Crosspointe Community Church

August 2006

E-Newsletter

In this Issue:

From the Pastor

Evangelism Update

Family Forum

Suitcases

Wilson Baby Shower

Bagwell / Durand Wedding

Kids Corner

Hispanic Outreach Opportunities

NFCC

Building and Grounds Update

ABC's

Nursery & Preschool Ministry

Ledford Update

Parent Prayer Points

Dates and Events

Who is this man?

My first encounters with Ezekiel were a bit awkward.  I met him on my first trip to South Africa six years ago.  Each time I would go to Soshanguve’s shanty town Section 12, Ezekiel would be there to greet me with a customary handshake and a big smile.  He does speak some English but his words are strangely slurred.  Understanding what he tries to communicate is often a challenge.  However, my bigger struggle has been how to “look him in the eye” when conversing.  His left eye is always squinted and his right eye slants downward to the right.

Ezekiel is a gentle and quiet man.  His love for Jesus and people is evident.  But what has intrigued me most is his simple, childlike faith.  He is at every VBS session.  He sings every song…mimic’s every musical motion…makes every craft…AND he has the T-shirts to prove it.  I think he wore the T-shirt we gave in 2004 everyday of this year's VBS.  During these few years together I have developed a genuine respect and appreciation for this sweet man.  But it wasn’t until this year that I got to know more about Ezekiel’s personal story.

Ezekiel, 61 years old, was born mute.  After becoming a Christian, God healed him.  Through personal diligence he has learned to speak, although sometimes slurred.  Ezekiel has a profound knowledge of God’s Word and joins with Peter Black as one of the church leaders.  The more I have come to know Ezekiel the more I’m drawn to him.  By the end of this trip, I wanted to let him know how special he had become to me.

Felicia had captured a picture of me and Ezekiel talking (one of the 4,000 she took).  I decided I would get it printed and framed to give him.  I could hardly wait.  When the time came for parting goodbye’s I handed Ezekiel the gift and said, “You are a great man and God has developed a special place in my heart for you.  I want you to have this to remind you of our partnership.  Every time you look at this, please pray for me and our church in America.”  Ezekiel glanced at the photo, grinned from ear to ear, and then gave me a big handshake and hug.  But it was his words that blew me away.

Pointing to himself in the photo, he asked, “Who is this man?”  I gave him a startled grin and responded, “That’s you Ezekiel, that’s you!”  We laughed together and then he clutched the gift to his chest and walked to his hut to put it safely away.

Wow!  He didn’t know what he looked like.  Ezekiel may not be able to recognize himself in a photo…but I’m convinced he has no problem recognizing Jesus.  I believe he knows exactly what his Comforter, Friend and Savior looks like. 

Right then and there God provided a fresh reminder of what all this is really about…IT’S ABOUT JESUS!

·         It’s about OBEDIENCE to Him.  God has been working in Soshunguve and opened the door for a partnership with Peter Black and the people.  In obedience, He invites us to GO to the ends of the earth, share the good news of Jesus Christ, and be an instrument of encouragement to the church and the leadership God birthed in that place.

·         It’s about WITNESSING JESUS & WHAT HE CAN DO.  Seeing the pure joy, the simple faith and the radiance of Jesus in the faces and lives of people like Ezekiel challenges our Western quest for “more” by demonstrating that Jesus truly is all we need.

·         It’s about BEING & RECEIVING GOD’S BLESSINGS.  I assure you…I received far more than I gave while in South Africa.  “Who is this man?”  I’ll never forget that encounter.  In that moment, God gave me an awesome gift I’ll clutch in my heart forever.  It was a picture of one who has “fixed their eyes on Jesus”…totally selfless, perfectly content.  Needless to say, it’s not awkward for me to “look him in the eye” anymore.  When I look at Ezekiel I see the face of Jesus.

I worship God for the privilege of participating in the 2006 “Live the Adventure” trip to South Africa.  I am humbled by the partnership we have with our friends there.  I am, also, very thankful for each of you who have made all this possible through your continued prayers and support.

For His Glory,

Mike

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NIV)

The BIG Picture…

Crosspointe’s Mission: To experience and express the HEART of God as we reach the unchurched and disciple believers in becoming whole-hearted followers of Jesus Christ

Crosspointe’s Evangelism Goals:

EVERY MEMBER IS…

ü      Equipped to share their faith

ü      Sharing the Good News where they are (inviting and including)

ü      Reaching beyond cultural barriers (cultural, socio-economic &/or language differences)

ü      Going on (at least one) &/or Participating in International mission

OUR CONGREGATION IS…

ü      Sending out career missionaries internationally

ü      Starting churches and/by sending out church planters

ü      Partnering with others to further God’s work

In 2006 we have experienced 4 major outreach events & 4 major mission efforts

OUTREACH: Concert (March), Easter (April), BYBC’s (June), Water bottle Outreach (July)

MISSION: Thailand (Feb), Hispanic Church (April), South Africa (July), Vision Atlanta (Aug.)

During these last 7 months…

Ø      Many individuals have learned to share their faith (through one-on-one, classes, outreach & mission events)

Ø      40 to 50 people have participated in reaching beyond cultural barriers (Hispanic Church & Vision Atlanta)

Ø      27 people traveled to South Africa to share & serve (For 11 it was their first international mission and for 3 others it was their 1^st trip with Crosspointe)

Ø      Dozens more invested time, effort and/or money to support our outreach and international projects

Exciting & humbling:

We have been privileged to personally witness more than 200 individuals receive Jesus Christ as Savior

            South Africa: 165         Backyard Bible Club: 28           March outreach: 12     

We have been privileged to partner & participate in ministry efforts where an additional 200+ have been saved.

Bottom-line:

None of this would have been possible without the whole church family and other partners working together

Let’s CELEBRATE what God has done

“My name will be great among the nations, from the rising to the setting of the sun.” says the LORD Almighty. Malachi 1:11 (NIV)

Family forums (normally held on the 1st Wednesday of each month, see date change) are a time for Crosspointe to come together as a church family to share experiences and insights and also to pray for church-wide concerns.  Everyone is encouraged to attend.  The next family forum will be held on:

August 23 @ 7:00pm

Topics will include:

• Next Steps in staff member for Student Ministry
• Budget
• Building & Grounds (BAG) Team
• Truth Project - Fall Emphasis
• September Priorities/Opportunities

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Going on a Trip? If you are and find you are missing a suitcase, you may want to check out the church parlor where several remain following our mission trip. You may pick them up during the week or on Sunday.

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Ladies,

As you all know there's a baby girl coming soon.

The Wilson's are preparing by fixing up her little room.

Bonnets, bibs, diapers galore,

But we know that it will all run out soon so they'll need much more!

That's why we thought we could show Mindy and Natalie our love

Through a baby shower with pink punch, pink flowers, and pink streamers above.

So if you haven't guessed, you’re invited to this fun-filled occasion

And if you have any questions call Valerie or Courtney for the information.

We hope to see you there; we know you just can't wait

To have some fun, share some laughs and especially congratulate.

Thank you all for your support and love for The Wilson's and family through this amazing time in their lives!

What: A Baby Shower!

Who: Mindy (& Natalie) Wilson 

When: Wednesday, August 9th at 7:00pm

Where: Charley & Jan Hood's Home

515 Trotters Ridge Roswell, GA 30075 

(Devereaux Downs/State Street Subdivision)

*Mindy & Kelly are registered at Target and Babies-R-Us

***Please RSVP by August 5th***

Courtney Lee: 678-296-4483 (cell); coco@infomart-usa.com

Valerie Le: 678-787-5208 (cell); 678-624-7699 (home); vja5@yahoo.com

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“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy”. Psalm 126:3

Vickie Bagwell and Jim Durand invite you to share their joy at their wedding,

August 26, 2006 at 7:30 in the evening at

Crosspointe Community Church.

Following the ceremony, a dessert reception

will be held at the church.

*R.S.V.P. by August 13th

to jim@crosspointeonline.org

Or call (770) 754-1119

Your presence is your gift to us.

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Kids Corner is Closed for the Summer &

will resume meeting in the Fall.

Tammy Minear

770-509-7725 (home)

404-428-7658 (cell)

fminear1@bellsouth.net

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Would you be interested in helping teach English to the Hispanic Community in September?  Or maybe volunteer at a  Health Fair in October?  If so, please check the information card in Sunday's bulletin or contatct Miguel & Maria Montenegro (678-464-1977, TINITOS@msn.com) to receive more information about these and other opportunities.

BACK TO SCHOOL

School supplies are being collected through the month of August, for North Fulton Community Charities.  During the tax free weekend of August 3-6, please purchase  a duplicate order of your child’s supplies and donate to the NFCC Back-to-School Drive in our lobby basket.

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The BAG task force has been diligently working over the summer months securing estimates for window replacement, damaged wood replacement, painting, window washing and janitorial services. Don’t be surprised if you walk in some Sunday morning in the next six weeks to find the building looking really spruced up! Hats of to this team headed up by Gary Long, including Mark Malte, Kelly Wilson, Gale Long and Marsha Feldman as they address facility issues. Please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts with any members of this task force and know new team members are welcomed! In closing, it is all our responsibility to see that our building, God’s house, is treated with respect and cared for. Thank you for helping achieve this!

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Sunday Mornings, 9:30am, 3rd floor (Suite 310)

This Sunday morning at 9:30 join in on a forum for adults of all ages and stages of life.  Each week is a refreshing journey through one of the Psalms… and perhaps the Psalm will journey through you.  Expect lots of interaction and fun.  Special seating is available for those who bring cinnamon rolls or equivalent. 

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I have volunteered alongside other members in the Preschool Department since our family first attended Crosspointe nearly 12 years ago.  I would never have imagined an offer to help coordinate the extended session schedule would grow into directing the Preschool Ministry.  Each child is precious to Jesus.  He continues to say, “Let the children come to me.”  I want to continue working with Him as He reaches out to children. 

God is currently opening up paths for us to minister as a family to a young family in our community without an intimate relationship with God.    We will keep the 8-month old daughter of our former neighbors, a few days a week as her mother teaches. This will necessitate changes in my outside commitments.  I will continue as Preschool Director through August 27, 2006.  It has been one of my heart’s desires to minister to families with my family.  I am thrilled to see the Father working within our home and within our community and that I get to be a part of it.  It will be a huge change for us (we are child-proofing our house, again), but God always requires an adjustment and faith when we follow Him. 

 Similar changes will be made here at Crosspointe.  Please continue to minister to our children as I step from a lead role into a supporting role here at church in order to follow God at home.

Dear Church Family,

Peggy and I want to thank each of you for your love, prayers, kindness and gifts which have enabled us to settle back into life here in America.  It truly is good to be back home after moving seven times in the past six years!  Does this give you a sense that we may be somewhat like Gypsies?

We are amazed at how God has used the CCC family and individuals to enrich our lives in the purchase of a house and to physically move into our new home.  All this started more than six months before we returned as the church family began praying.  The need was kept before the church and it was awesome to see the Lord provide.  Even when the temporary housing did not work out due to flooding the Lord opened another restful place in Ellijay for us to stay temporarily.     

Time and space does not permit us to name each individual but you know who you are.  I will just mention categories of kindnesses and love that was shown to us.  Peggy and I are deeply grateful to each individual and thankful to God for the following:

1. Those who provided housing or made your home a haven of rest for us.

2. You who took us into your home and heart as well as providing meals.

3. Those who diligently prayed and looked for the type of housing we needed to come on the market.

4. Those who shared wise advice and information with us.

5. All who provided furnishings for our house.             

6. The sweat (sacrifice) in collecting, storing and moving all the furniture to our house, and for assistance in repairs.

7. Your special concern and prayer relating to Peggy’s fall and wounded arm. It is almost healed.

Both of us can truly say we have seen the Lord do mighty and miraculous things in and through the CCC family on our behalf.  Again, we want to just express our heart felt appreciation.  From our hearts we can truly say we love you.  It is a great blessing to belong to His family and the CCC family.

In His love and grace,

Clarence and Peggy

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School has started and with that comes excitement as well as anxiety. Taking a few moments prior to your child’s school day to pray with them helps to develop confident dependence on God for whatever the day may bring.  The prayer doesn’t have to be long. One Crosspointe family has each child write down what they would like their parents to be praying for them on a particular day. Also, think about taking a couple of minutes and pray over your child as they sleep. God is interested in every detail of our lives, including any anxious thoughts your child may have. Children will model what they see and hear. Parental prayers to the Heavenly Father will help establish and nurture the discipline of prayer in their lives. Be sure to model a prayer of thankfulness too when those prayers are answered!

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*Printed copies of the August calendars are available in the lobby.

*Be sure to check the online calendar on the Crosspointe website for any changes & updates.

IMPORTANT DATES 

• July 30 - August 5, Vision Atlanta Camp

• August 1 - Cherokee County - 1st Day of School

• August 13 - 2006/2007 Proposed Budget Presentation, 10:45am

• August 14 - Cobb Co., Fellowship, Fulton Co. - 1st Day of School

• August 23 - Family Forum, 7pm

• August 26 - Bagwell/Durand Wedding

• August 27 - 2006/2007 Budget Vote, 10:45am

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