Lots of people think that things slow down in the summer. It's true that our kids aren't in the mad rush of class projects and school events, but for most of us, we just right on plugging along. And so does Crossroads UMC!
This summer we are sharing our "Have a Coke and a Smile" joy with Crossroads at random giveaways. We also have water and Sprite.....and an invite to come share with us at worship on Sundays at 10AM at Shelton Elementary.
We recently completed our shoe collection in partnership with other groups to help Soles 4 Souls provide comfort and protection to needy kids around the globe.
We are also planning a fun day of play and games with the kids at Murphy Harpst Home. We're making a difference in our local community and throughout the globe. And we're also learning that it is indeed more blessed to give than to receive.
In fact, we are learning all kinds of wisdom with Pastor Ken's new summer worship series "Walking Wisely....a walk through Proverbs."
Summer may be a little more laid back, but at Crossroads, we are moving right ahead in our quest to connect, follow and become Disciples of Jesus Christ. Join us!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Why Are Cleaning Buckets Important? Take a look...
Why are cleaning buckets so important? Because more than homes are needing to be healed - the lives of our neighbors need to be shown we care.
Today, I saw first hand the power of community coming together. Through UMCOR and the North Georgia Conference, 216 flood Cleaning Buckets were delivered to Westridge Church, unloaded by a variety of volunteers from Crossroads UMC and Samaritan's Purse to be distributed to families and work teams around our neighboring counties.
Later, I joined a Samaritan's Purse team that worked on the street and in the homes pictured above, right here in Paulding County. On the same street, was a UMVIM team made up of local churches. I met ladies from Marietta, a couple from New Mexico and a father and son from Pittsburg, PA. We were hidden behind masks and gloves, working in the midst of mold and mildew with homeowners trying to help them take one more step back toward a normalcy.
To all of you that have done something - thank you. To all of you that are sacrificing every day - we *heart* you!! ;) If you have yet to do something, then the this is the call. The 216 flood Cleaning Buckets were part of a shipment of 1500 that came in because someone, somewhere in the U.S.A. cared enough to make them. What happens when they are used up and none are there to take their place?
When Paulding County comes together, we can make a difference! Now is our time to love our neighbors!
Today, I saw first hand the power of community coming together. Through UMCOR and the North Georgia Conference, 216 flood Cleaning Buckets were delivered to Westridge Church, unloaded by a variety of volunteers from Crossroads UMC and Samaritan's Purse to be distributed to families and work teams around our neighboring counties.
Later, I joined a Samaritan's Purse team that worked on the street and in the homes pictured above, right here in Paulding County. On the same street, was a UMVIM team made up of local churches. I met ladies from Marietta, a couple from New Mexico and a father and son from Pittsburg, PA. We were hidden behind masks and gloves, working in the midst of mold and mildew with homeowners trying to help them take one more step back toward a normalcy.
To all of you that have done something - thank you. To all of you that are sacrificing every day - we *heart* you!! ;) If you have yet to do something, then the this is the call. The 216 flood Cleaning Buckets were part of a shipment of 1500 that came in because someone, somewhere in the U.S.A. cared enough to make them. What happens when they are used up and none are there to take their place?
When Paulding County comes together, we can make a difference! Now is our time to love our neighbors!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
North Georgia Disaster Response Communication
North Georgia Disaster Response Communication
Our disaster response organization here in North Georgia is one of the best in the Connection. One of the reasons they’re recognized as the best is because they have specific plans and procedures in place that assure they’re doing the right things well in the right times and places. (What many do not know is that United Methodist Council on Relief - UMCOR - will be here until the last person is taken care of - flood relief is long term and we'll be here for the duration)
Clean up from flooding is slow and risky, and cannot begin until the water subsides and the rain ceases. Some rivers are still cresting…while others are waning. Reflooding is a distinct concern and we'll need to be patient so we're not cleaning up the same sites more than once.
What can you do now?
· Please assemble:
Cleaning Buckets (formerly called Flood Buckets); Bedding Kits; Health Kits; School Kits. Please review the contents of various kits by going to the web: new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/getconnected. On the right, click on the link called “Send Relief Supplies.” The new page shows how to build all the kits used in UMCOR relief. Once your kits are assembled and ready for disbursement, contact Mike Yoder, Chairman, Disaster Response. His email is yoderjm@yahoo.com.
· Special Appeal Offering, October 4th - Conference Advance Special – Fund #4390 for NG Disaster Flood Relief. Encourage your church to give generously to the victims.
· Continue to pray for the victims and the nightmares that lay before them.
North Georgia Advocate
This week has brought historic volumes of rainfall. Please send us stories, pictures, testimonials, etc. of your experiences and the impact this flood has had on your life and those you love. We will use this material in upcoming issues in the North Georgia Advocate, as well as distribute it through the NGC Facebook page. Please send your information to advocate@ngumc.org.
Our disaster response organization here in North Georgia is one of the best in the Connection. One of the reasons they’re recognized as the best is because they have specific plans and procedures in place that assure they’re doing the right things well in the right times and places. (What many do not know is that United Methodist Council on Relief - UMCOR - will be here until the last person is taken care of - flood relief is long term and we'll be here for the duration)
Clean up from flooding is slow and risky, and cannot begin until the water subsides and the rain ceases. Some rivers are still cresting…while others are waning. Reflooding is a distinct concern and we'll need to be patient so we're not cleaning up the same sites more than once.
What can you do now?
· Please assemble:
Cleaning Buckets (formerly called Flood Buckets); Bedding Kits; Health Kits; School Kits. Please review the contents of various kits by going to the web: new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/getconnected. On the right, click on the link called “Send Relief Supplies.” The new page shows how to build all the kits used in UMCOR relief. Once your kits are assembled and ready for disbursement, contact Mike Yoder, Chairman, Disaster Response. His email is yoderjm@yahoo.com.
· Special Appeal Offering, October 4th - Conference Advance Special – Fund #4390 for NG Disaster Flood Relief. Encourage your church to give generously to the victims.
· Continue to pray for the victims and the nightmares that lay before them.
North Georgia Advocate
This week has brought historic volumes of rainfall. Please send us stories, pictures, testimonials, etc. of your experiences and the impact this flood has had on your life and those you love. We will use this material in upcoming issues in the North Georgia Advocate, as well as distribute it through the NGC Facebook page. Please send your information to advocate@ngumc.org.
How to Build Your Cleaning Bucket to Help Flood Relief!
You want to help with flood relief but how? The best way right now is by building a Cleaning Bucket - here is how!
1. Download a list of the supplies and go buy the stuff on the list This will give your kids something to do and get them involved (especially if they are out of school)! Remember, while it may be tempting DO NOT ADD to the list!
2. Lay out all your stuff:
Wonder aloud - "How will it all fit?"
Hint: Start by putting in the bleach and liquid detergent first.
3. Be amazed at your end result:
If you drop them at any of the Paulding County locations set-up, there is no need to mail your buckets!
Stay tuned for more details on how you can help!
1. Download a list of the supplies and go buy the stuff on the list This will give your kids something to do and get them involved (especially if they are out of school)! Remember, while it may be tempting DO NOT ADD to the list!
2. Lay out all your stuff:
Wonder aloud - "How will it all fit?"
Hint: Start by putting in the bleach and liquid detergent first.
3. Be amazed at your end result:
If you drop them at any of the Paulding County locations set-up, there is no need to mail your buckets!
Stay tuned for more details on how you can help!
North Paulding Flood Response
How do you get involved?
Here is how - Flood Cleaning Buckets
These supplies enable people to begin the overwhelming job of cleaning up after a flood or hurricane. Buckets can be done via donations online OR by families/groups building them and donating them.
List for supplies can be found here:
http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/getconnected/supplies/flood-bucket/
Colonial Bank/BB&T @ Seven Hills has agreed to be our first drop-off location.
Also, I'm including a list of places for clothing & food donations if it will help.
Clothing & Furniture
Classy Thrift Shoppe
702 W. Memorial Drive
Dallas, GA 30132
678.363.6702
M-Sat: 10a-5p
The Been
551 Hardee Street
Dallas, GA 30132
770.443.7490
M-Sat: 9a-1p
The Thrift Store
740 Paulding Plaza
Dallas, GA 30132
770.505.7707
Located near Medicine Shoppe & Dallas Billiards
Warehouse of Hope
100 Hunter Rd
Powder Springs, GA 30127
(770) 489-0509
Food & Financial
Helping Hands of Paulding County
240 Professional Court
Dallas, GA 30132
770.443.1230
M-Fri: 10a-2p
Stay Tuned for more info to come! PASS THIS INFORMATION ON TO Scout Troops, PTA's, HOA's, Business Groups - anyone you know who truly wants to help!
Here is how - Flood Cleaning Buckets
These supplies enable people to begin the overwhelming job of cleaning up after a flood or hurricane. Buckets can be done via donations online OR by families/groups building them and donating them.
List for supplies can be found here:
http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/getconnected/supplies/flood-bucket/
Colonial Bank/BB&T @ Seven Hills has agreed to be our first drop-off location.
Also, I'm including a list of places for clothing & food donations if it will help.
Clothing & Furniture
Classy Thrift Shoppe
702 W. Memorial Drive
Dallas, GA 30132
678.363.6702
M-Sat: 10a-5p
The Been
551 Hardee Street
Dallas, GA 30132
770.443.7490
M-Sat: 9a-1p
The Thrift Store
740 Paulding Plaza
Dallas, GA 30132
770.505.7707
Located near Medicine Shoppe & Dallas Billiards
Warehouse of Hope
100 Hunter Rd
Powder Springs, GA 30127
(770) 489-0509
Food & Financial
Helping Hands of Paulding County
240 Professional Court
Dallas, GA 30132
770.443.1230
M-Fri: 10a-2p
Stay Tuned for more info to come! PASS THIS INFORMATION ON TO Scout Troops, PTA's, HOA's, Business Groups - anyone you know who truly wants to help!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
One loving act at a time
Saturday, September 12, 2009 was a day that came and went like any other day.....except the opportunity to pray for, serve, and bless our neighbors became a little more tangible for the people of Crossroads UMC.
For two hours, gas was at the lowest it has been in months, thanks to 50 cents off per gallon offered by Crossroads UMC. In addition, we offered free music download cards, free sodas, and washed windshields. It was a chance to give someone a much needed break.
And to hear the stories from those who volunteered, it seems like blessings abounded as people expressed surprise and gratitude to receive a random act of kindness.
Pastor Ken says it's just another way to help people connect, follow and become Disciples of Christ - one loving act at a time.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Making a Connection
What a blessing it has been to be part of a Crossroads Connection group. For the past four weeks we have gathered with other families from Crossroads and shared about Finding Peace for Families on the Go. Who would have thought that adding something else to our already busy week could help us to "increase the peace" in our lives? I truly believe that I have been blessed by coming together with others in His name.
It's been great to recap with others about the weekly sermon messages, and then delve a little deeper in the Scriptures. We all know that living a Christian life is not just a Sunday thing, but too often we gather on Sunday to hear the message and don't take the time to reflect and work on understanding what we need to be doing throughout the week. Our group scheduled meetings on Wednesdays so we could take a few days to reflect and then share and carry one another through the week.
This series on Peace has been especially relevant. In our group, we found that many of us have a long commute. Even though we have kids of varying ages, we all identified with the challenges of finding peace as parents. We all shared stories of relating scripture to our current lifestyle. What a joy to find out I am not alone in some of my challenges! It was also a blessing to share encouragement with others going through things I have experienced in the past.
Making connections in the North Paulding community where we live has been very rewarding. I like meeting with others close to home. I like talking with others about what is going on in this community. I like sharing our joys and concerns as we watch this area grow and change.
Being part of a Crossroads Connection group is allowing me to grow in my faith, learn to trust in God more, and set down roots right here where I live. If you would like to be part of a Crossroads Connection group, contact Pastor Ken Hagler.
It's been great to recap with others about the weekly sermon messages, and then delve a little deeper in the Scriptures. We all know that living a Christian life is not just a Sunday thing, but too often we gather on Sunday to hear the message and don't take the time to reflect and work on understanding what we need to be doing throughout the week. Our group scheduled meetings on Wednesdays so we could take a few days to reflect and then share and carry one another through the week.
This series on Peace has been especially relevant. In our group, we found that many of us have a long commute. Even though we have kids of varying ages, we all identified with the challenges of finding peace as parents. We all shared stories of relating scripture to our current lifestyle. What a joy to find out I am not alone in some of my challenges! It was also a blessing to share encouragement with others going through things I have experienced in the past.
Making connections in the North Paulding community where we live has been very rewarding. I like meeting with others close to home. I like talking with others about what is going on in this community. I like sharing our joys and concerns as we watch this area grow and change.
Being part of a Crossroads Connection group is allowing me to grow in my faith, learn to trust in God more, and set down roots right here where I live. If you would like to be part of a Crossroads Connection group, contact Pastor Ken Hagler.
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