This Sunday we all have the amazing opportunity to celebrate with seven young people, along with their families, as they are baptized as a symbol of their faith in Jesus Christ! One young man shared with me that he wanted to be baptized so that he “would have new memories.” As we talked a little more about what that meant, he said, “You know, memories are the things you think about all the time. I want to think about God things.” What would our community and world be like if we had all learned this before the age of 10?!?

The celebration of seven young lives, committing to Jesus in baptism, is the “WHY” behind so much of what we do at Crosswinds. Sadly, we know that 80 – 90% of all young people walk away from the church and their faith after high school. Some return. Some never do. What we want to see is a church that will blow the lid off that statistic because we know just how much God loves us. And because we know God’s transforming love at every age, in every classroom, and in every environment.

It would be so great if the transforming journey were easy! We often hope that transformation will happen because of proximity. We hope that if we go to church, take the kids with us, and have some Bibles around the house then somehow this will lead to life-change in us and our families. This is like hoping that some yogurt and carrots in the frig will lead to weight loss or that having extra checks in the checkbook means we have extra money in the bank!

Living lives that reflect Jesus doesn’t have to be painful and grueling; it does mean that we have to bring some intentionality to our lives. Romans 12:1 & 2 says it this way:

So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life; your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity. God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. (The Message)

In our everyday lives, all we do, we need to place it before God as an offering, fixing our attention on GOD and this will lead to maturity in Jesus!

All of us can do that. We can choose everyday to focus just a little more on God than we did yesterday. That’s what will bring change to our lives! This means we have to choose those things that focus us on God and His ways; things like reading through the Bible together, Kamp Kidstuf, Friday night FX events, prayer and fasting, giving our money. All these things help US to focus on who God is! Learning this focus, at every age, is what will lead to changed lives.

Earlier this summer, as we taught through Isaiah, we talked about prayer and fasting. We know that as we come together in agreement and in prayer and fasting that God WILL bring clarity, direction, and wisdom to us as a church.  So, beginning next week (Wednesday, Sept. 1st, from 6:30 –7:30 pm) we are going to meet together at the church to pray on a weekly basis. We know not everyone will be able to make it because there are lots of other things going on. Please join us when you can. If you can’t join us physically, stop and pray wherever you are. Pray for our church, for our kids, for our students, for our leaders, for our community. Please pray that God will bring wisdom and revelation to us.

I am so looking forward to celebrating together this Sunday (and sharing a great meal together afterwards!!). See you Sunday!

Shelley

On behalf of the Leadership Council

• Community Worship, 9:15 am. Baptisms, Celebration Lunch
• Journey Shack will be closed
• No Classes for Nursery, Preschool, Klubhouse, Jr. & Sr.  High

Baptism Celebration Lunch 

Join us for lunch in the Fellowship Hall following Community Worship this Sunday as we celebrate the baptisms! Donations are requested. On the menu: grilled hot dogs, bratwurst, and hamburgers.

No Classes this Sunday, August 29th

So that everyone can be a part of the baptism service this Sunday, there will be no classes for nursery through 12th grade. 

Journey Shack Closed

Due to our great Food Ministry Team preparing the Celebration Lunch this Sunday, the Journey Shack will be closed.

Bible Study

If you are looking for a Bible study opportunity, A Heart Like His: Intimate Reflections on the Life of David will begin Tuesday, September 7th, 6:30-8:30 pm. Cost for the workbook is $16. This is an 11-week study also by Beth Moore. Contact Lisa Brittingham atlisab861@hotmail.com for more information or to sign-up for A Heart Like His. Contact Lisa for the location.

September FX

Friday, September 10th will be our monthly FX (Family eXperience). It all begins at 6:00 pm with dinner in the Fellowship Hall, event starts at 7:00 pm, and “After FX” is at 8:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Tickets are available this Sunday, August 29th at the ticket counter in the hallway by the sanctuary. Be sure to invite your friends, family and neighbors!

Family Meeting

There will be a Family Meeting in the sanctuary immediately following Community Worship on Sunday, September 19th. Please plan to join us as the Leadership Council shares a few important updates.

Updated Directory Available

Pick up your copy of the recently updated Crosswinds Family Directory at the table in the back of the sanctuary on Sunday.

Beth Moore Simulcast: Calvary United Methodist Church, Normal, is hosting a Beth Moore Simulcast on Saturday, September 18th from 9:00-4:00 pm. Tickets are $25. If you are interested in attending, please pay Lisa Brittingham directly this Sunday, August 8th. You can also contact Lisa at lisab861@hotmail.com or at 825-0474 with any questions.

Body and Soul: The Fall 2010 Schedule for Body and Soul will begin September 8th and go to December 17th. Body and Soul is an exercise program where faith and fitness come together. Weekly classes take place at Grace Church, Normal, on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 8:30 am. Cost varies depending on how many classes you take. Contact Dawn Hozian at 242–9153 or yowza1972@msn.com with any questions or to register.

See what happened in this video below:

As we work our way through the major and minor prophets of the Old Testament we are faced with trying to keep straight all the evil kings, struggling kingdoms, pagan gods and a just a few good kings who followed the holy God.  If you are like me, the task can feel frustrating and my mind tends to both wander and wonder.  It wanders to other topics (e.g., work issues, kid responsibilities, or calendar demands) and wonders if I will really be able to understand what God is trying to teach me.

Hopefully you are pressing on and seeking God for what he wants to reveal to you through your reading, discussions in your Community Group, and the teachings on Sunday mornings.

The next couple of weeks we will be looking at prophetic words from Jeremiah to see how they apply to our lives today.  We have the benefit of knowing that history has proven the truth of his forecasts.  And we have the opportunity to learn from both the prophecies and their fulfillment.

Looking forward to learning together as we continue to read God's Word throughout the rest of 2010. 

Mike Wiese on behalf of the Leadership Council"

• Community Worship, 9:15 am
• Baptism Class in the Sanctuary following Community Worship

Baptism Class

There will be a 45-minute Baptism Class this Sunday, August 1st in the sanctuary following Community Worship for anyone wanting to be baptized on Sunday, August 29th. Children wanting to be baptized must attend this 45-minute class with their parents.

Baptism Celebration Lunch 

Join us for lunch following Community Worship on Sunday, August 29th as we celebrate the baptisms!

Kamp KidStuf Registration Still Open:

Registration for Kamp KidStuf is still open! Registration forms are available by clicking http://www.crosswinds.cc/media/KampKidstuf2010.pdf or at the table in the back of the sanctuary on Sunday. Mail your forms to Crosswinds, 400 W. Union St., Bloomington, IL 61701 if you cannot drop it off at church. Kamp KidStuf (August 10-13) is an incredible outreach opportunity, so be sure to invite everyone you know (and maybe a few that you don’t!). Let’s take Brad’s challenge to get 100 kids registered! Click here for more important details regarding Kamp KidStuf! . 

Volunteers Still Needed:

Looking to get connected? Volunteers are still needed to help make Kamp KidStuf happen. This is a great chance to connect and serve with others at Crosswinds, as well as with new kids and families that come during Kamp KidStuf. Please take a minute to fill out this online Volunteer Form (Kamp Kidstuf Volunteer Sign-up) to let us know how you can lend a hand and someone will contact you. Thank you!

Snack Donations

In order to provide some fun and delicious snacks for Kamp KidStuf, we need the following items. If you would like to donate, please have your items to the church no later than Monday, August 8th. You can drop your donations in the tub next to the Kamp KidStuf registration table in the sanctuary. Thank you!

Items needed include:

Fruit Juice Boxes

Small Bottles of water (4 to 6 ounces)

Vanilla pudding cups

Vanilla sandwich cookies

“Peach Ring” candy

Teddy Grahams

Graham Crackers

Powdered sugar

Butter (blocks or sticks, not tubs)

M&M’s

Raisins – larger size not individual boxes

Mini-pretzel twists

Mini-marshmallows

Cheerios cereal

August FX

To top off three great nights of Kamp KidStuf, we will have our monthly FX (Family eXperience) on Friday, August 13th, 6:00-7:45 pm. We will start the night with a great meal served at 6:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. We will end the night at our “After FX” at 8 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Be sure to pick up a ticket at the ticket counter located in the hallway under the Orange bulletin board. No ticket, no chance to win some great stuf! 

Jr. High Camping Trip August 1 -2:

Jr. High Students (grades 6-8) will be camping at Comlara Park Campground this Sunday, August 1st. Students should meet at the campground at 4 pm on Sunday and be picked up there at 5 pm on Monday, August 2nd. Cost is $18 per person. Sign up by emailing Brad at brad.houchin@c3mail.org. For more camping details click here. For permission andmedical forms click here. All fees and forms must be turned in no later than this Sunday, August 1st.

Sr. High Camping Trip August 4-6:

Sr. High Students (grades 9-12) will be camping at Comlara Park Campground on Wednesday, August 4th and Thursday, August 5th. Students should meet at the campground at 4 pm on Wednesday and be picked up there at 5 pm on Friday, August 6th. Cost is $28 per person. Other fees may apply depending on activities, so bring extra money. Sign up by emailing Brad at brad.houchin@c3mail.org by Wednesday, August 4th. For more camping details click here. For permission and medical forms click here. All fees and forms must be turned in no later than August 4th. You can get them to Brad, put them in the offering basket in an envelope marked “Sr. High Camping” or mail them to the church at 400 W. Union St., Bloomington, 61701.

Two Bible Study Opportunities:

Ladies, we have two Beth Moore Bible study opportunities for you this fall!! The 12-week Beth Moore study, Daniel: Lives of Integrity, Words of Prophecy, will begin Tuesday, August 17th, 6:30-8:30 pm. Cost for the workbook is $15. Contact Alie Nelson atalie.nelson79@gmail.com for more information and to sign-up. A Heart Like His: Intimate Reflections on the Life of David will begin Tuesday, September 7th, 6:30-8:30 pm. Cost for the workbook is $16. This is an 11-week study also by Beth Moore. Contact Lisa Brittingham at lisab861@hotmail.com for more information or to sign-up for A Heart Like His. The exact locations for the Bible studies will be determined based on the number of ladies signed up.

Lost and Found:

There are several items in our Lost and Found waiting for their rightful owner. Stop by and see if your long lost item might be among them. The Lost and Found is located under the coat rack in the Roosevelt Street foyer. Any items not picked up by this Sunday, August 1st will be donated.

Donations for Haiti: A group from Resurrection Lutheran Church, Bloomington, will be traveling to Haiti in September and are asking for donations of small toys to take to the children. Items needed are: Matchbox cars, hair ribbons and Beanie Babies. If you wish to donate, please contact Sherry Mauschbaugh at SLMRN75@aol.com.

Love For A Lifetime Workshop at Heartland Community College August 12th: Do you long for a love that lasts a lifetime?  When we say “I do,” most of us have the expectation that our love will last a lifetime. What most of us don’t know is that it takes work to have a marriage that goes the distance.  In this workshop, Mark and Jill Savage will look at six intentional decisions we can make each and every day to make our marriage the best it can be. Find more information and to register online go to www.heartland.edu/communityEd or call 309-268-8160.

As I was reading through this week’s selection, I became intrigued by the story of Joash, who became king of Judah when he was seven years old.  His grandfather and father did not seek after God, and his grandmother killed all the other heirs to the throne except Joash, who was hidden away by the priest, Jehoiada.  Joash had every reason to follow in his family’s footsteps and turn away from following God.  Because of the godly influence of Jehoiada and his mother, Joash reinstituted temple worship to Jehovah God and “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.”

This story reminded me of how our lives can cause others to turn their hearts to seek after God or have the opposite effect of turning them away from doing what is right in the eyes of the Lord.  Our primary area of influence is our immediate family, but there are many other areas where we can make a difference in someone’s eternal destiny; such as the workplace, school, sports and hobbies.   My prayer for our Crosswinds family this week is that we will have a greater awareness of our daily influence in the lives of those around us and allow God to direct our actions and conversation.

Judy on behalf of the Leadership Council

How is reading through the Bible going for you? This week felt like a lot of moving around which can be a little confusing at times. One of the things about the history of Israel that isn’t always clear is that they split into two kingdoms following the death of Solomon. We are currently reading about the choices made by many of the kings and prophets that led Israel. It is clear that some of their choices were better than others!

It seems that each king followed a common thread during their reign. They had to decide which god to worship, who they listened to, and what legacy they were leaving. Some kings were wiser than others. These are questions we can ask ourselves as well. Who do we worship? Who do we listen to? What legacies are we leaving?

Join us Sunday as we dig a little deeper in to the history of Israel. I’m looking forward to seeing you then!

Shelley

On behalf of the Leadership Council

• Community Worship, 9:15 am
• Parenting Beyond Your Capacity Group Discussion, 15 minutes after Community Worship, Library

Jr. and Sr. High students and parents will be attending a Normal Cornbelter’s baseball game on Wednesday, July 7th. Tickets are $7.00 per person (bleacher seats). In order for everyone to sit together at the game, please sign up and pay $7 per ticket THIS SUNDAY, June 27th. Plan to meet at the front gate of the stadium between 6:30 and 6:50 pm on game night. Game time is 7:00 pm.  Checks should be made out to Crosswinds. See Brad Houchin THIS SUNDAY to sign-up and pay.

Next Sunday, July 4th, students will be moving up to their new classes. You can refer to the posted signs for your child’s new class. New classes are as follows:

 ·Children entering Preschool (3-5 years) will meet in the preschool room.

· Children entering Kindergarten will meet in the Klubhouse.

 · Students entering 6th Grade will meet with the Junior High.

 · Students entering 9th grade will meet with the Senior High.

Friday, July 9th will be our next FX (family experience) event. Free tickets are available at the ticket counter in the hallway by the sanctuary. FX is a high-energy event, fueled by KidStuf, with a few added twists and surprises! FX begins in the sanctuary at 7 pm, doors open at 6:45 pm. Dinner, provided for a small cost, will be available from 5:30-6:30 pm. Get tickets for you, your family and friends this Sunday!

Be sure to get your kids registered for Kamp KidStuf! Registration begins Sunday, July 11th in the sanctuary and online. Kamp KidStuf will be Tuesday, August 10 – Friday, August 13th from 6:00-7:45 pm. Kids and grown-ups will be learning about the important virtue of the week through worship, dance, drama, snacks, small groups and more! This free, four-day event is geared for kids from preschool-5th grade and their grown-ups.

We will be having Kamp KidStuf again this summer each evening beginning Tuesday, August 10 – Friday, August 13th. If you are interested in helping out with Kamp KidStuf, please email c3info@c3mail.org to let us know.  We would love to have you join the team!  

It’s time to update the Crosswinds Family Directory. If you are new to Crosswinds and would like to be included in the directory or if you just have updated information, please fill out the We Value You card and place it in the offering basket or emailc3info@c3mail.org. 

Judy Swindle on behalf of the Leadership Council

• Community Worship, 9:15 am
• Parenting Beyond Your Capacity Group Discussion, 15 minutes after Community Worship, meet in the Library

Summer Giving Reminder

Summer vacation time is here and we are asking that you please do your best to make arrangements to continue to be faithful in getting your tithes and offerings to the church while you are gone. Summer has traditionally been a financial slump time and we would like to avoid that if we can. Thank you for your faithfulness!

Journey Shack Summer Schedule

Please note that during the summer the Journey Shack will be open from 8:15 am to 9:05 am only. Visit the Journey Shack located in the Fellowship Hall for some great coffee, bagels, muffins, donuts and more. It’s a great way to start off your Sunday morning!

FX Information!

Tomorrow, Friday, June 11th will be our first FX (family experience) event of the year. Free tickets are available at the door. FX is a high-energy event, fueled by KidStuf, with a few added twists and surprises! FX begins in the sanctuary at 7 pm, doors open at 6:45 pm. Dinner, provided for a small cost, will be available from 5:30-6:30 pm. On the menu: Pizza! Click here for more details.

Parenting Beyond Your Capacity 

Immediately following Community Worship this Sunday, June 13, 20, 27 & July 11, 18, 25 there will be a discussion group in the Library for the book Parenting Beyond Your Capacity by Reggie Joiner and Carey Nieuwhof. This group will meet for one hour and is designed for parents, grandparents or anyone who has direct influence in the life of a young adult in Jr. or Sr. High School. Cost for the book is $9 and will be available in the Sanctuary on Sunday. For more information about the discussion group or the book, contact Shelley Bauer at shelley.bauer@c3mail.org. “Engage your family in a bigger story, a story that involves more than just your family—one that involves other influences who are on a journey to discover why a relationship with God really matters.”

GLO Paintball June 19th:

GLO Students and friends are invited to an exciting day of paintball at Sudden Impact (7290 East 550 North Rd, Mclean)!  So grab your camouflage and your friends (the more the better) and let's go have a ball!  (Get it, have a ball?)  Event Details:  Sign-up deadline is Sunday, June 13th.  Please arrange your own transportation to and from Sudden Impact; meeting time is 10:00am and pickup is 3:00pm. Cost is $30 per person and includes equipment rental and 500 paintballs.  Extra paintballs available at your own cost ($6 for 100).  Bring your own lunch and snacks; water will be provided. Concessions available through Sudden Impact.  Dress in layers; camouflage recommended.  Parental consent forms required for students age 17 and under.  Click h ere for the medical release form; click here for the waiver.

Jeff and Angie Hegstrom Open House:

There will be a Potluck Open House for Jeff and Angie Hegstrom of Relevant Ministries on Saturday, June 19th, 6 pm in the Fellowship Hall at Crosswinds. Jeff and Angie will be giving an update on their ministry in Gulfport, Mississippi. Crosswinds has partnered with Relevant Ministries through relationships and multiple trips to Mississippi in an effort to help with the rebuilding since Hurricane Katrina. Please bring a dish to share and join us as we welcome Jeff and Angie.

GLO Golf and Ice Cream

GLO (Jr. & Sr. High Students) will be meeting at Maxwell Park, Normal, from 6:00-8:30 pm on Wednesday, June 23rd for Disc Golf and Carl’s Ice Cream. Plan to be picked up from Carl’s on College Ave. at 8:30 pm. Bring your own money for ice cream and discs for golf.

Parent Survey

Thank you for taking a moment to fill out the Parent Survey. You can find the survey by clicking Parent Survey 2010 or in Sunday’s bulletin. Your input is very important. Please place your completed surveys on the glass case by the Sanctuary doors. 

Crosswinds Directory

It’s time to update the Crosswinds Family Directory. If you are new to Crosswinds and would like to be included in the directory or if you just have updated information, please fill out the We Value You Card in Sunday's bulletin and place it in the offering basket or email c3info@c3mail.org.  

Kamp KidStuf Coming in August

We will be having Kamp KidStuf again this summer each evening beginning Tuesday, August 10 – Friday, August 13th. If you are interested in helping out with Kamp KidStuf, please email c3info@c3mail.org to let us know.  We would love to have you join the team! Additional details regarding Kamp KidStuf are on the way!

Harry and Marge Frank Good-Bye Open House: You are invited to Good-Bye Open House for Harry and Marge this Sunday, June 13th from 1-4pm at their daughter’s home, 1501 Six Points Road, Bloomington.  Harry and Marge will be moving to Mesa, Arizona during the first week of July. Stop by this Sunday to wish them well on their new adventure!

Marriage Workshops: Are you looking for a way to invest in your marriage this summer?  Come join local authors and speakers Mark and Jill Savage for one date night a month.  These two-hour workshops will foster communication, give you practical takeaways, and help you keep your marriage at the top of the priority list. 

• June 17: Redefining Romance
• July 22: ABC’s of a Healthy Marriage
• Aug 12: Love For a Lifetime

Register online at www.heartland.edu/communityEd or by calling 309-268-8160.

$25/couple. $15/individual for each class.

We all need to do our part…..our part of God’s story.  As Mike Wiese taught us a couple weeks ago, God has chosen to use us to help share His Story with others.  We all need to fulfill our role and without us doing our part, the story is incomplete. In addition, it is vital that we not compare our part of the story to anyone else’s. All of our gifts, talents, skills, and life experiences are not alike. There is a reason for that. God created us uniquely. We are all “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) and He needs our uniqueness to tell His story.  

Let’s all do our part and join God in His story.

• Community Worship, 9:15 am
• KidStuf Family Worship at 11:19 am. May Virtue: Patience – Waiting until later for what you want now. Summer “Break” Ice Cream Party following KidStuf!

Other Announcements:

KidStuf Summer “Break” Ice Cream Party

This Sunday, May 16th, will be our last KidStuf Family Worship before summer break. We want to celebrate what fun we have had and what great stuf we have learned with a KidStuf Summer "Break" Ice Cream Party! The yummy fun will take place in the Fellowship Hall immediately following KidStuf at 11:19 am. Parents, be sure to get a Dessert Dipper for your kids—it’s the ticket!

Honoring Class of 2010

We would like to honor the students of the Class of 2010, both high school and college, on Sunday, May 23rd during Community Worship. If you are a graduating student and would like to be honored on this day, click here to RSVP for Graduation Sunday!

Cost Lunch on May 23rd

Immediately following Community Worship on Sunday, May 23rd, we will have Cost Lunch together. Enjoy some time of community, connections and great food! On the menu: grilled chicken, pork chops, beans, coleslaw, raw veggies and dessert. Cost is $4 per person 10 years and older, $2 for kids nine years and younger, kids under two years eat for free.

Journey Shack Closed May 23rd

Due to having Cost Lunch, the Journey Shack will be closed next Sunday, May 23rd.

May 26th GLO Event and Summer Schedule

GLO students will be having a movie and pizza night at Crosswinds from 6:00-8:00 on Wednesday, May 26th. (Movie will start at 6:30). They will be watching The Truman Show (PG) starring Jim Carey. This will be a wrap up to the teaching series titled “The Director’s Cut”. Cost is $5 per person and includes dinner. Click here for more details on the May 26th event and the GLO summer schedule.

Baptisms

We will be having baptisms on Sunday, May 31st during Community Worship. If you or someone in your family would like to be baptized, please contact one of the Leadership Council Members.

FX!!

The first FX is coming to Crosswinds on Friday, June 11th. More specific details will be heading your way soon! Get it on your calendars now!

It’s hard for me to believe that next week is already the end of April! We are 1/3 of the way through 2010 and 1/3 of the way through the Bible. If you haven’t yet started reading along, this is a good time to join in. I am glad we are through some books (like Leviticus!) and are reading in I and II Samuel and I Chronicles and Psalms. We are doing some jumping around now in order to read through the Bible chronologically. I am finding the stories about David’s life both challenging and encouraging.

In I Samuel 13:14, we are told that the Lord “sought out a man after His own heart”.  I’ve been thinking about that this week. What was it about David that made his heart like God’s? David was like most of us in a lot of ways - he was afraid, he ran and hid in his fear and he wanted things that God told him to stay away from (like having 8 wives). In addition, David sinned in some really “big” ways; such as having a man murdered so he could have the woman he wanted. None of this seems much like God’s heart; yet there is a reoccurring theme to David’s life which has encouraged me. David loved God, sought Him out, and chose to repent and to turn back to God every time he sinned. I think what God saw in David was his willingness to admit he had sinned and his passion to repent.

 I’m guessing most of us would like to be described like David. We want to be men and women who have God’s heart. The encouragement for us is that this does not mean we have to be perfect. It does mean we have to turn away from sin and turn our hearts to God. It’s the turning of our hearts towards God that is repentance, not just being sorry we sinned. It takes courage to repent; yet as David’s life shows us, turning to God can lead to some pretty amazing things.

This week let’s pray together for God to give us the courage to turn away from the stuff we want and turn to Him, so that as it says in Ruth 4:14, the name of Jesus might be made famous!

Blessings –

Shelley on behalf of the Leadership Council

This Sunday:

• Community Worship, 9:15 am
• KidStuf Family Worship at 11:19 am. April Virtue: Friendship – Spending time with someone you trust and enjoy

Other Announcements:

Friendship Pictures

For our KidStuf virtue application for the month of April, kids and parents are encouraged to bring pictures of themselves with their friends. Those pictures will be displayed on the Friendship bulletin board in the hallway.

GLO Activity Night

GLO (Jr./Sr. High Students) will be meeting at Ewing Park I, 1420 Towanda Ave., from 6:00-8:30 pm for their monthly Activity Night on Wednesday, April 28th. Students are to go directly to the park, please. Get ready for another great night of Braveheart/Patriot Games!

Baby Dedication

Contact Brad Houchin at brad.houchin@c3mail.org if you would like to have your baby or child dedicated on Sunday, May 9th during Community Worship at 9:15 am. There will be another Baby Dedicationon Sunday, October 31st if you are unable to be here on May 9th.

KidStuf Summer “Break” Ice Cream Party

Sunday, May 16, 2010 will be our last KidStuf Family Worship before summer break. We want to celebrate what fun we have had and what great stuf we have learned with a KidStuf Summer "Break" Ice Cream Party! The yummy fun will take place in the Fellowship Hall immediately following KidStuf at 11:19 am. More "Breaking" news will be coming during KidStuf on the first Sunday of May!

Honoring Class of 2010

We would like to honor the students of the Class of 2010, both high school and college, on Sunday, May 23rd during Community Worship. If you are a graduating student and would like to be honored on this day,  click here to RSVP for Graduation Sunday!

Cost Lunch on May 23rd

Immediately following Community Worship on Sunday, May 23rd we will have Cost Lunch together. Enjoy some time of community, connections and great food! Cost is $4 per person 10 years and older, $2 for kids nine years and younger, kids under two years eat for free.

Greeters Needed

If you like to meet new people and give everyone a warm welcome on Sunday mornings, please contact Jill Rosenau at stampin.mom@comcast.net. We would love to have you be a part of the Guest Assistance Team. 

Communion and Offering Team Members Needed

The Communion and Offering Team is looking for a few new members. This team prepares and serves communion each Sunday, along with collecting the offering. If you are interested in serving on this team or have any questions, please contact John and Lisa Brittingham at 825-0474.

Camp Scholarships Available

We once again have been given up to five scholarships worth $50 each towards summer camps from Converge Mid-America’s Camp Fund. Scholarships will be available for students who are entering into 4th grade through those entering into 12th grade this coming fall. Scholarships will be awarded on a first come basis and will be limited to one per family. If less than five requests are made, then families will be awarded other available scholarships if needed. Our hope is for these scholarships to benefit families who are in need of this assistance for their children to attend camp. We ask that you would strongly consider your need before making a request, so we can be sure to help those who need it most.

Scholarship requests must be submitted by email only to Rachel Kuehl at rachel.kuehl@c3mail.org no later than today, Thursday April 22nd. Please provide the following information the scholarship request:

    * Campers name
    * Campers age
    * Grade entering next fall
    * Name and address of camp attending
    * Dates attending camp

Note: Camp fees will need to be paid in full by all families. Those awarded a scholarship will receive it in the form of a reimbursement check sometime later this summer. Scholarships are not guaranteed and will be awarded based on the available monies of Converge Mid-America’s Camp Fund.

Community News:

ACV Preschool Garage Sale: This Saturday, April 24th A Child’s View Preschool will be having a garage sale at Crosswinds in the Fellowship Hall from 8 am – 3 pm. Lots of great items!

Free Movie Viewing: Calvert & Metzler Memorial Homes and WJBC are sponsoring a free, limited seating viewing of the recently released Letters to God at the Galaxy 14 Cinema at 111 Wylie Dr. in Bloomington on Wednesday, April 28 at 10:30am. Doors will open at 9:30 am and there will be free coffee and doughnuts and giveaway door prizes prior to the showing.  This event is filling up quickly! There are only 150 seats available. You must RSVP to reserve your seat. Call the Letters to God 24-hour movie reservation hotline at 309-827-7577 to make reservations. You must be at least 18 yrs old to attend.

In next week’s reading, we find that Samuel called David, “a man after God’s own heart”.  We see that this certainly did not mean that David was sinless or perfect.  However, several times when David had occasion to “help God out” by killing Saul, he refused to lay his hand on God’s anointed king.  Even though Saul had lost God’s favor, David recognized and honored God’s anointing of Saul by the hand of Samuel.  Perhaps that sensitivity to God’s anointing was what God saw in David when he was only a teenager.  Is God still choosing to call those who are sensitive to His anointing?

I’m thrilled to hear reports of how lives are being changed and a renewed sensitivity to God’s Spirit is being seen as we read through the Bible together.  My prayer for Crosswinds is that we can be called, “a people after God’s own heart”.  As we read in I Samuel 16:13, may we see the Spirit of the Lord come upon us in power!

 Judy Swindle on behalf of the Leadership Council

I must admit that Easter has snuck up on me this year.  We enjoyed some time away last week since the kids were on Spring Break so I didn’t have Easter and Resurrection Sunday on my radar.

As I thought about the spiritual and eternal significance of this week and weekend one of the verses at the end of the book of Joshua that was part of our reading this week stood out to me.  I’ve heard and seen this verse many times (usually on a plaque on the wall in someone’s home).  But this time it was a little different. 

Joshua is encouraging the Israelites to renew their covenant with God…to be His chosen people… to prosper in the Promised Land that He had provided to them…to choose to obey His commands.  And Joshua commits to lead by example by saying at the end of verse 15 in chapter 24: “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

What resonated with me this week was the challenge and opportunity to follow/serve the Lord by being an example to others.

This idea was reinforced during a discipleship discussion Brad Houchin and I had over lunch on Wednesday.  We talked about the call on your life and my life is to have such an intimate relationship with God that others would want to imitate it…not because we are perfect or got it all figured out…but rather because we have each committed to the Lord to serve Him as He leads us. 

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 11:1 “Follow my example, as I follow Christ.”  Brad and I agreed that this was both a huge responsibility as Christians, husbands, fathers, and leaders, as well as an awesome opportunity to partner with all that God wants to do in and through us. 

This weekend we celebrate the significance of Christ’s death and resurrection.  The story of Easter illustrates the depth of Christ’s love for us and the intimacy of His relationship with God, the Father.  You and I are invited to share in that intimacy with Him so that our lives can reflect God’s Glory in a way that others are drawn to follow our example.

May it be said of all of us…we will serve the Lord!

Mike Wiese on behalf of the Leadership Council

This past week we have been reading through Deuteronomy.  This book of the Bible is all about reminding us of God’s power and how He will supply us with everything we need.  The thing that hit me during my reading was how the Israelites were wondering around the desert for 40 YEARS.  I mean, that’s a very loooong time.  I’m 45 years old now and I feel like I have been around forever.  I can’t imagine what it was like wondering around the desert for 40 years.   

However, in a way, some days (weeks, months, years) we are all wondering around in our own personal deserts.  We get cranky, tempted, and wonder if God will really sustain us and take care of us.  How about you? Are you wondering around the desert?  If so, I encourage you to get with your community group (if you are not currently in a group, contact Dustin Copass and he will get you in one) and talk through your struggles and pray through them with people who really care about you. 

Tip for getting in the word daily:  We all have the same 168 hours each week. We make time for what is important to us.  If we are too busy to read the Bible each day, then we are too busy, period.  Please pray today and ask God how you can simplify your life to make time to read your Bible.

"I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given man. All the good from the Savior of the world is communicated to us through this book."  - Abraham Lincoln

See you all soon, 

Mike Nelson on behalf of the Leadership Council

• Community Worship, 9:15 am
• KidStuf Family Worship, 11:19 am.  Virtue for March! Honesty – Choosing to be truthful in whatever you say and do.

FINANCIAL UPDATE from the Leadership Council:

As followers of Christ, we believe that we are stewards of God’s resources because He is the owner of all that we have.  Throughout scripture we are reminded of the importance of giving back a portion of what God has so generously provided by the giving of our tithes (10% of income) and offerings (in addition to the tithe).

Over the past few weeks we have brought information to the church family about the fact that we are running behind on our bills. We wanted to give you a little more detail about the numbers. We are behind (more than 30 days) on bills totaling $7,800. Based on the average of the tithes and offerings given over the past six months and the bills coming in (some are unexpected bills like furnace repairs and high utility bills in addition to our regular bills), over the next 30 days we foresee being another $9,000 behind.

In order to meet this shortfall, we are asking each of you to PRAY and SEEK God regarding this and ask Him what He would lead you to give towards this need, as a part of the Crosswinds family. Then, as II Cor. 9:7 encourages us, cheerfully give that amount on Sunday during the offering time; send it through the mail or through your bank. Thanks for your prayers and partnership!

GLO Students to Hear Dr. Plantinga

Jr. and Sr. High students will be heading to the Illinois Wesleyan campus to hear Dr. Plantinga who will be speaking at Hansen Student Center on Wednesday, March 24th at 7:00 pm.  Students  and parents, please click here for details about the planned meeting time and place. Dr. Plantinga is an American philosopher, currently the John A. O’Brien Professor of Philosophy at the University of Notre Dame. He is the author of a number of books including God and Other Minds and The Nature of Necessity. Time Magazine has dubbed Dr. Plantinga as “America’s leading orthodox Protestant philosopher.”

No GLO on Wednesday, March 31st

Due to it being the 5th Wednesday of the month, there will be no GLO Community Worship on Wednesday, March 31st.

Easter Celebration

April 4th is Easter Sunday.  Plan to worship together with your friends and entire family at 9:15 am for a special morning of Community and KidStuf Family Worship. Please note: there will be no children’s classes or childcare. There will also be no KidStuf at 11:19 am.  There will be an Easter Egg Hunt for children 5th grade and younger at the church following this special morning of worship.

The Journey Shack Closed Easter Sunday

In order for the team to worship with their family and friends on Easter Sunday, April 4th, The Journey Shack will be closed.

Easter Candy Needed

If you would like to donate candy for the Easter Egg Hunt, please place your donations in the tub marked “Easter Candy” located in the back of the Sanctuary. (FYI - We have plenty of plastic eggs). Thank you!

Spring Cleaning/Work Day

We will be having an All-Church Work Day on Friday, April 9th   (6-9 pm) and Saturday, April 10th (9-3 pm). If you can lend a hand or two, please email c3info@c3mail.org. We will be spring cleaning, working outside and finishing the Jr. High classroom in the basement. All ages and skill levels are welcome and needed.

Books Still Available

You can still get your copy of the book Read Through the Bible in a Year . Cost is only $3. As we read through the Bible together as a church family in 2010, we are using this book as our reading guide. See Michele Nelson for your copy.

Lost and Found:

If you are missing something and think you may have left it at church, stop by the Lost and Found located in the foyer at the East entrance (Roosevelt Street). There is a variety of items waiting for their rightful owner.

The American Passion Play: The American Passion Play of Bloomington has begun its 87th season at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts. Remaining performance dates are March 20th, 21st and 27th, all at 2:00 pm. This historically accurate play dramatizes Jesus’ entire ministry. The actors are non-professionals with a spiritual dedication to their parts. As performers, they share in a community of faith with the audience and give testimony to the contemporary power of Christ’s teachings. Crosswinds’ Stephan Siglar and Kent Swindle have roles in the play. All seats are $20.00 and are available by phone at (309) 829-3903 or (800) 354-9640. You can also get tickets by mail at The American Passion Play, Inc., PO Box 3354, Bloomington, IL 61702-3354.

Dear Friends,

Repeatedly in our reading through the Bible to date we have read, “If you will keep the commandments, statutes and judgments, the Lord your God will keep the covenant and mercy He swore to your fathers.”   God has made it very clear that He has expectations in regard to every aspect of our lives, including family, marriage, relationships and finances; just as He had for the Israelites.  Have you noticed how often God asked the Israelites to give a tithe, offering or sacrifice?  Has our primary focus been on God’s mercy, which is given to us, and not on what God asks us to give in return?   

The Jews called the first five books of the Old Testament, “instructions for life”.  Because our lifestyle, culture and traditions as Gentile believers are so different from those of these Jewish people, we do not always understand why God gave certain commandments.  We perhaps do not take them as being applicable to us in any way.  Maybe we think that because Jesus came that the requirements of the law were destroyed.  However, Jesus himself said that He did not come to destroy the law, but to fulfill or correctly interpret it. 

As we continue our reading through the Bible, we will learn that there are principles in the Torah, or the five books of the law, that still are valid and important for us even though the actual practice of living them out may look somewhat differently as Gentile believers.  God is still asking us to give tithes, offerings and sacrifices and to involve Him in our everyday living.  In return, He has promised,

 “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who loveHhim and keep His commandments.  If you pay attention to these laws and are careful to follow them, then the Lord your God will keep His covenant of love with you.”  Deuteronomy 7:9 & 12

Will you respond? 

Judy Swindle on behalf of the Leadership Council  

10 years ago when Crosswinds began, we knew that God was calling us to start this church.  His affirmations have always been present.  His leadings continue to be obvious because this is what God does.  Alongside of Crosswinds, we have also known His calling in our life is to minister to families and marriages.  Our heart and and honestly, our calling, have always been beyond the local church.

This calling to encourage and build up families and marriages has deepened and expanded to the place that we realize we can’t do both church ministry and para-church ministry.  As we have taught you and continue to practice, “we have to let go of where we are to get to where God wants us.”

Before starting Crosswinds, I knew, but resisted God’s calling for Jill and me to fully partner together outside of Crosswinds.  We now are clear in what this decision actually means.  I am now fully stepping out of a staff role here at Crosswinds for Jill and I to partner together equipping and encouraging families. The door is wide open to God’s calling to speak, write, coach and teach.  In faith, fear, and anticipation we are jumping off the faith high dive and jumping into this God sized opportunity.

Jill and I have a great deal to establish yet. Our calling to encourage families is congruent with the mission of Hearts at Home and our opportunities to teach and write, both here in the U.S. and internationally, on marriage, parenting, and family issues has only grown.

Because we believe in the mission of Hearts at Home and what God is doing through this ministry, we’re answering the call to be solely focused on encouraging, educating, and equipping moms and their families. 

In Hearts at Home leader Rhonda Kasper’s words, “This is just too crazy for Mark and Jill to think of on their own.  It has to be from God.”  We’d have to agree.  When we think of it through human eyes….walking away from the security of a known job description, a solid income and insurance benefits is insane.  But when we think of it from God’s perspective, we are reminded of this truth in His Word: Isaiah 55:8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.

Hearts at Home, however, does not currently have the ability to financially support full-time staff.  Because of this, we are willingly submitting to a missionary calling which will require us to raise both financial and prayer support for our family.  Jill and I have always found ourselves in the front row seat at watching God work.  We’re excited about this opportunity to invite you and others to become part of our team and have that front row seat at watching God work.

So now for the big question in all of your minds: What does this means for Crosswinds?

…Our plan is to remain here and to serve this church as you do.  The Leadership Council is graciously working with me and my salary to help transition us into this next faith filled season.

…I will continue, at this point, to be a part of the teaching team and will bring messages alongside of gifted speakers like you have all experienced this fall like Bill and Judy Swindle, Trent Seggelke, Mike Wiese, Shelley Bauer and Brad Houchin. 

…In order to fully pursue this next direction, I do plan to step off of the Leadership Council at the end of January 2010.

….The past ten years I have truly been able to see my dream for church come true.   It’s never been my desire for this to be “Mark’s church” but rather Jesus Christ’s church. 

…I am released by God knowing that leader’s are leading all over this church. 

• I want to begin with recognizing the significant responsibility the Leadership Council carries.  This team truly leads this church.  As much as you may not understand how this works, it truly does.  This team will continue to lead.  Mike Nelson brings honesty and accountability.  Mike Wiese brings wisdom, insights and questions after questions.  Shelley Bauer brings a strong directive leadership that is and has been greatly needed.  Judy Swindle brings a wealth of experience and understanding.
• The Director’s and their team leaders are the ones that have made the actual ministries and programming work.
  • Brad Houchin directs the Student Ministries along with his team leaders: Pre K: Michelle Bledsoe, Klubhouse: Jessica Nesby, GLO: Josh and Rachel Kuehl, and Sheree; and KidStuf: Tony and Jessica Nesby, and Jenna Self
  •  Michele Nelson who directs Communication along with her team leaders: Administrative Support – Rachel Kuehl, Facility Team Leader – Gregg Bauer, IT Team Leader – Michael Huffington, and Guest Assistance – Jill Rosenau
  • Josh Jeffrey who directs Worship ministries along with his team leaders: Trent Seggelke and Donnie Holiday,  both serve as worship leaders and Karen Wilson, serves as presentation coordinator.
  • Dustin and Jennifer Copass who direct Community Groups along with the many community group leaders.
  • Dave Van Allen who directs finance along with his team: Brad Harrell and Rachel Kuehl

 A next question:  What about you?  What do you do?

The Leadership  Council will now bring you some additional information and will lead us in prayer.

What an amazing week. We finished nailing down the last shingles as the sun was setting tonight, loaded the trailer then gathered on Billy's brand-new porch to pray blessings over his new home. What a way to start the New Year.

We have truly experienced God's grace this week. No accidents. Daily wisdom in choosing tasks and gathering teams. Plenty of wonderful meals. Fabulous southern hospitality from Gulfhaven Church. Several mornings this week we read Psalms 127 together - "If God doesn't build the house, the builders only build shacks. If God doesn't guard the city, the night watchman might as well nap. It's useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone. Don't you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves?" This week, together, we saw God build a house. What a privilege and a joy!

Tonight after a fabulous catfish feast at Shaw's, we gathered together to celebrate God's goodness. Several folks from Gulfhaven Church shared how encouraged their hearts and spirits were this week to know that others are still thinking about them and love them enough to partner in a project like this. It is an awesome work of God that some go, some send and we all can celebrate what God has done. Thank you for your partnership with us this week.

Please continue to pray for safety as the team travels home this weekend and rest for our tired bodies! Pray for Billy and his extended family that the Word will take root and bear much fruit in their lives. 

Blessings on this New Year's Day!

We worshipped with song, through prayer, reading God's Word, taking communion, giving tithes and offerings, and through writing. There was no "message," just a short challenge/thought from Romans 12:1.

The great thing about A.C.T.S. is we can apply it to our every day lives to worship our Master, Jesus.

Adoration is adoring God for who he is, telling him how great he is, thinking of His grace and mercy, his love for us. Each day we can spend time adoring God.

By confessing, we tell God the places we've messed up, get our hearts right with him. Ask for forgiveness through repentance, turning from our sin. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and cleanse us from unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

Through thanksgiving, we can thank God for who he is, thank Him for what he has done for us, answered our prayers, provided things for us. Thank God each day through prayer, writing, reading some of the Psalms.

This is where we "ask" god with humble petition. What is it that you need? Peace, love, a job? Spend time each day letting God know what you need, be expectant for it, ready to thank Him when we does answer in His perfect timing!

Here are the two videos we watched last Sunday (12/27):

Let's worship!

WLOX-TV came out to the jobsite this morning and did an interview about the log cabin. You can see the interview below:

Or view it at at WLOX.com (Video Link). They did a great job of presenting an overview of the project.

Tonight Teresa taught us about the value of having the right roof over our heads and choosing to trust God as our protector (Psalms 91). We also spent time praying for Gulfhaven Church and Relevant Ministries, asking God to renew their hearts and give them strength to continue rebuilding the Gulf Coast region spirituallly. Please keep these leaders in your prayers.

Tomorrow is supposed to be warm and sunny - we are planning to finish the porches, complete the gable ends and if all goes well, will start roofing. We are so thankful for your prayers, support and love. It has made a huge difference and we feel the impact of your love and support.

Please keep praying for safety, clear weather and wisdom!

We are looking forward to worshipping with the Gulfhaven congregation this morning and are planning a video call with the Crosswinds congregation as part of our worship together. Later today we are headed out to Billy's house to meet him, check out the work site and poke our toes in the Gulf sand and water. Tomorrow the real work begins bright and early at 7.30am.

Please continue to pray for travel safety, work site safety, good weather and wisdom as the week starts. We wish you were here! More info and pictures to follow....

We are looking forward to worshipping with the Gulfhaven congregation this morning and are planning a video call with the Crosswinds congregation as part of our worship together. Later today we are headed out to Billy's house to meet him, check out the work site and poke our toes in the Gulf sand and water. Tomorrow the real work begins bright and early at 7.30am.

Please continue to pray for travel safety, work site safety, good weather and wisdom as the week starts. We wish you were here! More info and pictures to follow....

It was a beautiful, sunny day here and many are sunburned from 8 hours outside! We are thankful for the good weather - please continue to pray the rain away.

Last night Gulfhaven prepared a wonderful Southern feast for us - chicken and seafood gumbo and homemade potato salad with banana puddin' for dessert and of course, sweeeeet tea. We are thankful for the love and hospitality we have received already.

Each evening we are blessed to have some time to worship together and be challenged from God's Word. Last night Nelson Roth (pastor at Gulfhaven) challenged us to know what we are building and to be intentional about our lives. Tonight I taught about the importance of laying the right foundation for our lives. In song and prayer we committed to letting go of the things that keep us from building the foundation God has for us. It is good to see the things God is doing in our hearts.

Thanks for your prayers and love - we are so grateful for all your prayers and support. (Pictures from today are on Facebook!)

400 Union Street from crosswinds.cc on Vimeo.

Kamp Kidstuf 09 Recap from crosswinds.cc on Vimeo.

Some of the reasons that this change occurred are cultural, and isn’t important for the purpose of this blog that I go into all of the reasons in depth.  Suffice to say that people in our day crave a connection with others who share their same values, which they used to be able to get in other ways, which today are no longer available.  If you think back to the 50s and 60s you can probably remember that people used to sit on their porches and talk to their neighbors.  These days we spend most of our time inside, or in our backyards.  As I said, there are other reasons for small groups being popular now, but this is one good example of why they are.

You may ask yourself, “If small groups are just a fad right now, why should I commit to them?”  This seems like a legitimate question, but it is built on a couple of faulty assumptions.  The first one is that because small groups are popular right now, they are a fad and they are useless.  Yes they are popular right now, but in church terms, that means that they will probably be around for at least 100-150 years, if not longer.  Depending on whom you ask, Sunday school was invented in the very late 1700s or early to mid 1800s, and it is still used today.  That should give you an idea of how long useful methods are used in the church.  As to small groups being useless, ask anyone who has been actively involved in their small group if it has been useless and prepare to get an earful.  The second assumption is that you really have the option to commit to them or not.  This may sound strange to some of you, so think about it like this:  Romans 6:16 says “Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living.”  To summarize – we are a slave to sin, or a slave to God.  We follow our own desires or we follow God’s.  Now I’m not suggesting that we should buy into whatever the church is presenting just because the church is presenting it.  I am the first one to argue about something if it doesn’t sound right – just ask my wife!  However, small groups have been around since the dawn of the church.  Jesus himself had a small group, the 12 disciples.  And this leads me into my final point for this blog; small groups have their roots back in the 1st century church, a long time before they became popular here in the US.

Small groups combined with corporate worship is how the church functioned in the time Acts was written.  Here are a few noteworthy texts:

Acts 2:42-47 - 42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper[i]), and to prayer.

 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity[j]—47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

Acts 5:12 - 12 The apostles were performing many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers were meeting regularly at the Temple in the area known as Solomon’s Colonnade.

Acts 5:41-42 - 41 The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus.[y] 42 And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: “Jesus is the Messiah.”

You can see from these passages that while the believers met in the temple to worship together, they also regularly met in their homes for the Lord’s Supper, or communion.  You may be under the assumption that this means they met in their homes for communion, but they did their actual worship at the temple.  Honestly, I wasn’t sure that the part about their homes had any major significance when I first read this passage; I just figured that they wouldn’t want to have communion in the temple around all the regular Jews.  Once I understood what the original Lord’s Supper entailed, I had to change my opinion.  When the Bible says that the 1st century church had the Lord’s Supper, it means that they had a meal and finished it by taking communion together.  When I first heard this I knew that we are on the right track with small groups.  You can imagine the early church meeting together for a meal; there would be a lot of conversation, encouragement and support.  They would end their time together by remembering Christ’s sacrifice – together.  That is what small groups are all about; meeting with others who share your intentions to love and be love, serve and be served, celebrate and be celebrated, and know and be known.

My next post will go more in depth about why everyone, I repeat, EVERYONE, should be involved in a small group.

We went to Qdoba today because of their "Kids Eat FREE" special. The point in writing this post was to help with family finances by asking what places offer Kids eat FREE specials on which days of the week.

If you have an iPhone, there's an app for that! For the rest of us, here are the ones I could find online -- they might not apply to Bloomington-Normal locations:

• Sunday: Cosi (<13), Qdoba
• Monday: Applebees, Buffalo Wild Wings, Cosi (<13), Famous Dave's (99), IHOP, TGI Friday's (<4)
• Tuesday: Chevy's, Cosi (<13), Denny's (4-10), Godfather's buffet (11-2, 5-8, <11), Lone Star Steakhouse, Fazoli's (5-8, 99, A), TGI Friday's (<4)
• Wednesday: Cosi (<13), IHOP (4-8)
• Thursday: Cosi (<13)
• Friday: Cosi (<13)
• Saturday: Cosi (<13), Denny's (4-10), Steak 'n Shake (8)
• Sunday: Cosi (<13), Steak 'n Shake (8)

sources: here, here and here . . .

Terms & Conditions Legend:

• <4 = Kids 3 and under
• <11 = Kids 10 and under
• <13 = Kids 12 and under (Sorry Bauer's!)
• 11-2 = 11 am - 2 pm
• 4-8 = 4-8 pm
• 4-10 = 4-10 pm
• 5-8 = 5-8 pm
• 8 = $8 purchase required
• 99 = $0.99 for each kid's meal
• A = Adult entree purchase required

Do you know of any others?!

Moving from theory to the practical, what does that mean for us at Crosswinds? Here’s what we know so far:

• Orange is not a theological or doctrinal position. It is not the only ‘right’ way for a church to work. It is not the final answer to all problems (that answer is still Jesus!).
• It is a STRATEGY approach that we believe makes sense because it reflects the values we have had from the beginning. Values like the Word, the Spirit and Community. And values like simplicity, family, outreach, discipleship, acceptance, and worship.
• Every church (and business and organization and government and even families!) lives out their values with a strategy. Sometimes we are aware of how that is working. Sometimes we are unaware of the strategy that is at work. Regardless of our awareness, there is always a strategy at work. We want to be intentional about the strategy we are using.
• So think of Orange as a basket that holds the values and truths we are committed to. It shapes how we interact with those truths and how we help one another walk them out in our daily lives.
• Orange helps us focus on 2 priorities:
  • The Church (yellow) – the goal of the Church is to be the light the world needs. The Church exists to grow us up to be fully mature followers of Jesus (Eph. 4:11-16). When the Church shifts its attention to other goals – we become distracted and lose our light. Jesus prayed for the Kingdom to come on earth as it is in Heaven (Matt. 6:10). We want to partner with that goal and stay focused on the right thing.
  • Families (red) – the reality is that every person is affected by family. We all came from a family – some of our experiences were positive and some were negative. Some of us are still dealing with negative effects from the way we grew up. Whatever our story is, whatever our circumstances with our family are, God’s plan has always been for redemption. There are NO perfect families – not in the Bible or anywhere else. God invites us to see family from His perspective and to partner with Him right where we are to grow, mature and become more like Jesus.
• Bottom line, our vision for Crosswinds and those we influence is that we would become more like Jesus.

That’s the short version. We invite you to join us for the next few Sundays as we explore this topic more deeply. We are excited about all that God is doing in the lives of His people.