagnosed with childhood bone cancer. With Robs tenacity and love of his family and friends, we know this is just another hurdle Rob will overcome!!!

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10 2006, 10AM-6PM
Studio 890 Salon in Brookfield
Located in the Galleria Shopping Center (behind Kopps) 18900 West Bluemound Road, For more information call (262) 785-2890. 100% of all services will be donated to assist the family with expenses related to the treatment 10% of product and boutique purchases also will be donated to benefit. Cost is $20 for haircuts. And there will also be massage available.

I will be there, and I hope to see you too!

Wednesday at 7pm...

Crossroads Sunday School

Thinking of the big picture...

Wow, last week in Crossroads was incredible. To hear so many of you share what God has done in you and through you in 2006 was very moving, and a tremendous reminder that we have much to be thankful for. Through many conversations this week, I am reminded of how blessed we are to have each other, and what an influence we can have for God when we work together. So whether things for you are going great, so-so, or not so good, take time to think up, and see the big picture of how God loves and leads us.

Tonight, our church family will meet together in the Sanctuary at 7 pm for a special one hour Thanksgiving service, where we’ll be looking at Psalms 117, and the example of gratitude. Make plans to be there, and to eat afterwards!

Next week in Crossroads is “The Net”, where will discuss how to use the internet for our good and the good of others. Plus real vs. virtual relationships! And save the date: The Crossroads Christmas Party is December 16!

This Monday, November 20th you're invited to Stephanie and Rachel's apartment on the east side to hang out. Come on over anytime after 7:30, and bring something to eat. You'll watch a movie, look at jewelry, and do other girl stuff. If you have questions, you can contact Steph at mu_ricangirl@hotmail.com. Steph and Rachel live at 2508 E. Belleview Place, #33, in Milwaukee.

Boundless Magazine has a great article on the decision whether to have alcohol served at a wedding. You can read the article here. I agree with his conclusion that the question to be asked is "how can we honor God in this wedding?" Your thoughts?

Nate Turner has posted some great pictures from the 'Sunday After Dark' worship night on October 29. The pictures are in the gallery on the church website, and you can view them here. I would be interested to hear what you thought of this event. I want to express thanks to the many in Crossroads that worked so hard to make this an incredible night.

Mike, Rachel, Hillary, Justin & I returned with our group from Israel this morning, and we can't wait to share some details of this incredible place with you tonight. We'll show some beautiful pictures, give away flutes from Bethlehem, and we'll pass around a an artifact that is 2,000 years old: a widow's mite. Come see why Jesus made such a big deal out of this small coin. Plus, Tonto, a missionary to Mexico will give us an update of what's happening south of the border. See you tonight at 7!