Crosspointe Community Church

June 2005 E-Newsletter

In this Issue:

From the Pastor

New Sermon Series

Ledford Lens - Ukraine Update

Lost and Found

Prayer

Metanioa Church Plant Update

This Month's Ministry Spotlight

Baby Shower

Family Forum

Back Yard Bible Clubs

CLASS

What's Up at the Pointe?

North Fulton Community Charities food drive

DivorceCare

Upcoming Calendar Dates

I am on a Delta jet.  The other 7 “Deese family” members are with me…scattered throughout the plane.  This article is the final task before I click into vacation mode (our first “vacation” in years not connected to a baseball tournament).  I’m really looking forward to this time away.  I’m sure we will have fun.  We will experience some “drama” too.  There will surely be stories to tell…always are with eight!

Like everyone else during a vacation, I will try to leave behind the busyness, the routine and the stress of “everyday” life.  However, I can’t leave behind what God has been impressing on me the last few months.  It’s been brewing for awhile.  Our study of 1 John caused it to boil.  Other “God-moment” circumstances and conversations heightened the need for deliberate and courageous response.

It’s VACATION TIME!  A vacation from the busyness, the routines and the demands of our culture.  A vacation to the beauty, the rest and the place of God.  A vacation from our ways of doing church.  A vacation to The Way of life and community transformation.

Reggie Joiner, Founder of the reThink Group based in Alpharetta, addresses the importance of rethinking church.  His words in a recent article articulate the stirring in me that won’t let go:

“Statistics continue to indicate that the church is losing ground in today's culture. Despite clear warnings about the decline of church participation, most churches continue to do business as usual. Too many ministries continue to function with their current customer base, even though they are not making significant inroads into the communities around them.”

 

He closes the article with this challenge:

“I guess the real question you need to answer in the light of our culture is simply:  Do you think the church needs to change?  In other words, is there something in you that believes that the church, especially your church, should not continue to do ministry for the next generation the way you have for the current generation?  If the answer to these questions is 'yes,' then it is only logical that you become intentional in rethinking…everything.”

Every spiritual movement in history started because someone was willing to take a chance. They were men and women who dared to 'rethink' what they believed and what they were actually responsible for doing in the name of the church.

Two thousand years ago, the apostle Paul rejected the notion that Christians had to preserve the traditions of the Jewish faith in order to establish the church. As a result, congregations sprang up across the Roman Empire and the Gentile world.

A little over 1500 years later, Martin Luther came face-to-face with the concept of being 'justified by faith.' He nailed a list of complaints to a church door and exposed an entire generation to the idea of a personal relationship with God based on faith, not works.

Even recently, men like Rick Warren and Bill Hybels have challenged traditional churches in their approach to make disciples and reach their communities. In the past decade, thousands of churches have been re-engineered or launched around a new agenda. They are consumed with the priority of reaching the majority of the population - people who have become disengaged or disinterested in the church.

At Crosspointe Community Church we are at a great place for God-sized changes…in us and in our community.  Right now I’m on vacation.  And I’m going to be doing some thinking and rethinking.  I invite you to join me, not where I am geographically but where I am mentally and spiritually.  Let’s take a chance…and do some rethinking…together.

Blessings,

Mike

PS – We’ll talk about what we’ve been “rethinking” about in a few weeks…I can’t wait!

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Love in Action

A team-taught series through 1 John

May 29 – Love In Action: Jesus said that man cannot possess a greater love than to lay down his life for his friends. In 1 John, we learn that Jesus’ death on our behalf is more than an example, but an opportunity to experience love.

June 5 – Shaped In Love: Children of God are formed in love. It is from the depths of God’s love that our understanding and capacity to love one another flow.

June 12 – Love Conquers All: What does it mean to truly be free to experience life? How does Christ’s presence empower us to live the Christian life? Are we still condemned for our sins? 2,000 years ago, John instructed his young Church that love conquers all.

June 19 – Confident In Love: We know that God hears us when we pray in Jesus’ name. We know that God keeps us safe from the evil one. We know that the world is controlled by the evil one and that we are no longer under his control. We know that we are in Christ. We know…

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THANK YOU :

• For praying for people who need and/or receive freedom, healing, truth, and grace.

• For praying for  us during the last seven weeks of ministry and training here in Eastern Ukraine.

• For praying that those being equipped for New Covenant ministry  will expereince and share what they are learning. 

• For the safety  of mother and grandchild during the upcoming surgery  and birth. 

• For  safety in travel from Ukraine and back.  Also for our move to Dnepropetrovsk in July.

 If you would like to join our support team you can do so by sending your gift to:  

Grace Ministries Intl.

131 Village Parkway, NE Building #4

Marietta, GA 30067

(Please mark donations: "for Ledford's Ukraine Ministry.")

DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING: 

We have come to the end of five weeks of training here in Dnepropetrovs'k, Ukraine.  Two of these weeks were what we call Spiritual Formation.  This deals with issues in a persons life which keep them in bondage and prevents spiritual growth.  The subjects are topics like forgiveness, security, concept of God and co-dependence.  There were 14 people in this module.  Those receiving the training acknowledged that they were blessed and challenged during this time.  Our goal as we teach and train is transformation of lives rather than just giving information.

Then we went on to a Counselor Training Module in English.  It was a blessing to have two national church planters taking this training which will effect their lives and their ministries till Jesus comes!  Also involved was an English speaking Ukrainian lady who teaches at the Bible School  and will be leading the counseling ministry for the school.  Another student was a missionary kid who the Lord worked deeply in her life.  He impacted her so much that she cannot imagine not being used of God to bring blessing, hope, freedom, healing and growth to others.

We do want to express our sincere appreciation to our home church (Crosspointe) for sending Tammy Minear out to assist us with the training and to train teachers in children's ministry.  She trained teachers from 8  Ukrainian churches as well as assisting in the three week Counselor Training module.  Also we want to say a heart felt thank you to Frank and the children for allowing Tammy to be away from them for over three weeks.

CHALLENGE:  It has been a real challenge to find a place to live here in this city.  We thought it was all settled but the arrangements fell though.  While here we were so busy with training that we had little time to look for a future place to live.  The Lord promised us He would provide and we would have a pleasant surprise.  He is seldom early and never late!  The third and last apartment we looked at was the one.  It truly was a pleasant surprise.  We settled the rental agreement on Thursday evening.  It is really comforting to have a place to move into when we arrive back in Dnepropetrovsk in July.

BIRTH OF GRANDCHILD:  Peggy and I will be arriving in Atlanta on Wednesday, June 1 for the birth of our fourth granddaughter.  This is the first child of Scott and Miriam.  The baby's due date was June 10.  However, the doctors believe that such a small mommy (Miriam) would not be able to deliver such a large baby.  So, they have scheduled a C-section on Tuesday, May 31.  This means we will miss the birth by one day!   However, we will be there to assist Scott and Miriam with the baby during the recovery time from surgery.

RETURN TO UKRAINE:  Lord willing, we will return to L'viv in early July for packing and the sale of household items.  We move to Dnepropetrovs'k the last of July.  We will be opening a training and counseling center here for the Bible school.  It is exciting to see the Lord raising up Bible school teachers and their wives as well as nationals to participate in and to carry on this ministry in the future.  Our fall season is already fully booked with conferences and training in churches and at the school.

In His love and grace,

Clarence and Peggy Ledford

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Several Bibles are residing at the information table in the second drawer. Also, parents, please check outside the Kids Corner for lost items that have been turned in.  THANKS!

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Due to the passing of the HEPA privacy act, we can no longer list names and illnesses without the written permission of that individual. Our first prayer station is always our personal prayer time, followed by our individual Life Group. Trust God to know the person's name and details surrounding the health concern.  

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Metanoia Church Plant Update:

Metanoia Church Plant Update

It’s happening! Our final Sunday at Crosspointe is rapidly approaching. Kim and I are excited at God’s provision and his direction as we have been preparing for this Kingdom venture. Here are a few updates on the Metanoia Church plant (Ellicott City, MD):

Commissioning Service: Our final Sunday and commissioning service is June 26^th. Please make an effort to be here in support of Kim and I and of the new plant.

Prayer Updates: I am in the process of building a prayer team that is committed to praying for Kim and I on a regular basis. Prayer team members receive regular prayer updates via email usually once every-other-week. If you are interested in being a part of our prayer support base, please email me at: metanoiachurch@gmail.com.

Financial Support: Financial support from Churches and organizations is strong; however, we are still lacking in individual/family support. If you are interested in supporting us above and beyond your regular tithe offerings at Crosspointe through a one-time gift or monthly support, please email me at: metanoiachurch@gmail.com.

Church Planter Assessment: Kim and I will be in Maryland for a week in mid-June for Church Planter Assessment through the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware. A lot of potential yearly funding is pending a successful assessment! Please pray for us and for those conducting our assessment on June 13-14.

Feldman Family: We have closed on our new home in Baltimore and Kim has a teaching position with Howard County Schools. Please continue to pray for me to find part-time work in the community beginning this summer.

Thank you for your continued prayer and support!

Grace and peace,

Adam Feldman

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Thank you to the Kann family for your faithful service!  We will miss you!

Shortly after moving to Roswell from the Chicago area just over a year ago, Rich, Angie, Ricky and Jacob Kann began attending Crosspointe. During this time, Rich and Angie have connected with the Tuesday night young marrieds small group and began to volunteer with extended session. Most recently, Rich has served our Church “behind-the-scenes” in the area of multimedia. Rich filmed and edited one of the videos shown at last year’s Christmas Banquet and he prepares the PowerPoint presentations for our Sunday morning worship services each week. The Kann family will be moving back to Chicago in early June. We are sad to see them go, but wanted to honor Rich and Angie as outstanding volunteers at our Church!

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Crosspointe is blessed with babies to be!!! 

Here are the details for some upcoming baby showers!

**Long & Valerie Le are having a baby girl! All Crosspointe Women are invited to a baby shower honoring Caroline Grace, due to arrive in July. The shower will be held on Monday, June 6, at the home of Rhonda Lantz, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

• The Le's are registered at Babies r Us.

• Call Mindy in the office for more information (770-640-9959).

• Please sign up on the information card in Sunday's Bulletin to RSVP.

**Tommy and Lyn Donehower are anticipating the arrival of their baby boy, Thomas Maverick!!!  Lyn's shower will be held at Jessica Butcher's home on Monday, June 27 6:30pm. 

• The Donehowers are registered at Babies-R-Us and Target.

• Call Jessica Butcher for more info. (770-552-1961)

• Please sign up on the information card in Sunday's Bulletin to RSVP.

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Family forums (held on the 1st Wednesday of each month) 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 forums will be held upstairs  (in the Life School Suite 310) on:

June 1 @ 7:00pm

Topics will include:

• Maryland Church Plant updates

• Student Ministry - feedback and next steps

• BackYard Bible Clubs

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“On your mark, get set, go!”

Get ready for this summer’s Backyard Bible Clubs, titled “In the Race!”   This year we are running clubs to reach local children and their parents in three neighborhoods:

• Jefferson Township (East Cobb) – Hosts Steve & Michelle Meadows

• Kiveton Park (Central Roswell) – Hosts Mike & Felicia Deese

• Liberty Square (East-Central Roswell) – Hosts Glenn & Julia Renfro

Clubs will run July 25-29, from 9:30am-12pm. Register your children to attend a club by filling out a registration card at the BYBC booth in the church lobby. Please also consider serving as a volunteer. Backyard Bible Clubs are our major summer outreach, but they aren’t possible without people fulfilling many necessary roles. Read this list and see what matches your gifts and passions:

• Director (need 3): the person in charge, making sure the BYBC program runs smoothly each day. They help keep volunteers organized so that the club runs according to schedule, not skipping any significant activity.

• Super Shopper: purchases all materials needed for BYBC

• First Aid (need 3): helps with cuts and scrapes

• Photographer (need 1): travels between clubs to take pictures

• Receptionist (need 3): helps register children each day

• Games Leader/Helper

• Music Leader/Helper

• Craft Leader/Helper

• Story Teller

• BYBC Helper: helps out wherever there is a need

• Block Party Champion (need 3): heads up the planning and execution of a neighborhood block party. Location depends on each neighborhood. It will include music and food and is a way to connect better with parents.

• Spanish Speaker – if you can speak and understand Spanish to any degree, please note this in your sign-up.

We will begin practicing and preparing for BYBC on Sunday mornings at 9:30, beginning June 19. If you want to be a volunteer, please email scott@crosspointeonline.com with the desired roles or sign-up at the BYBC booth in the church lobby. If you have any questions, please call Scott Feldman at the church office.

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Take the next step!!!

Watch your Bulletin for the next CLASS offering!

**Meals and materials will be provided for those that sign up.  Look in your bulletin and on the information card for an opportunity to RSVP for the next offering or call the church office (770-640-9959).

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Student Ministry News

What's

Up at:

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Thank you to all who contributed dry goods to North Fulton Community Charities this month.  We will be collecting again during the month of August.

*Also:  NFCC plans to relocate mid-June. Stay tuned for updates regarding volunteer opportunities related to their move.

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DivorceCare is non-denominational and features biblical teaching for recovering from divorce and separation.

• When: Tuesdays, 6:00pm-8:45pm beginning March 15, 2005

• Where: Crosspointe Community Church (77 E. Crossville Road, Roswell, 30075), 3rd floor in the LifeSchool Suite (310)

• Leaders: Mike & Becky Cowan

• Schedule: 6:00pm-6:30pm Community Supper; 6:45pm-8:45pm Support Group Session

*Participants and their children are welcome to attend the Community Supper.

*Community Supper and Support Group materials are free of charge.

*Childcare provided for children birth - 5th grade.

If you are interested in participating in or supporting this ministry, please contact Becky Cowan at 404-434-5787 or sign up on the information card in Sunday's bulletin.

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*Printed copies of the June calendar are available in the lobby.

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

• May 30 - Memorial day - CCC offices closed

• May 31 - Youth Six Flags trip - (to be RESCHEDULED)

• June 1 - Family Forum, 7pm

• June 6 - Baby Shower - Valerie Le

• June 6-10 - Youth Camp

• June 14 - Youth Whitewater Trip

• June 20 - CCC Staff Fun Day - Offices closed 1/2 day

• June 26 - Youth Party Night

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