Hello, Crosswinds Family--

This is it. How much simpler could it get? Only two things. I'm a man of few words, so this sits very well with me. Love God and love people. Enough said.

Mark 12:28-34 - The Greatest Commandment:

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"

"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."

"Well said, teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.

As we all know, even though it seems simple, it doesn't mean there won't be struggles along the way. When you mix me, God, and other people, there might just be problems once in a while. It takes daily effort and commitment to become all that Christ saved us to be. The good news is, we get to struggle through these things together as we help each other become more like Christ.

I encourage you to read through the following passages to preparefor Sunday as we continue to look at the life of Jesus: Mark 1:35-36, Mark 6:31, Matt 11:28, 1 John 2:6, Psalm 46:10.

See you all soon.

Mike Nelson

This Week

• Community Worship, Sunday, 10:00 am
• Verse of the Month: “Love each other deeply. Honor others more than yourselves.” Romans 12:10
• Virtue of the Month: Honor—letting someone know you see how valuable they really are

Announcements

Special Offering for Shelley’s Sabbath

Jesus taught us the value of being quiet so that He could hear from God. The Leadership Council believes this model would be beneficial for Shelley and has planned for her to take a two week extended Sabbath two times a year for her to be quiet, pray, and hear from God. Therefore, she will be taking Sabbath time at the end of February. If you could help by financially supporting this extended Sabbath time for Shelley, please designate “special” in the memo line of your check. Contact Mike Nelson at with any questions. Thank you for your love and support.

Men's Group

Join us on Thursday nights at 7 pm in the Fellowship Hall for a men’s discipleship/discussion group based on the teaching from the book of Mark. This is an informal time for men to come together and help each other become better men (and drink some coffee). Questions? Contact Mike Nelson at .

All Church Connecting Event

Our next All-Church Connecting Event will be Saturday, February 18, 6-8 pm, in the Fellowship Hall. We’ll have a potluck dinner (drinks and paper products provided) and enjoy an evening of fun with a scavenger hunt and games. Contact Michele Nelson () for more information.

Women’s Bible Study – Beth Moore’s The Patriarchs

Beth Moore’s study of The Patriarchs will begin Wednesday, March 7, 6-8 pm in the C3 Library. Lisa Brittingham will be facilitating this 11-week study. Contact Lisa at 825-0474 or with questions or to order the book. Each book is $15 if ordered by February 26.

GLO/C3 Mission Trip

There are spots available for you to be a part of the GLO mission trip to West Virginia this summer! The trip takes place July 21-29 and will involve construction and community service projects. Total cost is $400 per person—$75 has already been paid for each of the next six people who sign up! We will be doing two big fundraisers this spring/early summer. Contact for more information.

Artist of the Month

Our February Artist of the Month is Austin Savage. See his artwork on display in the Library. Sign up to share your artwork in the future by e-mailing Sheree at or by stopping by the Journey Shack on Sunday morning.

The Bike

Jude Van Allen is the Kid of the Month and is highlighting Birthright, an international organization that helps any girl or woman regardless of age, race, creed, marital, or economic status, who feels distressed by an unplanned pregnancy. Donation needs include diapers, formula, and maternity and baby clothes.

GLO Student Ministries

GLO Fundraiser

The GLO Garage Sale is scheduled for June 8-9, so there’s still plenty of time for you to donate items as you do spring cleaning. Drop off donated items in the Jr. High room downstairs or give them to Sheree. Contact with questions.

Community News

Immanuel Health Center

Renovations for Immanuel Health Center’s facility are on track to be completed by the end of February! However, the Center needs financial support to cover opening and operating expenses, as reimbursement from government programs and insurance have a significant lag time. The goal is to raise $125,000 to cover costs through the end of 2012. Would you prayerfully consider contributing to help reach the goal? Donations can be mailed to Immanuel Health Center, PO Box 3281, Bloomington, IL 61702. Thank you! For more information, contact Becky Wiese, 663-8816 or .