Crossroads United Methodist Church

No summer slowdown

2010-06-22T11:56:00.002-04:00

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!

Why Are Cleaning Buckets Important? Take a look...

2009-09-30T17:27:00.002-04:00

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!

North Georgia Disaster Response Communication

2009-09-22T18:08:00.000-04:00

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.

How to Build Your Cleaning Bucket to Help Flood Relief!

2009-09-22T16:27:00.001-04:00

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!

North Paulding Flood Response

2009-09-22T11:01:00.003-04:00

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!

One loving act at a time

2009-09-19T18:42:00.006-04:00

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.

Making a Connection

2009-05-13T21:41:00.002-04:00

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.

Easter Sunday - One Hope

2009-04-10T07:44:00.001-04:00

it is Easter Sunday at Crossroads UMC this weekend. Our first! Our series on Messy has been a blast but to think we're "ending" it on Sunday would just be crazy! It is one of the difficulties with preaching in "series" because the idea is that it comes to an "end."

I suppose for some they do but for me, series never end - the good news just takes on a different flavor, a new theme, or a new idea. It is still the same Gospel and that is what this Easter is all about - ONE HOPE.

So, this Sunday if you're out our way in northeast Paulding and around Cedarcrest Rd. then come and join us for a church where the whole family is welcome and can find a place to connect!

8:00am Early Edition Easter Sunrise Service (in front of Shelton - weather permitting)
8:45am Breakfast (on us!)
9:39am Worship with Communion celebration
(Nursery and Crossroads Kids for Preschool is offered)

Scouting For Food Comes To A Close

2009-03-28T14:51:00.003-04:00

As I left food was still arriving but by that time we had collected close to 1500 items to go to Helping Hands of Paulding. Thanks to the MacMaths for bringing out breakfast for Ed and me! Crossroads UMC - Our church is awesome and what an incredible way to BE and DO church by feeding the hungry AND supporting young people!

Crossroads UMC Gets High For Food!

2009-03-26T19:26:00.002-04:00

Scouting for Food in northeast Paulding is underway as we "Get High For Food!"

Scouts working to get the bags out!

Pastor Ken Hagler of Crossroads UMC (also Den Leader & Assistant Cubmaster, Pack 1916) took a quick two hour shift to try out our new home!

Geof Hutton - Scoutmaster, Troop 2009 & Cubmaster, Pack 1916, taking over for the first 24 hour shift.

Yes it was in the wind and rain we began by getting our giant tee-pee set-up. We then got to work on our shelter with the help of Rick Harris and Harris Diversified as they donated the scissor lift for the 48 hour event.

Bring your non-perishables by anytime to fill up the tee-pee or set them aside on Saturday morning in the bags passed out last Saturday. Be sure to learn more about Helping Hands of Paulding County too!

Making an Impact

2009-03-08T19:04:00.002-04:00

It's hard to believe that Crossroads has only been meeting since October. You would think we'd still be getting our feet wet in the community. But Pastor Ken is already helping us to be deeply involved and committed to serving others in the North Paulding Community.

Besides sponsoring a new Boy Scout Troop, Crossroads will be partnering to collect food for our local outreach ministry, Helping Hands of Paulding. Be saving your canned and dry goods, because March 21-28 we will be collecting these items. Pastor Ken is so fired up for this cause that he has even agreed to be part of the promoters who will go up 20 feet in the air for 48 hours!

This is just another way that Crossroads Church is not just talking about Christian love, but actually living it. Crossroads has reached out to help needy families with food, clothing, and moving. We've sponsored movie nights at a nearby Children's Home. We've hosted a thank you breakfast for the staff at Shelton Elementary, where we currently meet for worship. These are just a few of the ways we have already begun to make an impact in our community.

Take joy that Crossroads Church is a place to live our faith and share our blessings as we grow in faith and fellowship. If you'd like to get involved in our next outreach project, or have ideas for serving, please contact Pastor Ken.

First Scout Sunday!

2009-02-09T06:38:00.002-05:00

I know, I know, everything at Crossroads is a first! Today was a great first for us though as you can tell. Scouts were all over Sunday, greeting and assisting in worship. We also got to announce we'll be the charter organization for the new BOy Scout Troop 2009 - and God has opened so many doors for that to happen it is incredible!

And yes...I did preach in my class A uniform on Sunday! ;)

A Generous Life Begins Sunday!!!

2009-01-29T07:51:00.004-05:00

This Sunday will begin the next incredible month at Crossroads! I'm so pumped that we have the opportunity to kick this series off by hearing from Casey Graham, President of ReThink Money. Be sure to be at Crossroads Sunday.

Casey will be back the end of February to lead the half-day seminar on ReThink Money!

Help Crossroads UMC When You Search!

2009-01-13T16:11:00.002-05:00

Thanks to a friend and a little research and work, Crossroads is now a part of Goodsearch.com powered by Yahoo!. Go to the link above and register Crossroads United Methodist Church (Marietta) and start using it as your search engine and they'll donate a penny to Crossroads every time you do a search! You can also add it to your tool bars on Internet Explorer and Firefox as well.

In addition, do all of your shopping through their online shopping mall, GoodShop.com, where you can shop at more than 900 top online retailers and a percentage of your purchases will go to Crossroads too. You pay the same price as you normally would, but a donation goes back to us!

Here's the web site — http://www.goodsearch.com. You can also read about GoodSearch in the NY Times, Oprah Magazine, CNN, ABC News and the Wall Street Journal.

Prayer for Job Search

2009-01-11T21:01:00.001-05:00

Father, I turn to You seeking Your divine help and guidance as I look for suitable employment. I want to use the gifts and talents You have given me. I'm ready for the opportunity to use them with gainful employment. Thank You for the resources to meet my daily expenses at home as well as the expenses incurred with job seeking. Grant peace on my home in these times when things are so uncertain. I pray for the confidence to grow out of my comfort zone with future interviews and prospects. I give thanks in advance for opening possibilities. In all things, may you give me strength as I try to live by faith. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The Deacon Brandon Reeves Playing @ Crossroads Cafe January 30th!

2009-01-07T14:32:00.005-05:00

Brandon has become well known in Marietta and Kennesaw for his incredible blues. The people of the Cedarcrest area from Shelton Elementary and McClure Middle to neighborhoods, like Seven Hills and Bentwater, know his acoustical talents from the holiday season. At Crossroads, we know him for his awesome worship talents.

Come out enjoy an evening at Crossroads Cafe and hear Brandon live sharing his gifted talents of blending his blues and faith. Mark your calendar for January 30th and be there!

Hear Brandon's Blues at The Deacon Brandon Reeves Site. Hear some of his worship songs at Brandon Reeves on Myspace.

Cedarcrest Info Website

2009-01-06T16:27:00.000-05:00

Click for the Cedarcrest Info Homepage.

Not up to speed on all info and events in Cedarcrest area? Here is your link to it all then! Tell your friends and get the word out.

Authentic Faith Series Starts Tomorrow!

2009-01-03T12:06:00.003-05:00

I'm really excited about this new year and what God has in store! Nothing like starting a series on faith to get that going. I can tell you that God has really been working me over and a big part of that is a challenge regarding my own faith.

Make sure you join us at Shelton Elementary School @ 9:39am Sunday morning. You don't want to miss this!

Hanging with Mr. Claus

2008-12-19T17:55:00.001-05:00

Peter Huffman from Huffman Eye Care and I took a break from serving hot chocolate and cider at Bentwater to tell Santa what we wanted for Christmas.

Even though Peter went to UNC Chapel Hill, he is still a great guy and makes a mean cider! Part of being in a community is taking the time to serve others even in little ways. Make sure to support Peter's new practice...I did yesterday (and there was no baby blue on the walls, thank goodness!)

DINNER FOR THE LEAST OF THESE

2008-12-09T15:24:00.005-05:00

This coming Saturday, December 13, Crossroads UMC and Acworth UMC are furnishing a Christmas meal to about 60 incarcerated young people at the Rome Youth Detention Center, who desperately need God’s love and guidance in their lives.

Brandon will bring the music. All you have to do is show up and be willing to share Gods love through a handshake, a smile, serving them a dinner plate or maybe sharing a prayer with them. You must be at least 19 with no felony convictions. We will leave at 4pm from and be back at 9pm. If you have further questions or would like to confirm you're coming, give Todd Layton a call at 770.605.6669 for details.

An especially HUGE THANK YOU to Heather and the staff at Crossroads Cafe for preparing the meal! Not only is Crossroads a great place to eat, they take it a step beyond by serving a community. Make sure when you're hungry or need a cup of coffee, stop by Crossroads Cafe. Chances are good you'll see me there as it is my office away from home.

Cold Days and Hot Chocolate!

2008-12-08T16:06:00.003-05:00

Randy Newman from Crossroads UMC got to pose with the lovely Shari from Colonial Bank at Seven Hills as we prepared for holiday festivities. Crossroads UMC partnered with Colonial Bank, Huffman Eye Care and Edward Jones, to keep the families of Seven Hills warm as they waited for wagon rides and pictures with Santa this past Friday night.

On Sunday afternoon, the people of Crossroads UMC continued to warm up the clubhouse at Bentwater Subdivision along with Huffman Eye Care. As families waited for Santa, there were opportunities for kids to make crafts and cards for soldiers. At both events, worship leader, Brandon Reeves added to the spirit of the season with Christmas carols with his distinctive blues and jazz flavor.

Just for the record, we poured out over 600 cups of hot chocolate not counting the hot cider and Roberto's signature Edward Jones mugs! ;) It was a great weekend and I can't say thanks enough to everyone who pitched in to help!

Crossroads' Wii Tree

2008-11-23T20:22:00.003-05:00

The children at Murphy-Harpst Children’s Home have a Wii Game System that they share as a special reward. But for the past 12 months, they’ve had one game to play. We’re going to change that! There are 24 “Wii” Angels on our “Wii Tree.” Pick up a “Wii” Angel at our Hospitality table and help make this a special Christmas for all the wonderful kids at Murphy-Harpst!

If you need more information contact us at Crossroads UMC.

Movie Matinee @ Murphy-Harpst

2008-11-08T11:10:00.004-05:00

Crossroads had a great chance to help make a special day for some kids in need right nearby. Just west of north Paulding in Cedartown, is Murphy-Harpst Children's home. We took our video equipment, microwave and popcorn and with the support of Servpro who provided sodas, we brought the movies to Murphy-Harpst!

Our team had a great time and so did the staff at Murphy-Harpst. The best part though was seeing and meeting all the kids from the home and talking to them and serving them.

After the movie, we had a chance for our team to tour some of the facility. One of the areas we're looking forward to helping with is the equestrian facility where the kids learn about life through working with the horses. You can bet we'll be heading out to Murphy-Harpst again but that is only the start! There is more coming from Crossroads here to our Paulding community as well. God is doing some great things!

Life According To Monopoly

2008-10-14T20:07:00.007-04:00

We've been having a great time this month with our Life Worth Living series! Each week has been a different twist and turn and this week will be no different. This week though is a bit of a different take on money at a very relevant time. The amazing thing is that this sermon was in the works months ago. God certainly has his ways! You'll have to come or download the mp3 to get the message though.

However, I did want to share some of the things I've come across in preparing for the series and especially this sermon. I hope you'll be able to use them for yourself, with your family or maybe pass one on to someone who might need it!

ReThink Money
Better Budgeting
CNN Debt Reduction Planner
Free and Cheap
Dave Ramsey
Kid's Finance
Kid's Bank
College Student Budgeting

John Wesley's Sermon on the Use of Money.

Crossroads UMC Launches!!

2008-10-06T16:43:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was an awesome day! It is an amazing experience to be living life with so many incredible people who are seeking after God's will all at once. Wow.

The funny thing is, for all the build up, all the preparation, all the anxiety, all the prayer, Crossroads UMC, was, is and will be God's. I am in awe today of how wonderfully gracious God is to let us play any role whatsoever in the handiwork which is His world and His Church.

Crossroads folks, you are incredible!!! Thank you for your prayers, services and sacrifices to follow the still, small voice that God placed in your heart.

On the Backroads of a Life Worth Living

2008-10-02T14:07:00.001-04:00

I drive around Georgia a bit more than Heather and the kids. I have found and learned many of the back roads and avoid our more busy streets where I can. So, when we start going places as a family, if I know where we are going, I tend to take the back roads. I will admit sometimes it does not always go as planned but we always get there.

Do you ever get that feeling in life? I mean, did you plan things to go exactly as they have up until this day? Are you doing what you said you wanted to do when you four years old? Yeah, I am not where I thought I would be either. I was planning on being the Six Million Dollar Man, oh well. Six years ago if you asked me if I would be starting a new church, I would tell you it wasn’t even on my radar. Some times we take the back roads and wind up at a crossroads.

Our community here is a growing one. It is a dynamic one. It is a crossroads where you can find people from all walks of life and stories. Look at the bumper stickers and the front license plates and you can see; we are from everywhere. But not anymore, now we are all from here.

Our community comes together at ball games and for school fairs. We serve together on PTA, in scouting, and pass each other in the store. Listen to our accents and see the colors of our skin. They tell part of the story of the roads we traveled to this place.

Crossroads United Methodist Church is a new church starting October 5 and it is a place where people who are from everywhere, can find a connection to God and to others, right here. Tom-Tom is not a guide for all the journeys and back roads in life that we will take. A GPS may get you to a location but it does not tell you about where your heart lies.

And just where is your heart? Is there a road map? What are the rules of that road? From start to finish, life is the trickiest and wildest road you and I will ever travel. Is the destination more important or the journey?

The answers to these questions may surprise you. No matter where you are on life’s road, come join us this Sunday at Crossroads United Methodist Church as we navigate ups, downs, twists and turns, and learn just how much God wants you to have a Life Worth Living!

Crossroads UMC is meeting at Shelton Elementary School at 9:39am.

Let's Get this Party Started

2008-10-01T10:54:00.003-04:00

For some of us, this Sunday has been a long time coming. October 5 has been planned for, prayed about, and prepared for months....even years. And it will be a wonderful celebration.

We've seen our community continue to grow in leaps and bounds. New schools, new businesses, and new people now call North Paulding home. And having a church to call home is an important part of getting grounded in the community.

What an awesome opportunity we have to be a church home. It's more than being the local hangout.....where everybody knows your name, and you're always glad you came! It's a place where everybody comes to know GOD by name. It's a place where we gather as a community to sing praises, share our joys and concerns, and become a place of LIVING HOPE.

So it's important to recognize that Crossroads is at a Crossroad. We are about to cross to the other side from being an "idea" to becoming an official reality. We couldn't have come this far without the faithful leadership of a passionate Pastor. On our launch day we will recognize the tireless efforts of Pastor Ken and his family. He has prepared us to this point, and now we become a unit that continues the journey.

Let us celebrate with great joy for such a time as this. Let us give thanks for the opportunities we have to become an anchor in the North Paulding community. Let us pray for wisdom and courage to continue to do the work that Pastor Ken has established.

Heavenly Father, author and inspirer of all things holy,
hear our prayers for Crossroads Church.
Send forth Your Spirit that we may humbly be guided by your Divine Will.
Touch our hearts with true generosity to raise up a house of God
for the inspiration and renewal of all your faithful.
We ask this in Jesus' Name.
Amen.

More caught than taught

2008-09-24T09:18:00.001-04:00

One of my pastors favorite sayings is "Faith is more caught than taught." He says we learn faith by practicing it. We surround ourselves with people of faith, and we will eventually catch on. You can lecture or preach until the cows come home, but we learn by seeing and doing.

Today I had a glimpse of that in action and it brought tears to my eyes. Raising boys is probably one of my greater challenges in life. Bringing boys to church and having any of us leave with any positive kind of enrichment is also a great challenge. Sometimes we have not come to church because of whining and complaining. Sometimes we made it to church but I spent most of my time trying to explain why we needed to sit still, quit squirming, stop fiddling, and try to act like you're paying attention.

But today, my yougest child got into the rythym of the service. The choir sang with such enthusiasm that you couldn't help but want to participate. They led us into the opening hymn, and then we recited the Apostles Creed. That's when it happened. He was standing and reading from the overhead screen. His little child voice was reciting the words of our faith, and we were all united.

Now I have no false illusions that he understood all that he was reading, or had a profound need to express his faith, but he, along with the rest of us, was practicing what we do to come together in worship....to glorify God and express our belief that God Almighty is our stronghold.

It was kind of bittersweet because today was the commissioning service for the new mission church we will help start. We were at our "mother" church for the last time. Next Sunday is our last "practice" worship before we launch as a new individual church. We meet in a school. We set up the chairs and a stage for our temporary Sanctuary. We won't have a big choir or hundreds of people to be among. And yet, we will still have the same charge of sharing together as a community, sharing our faith, and "practicing" our faith. My children will learn that as part of a new church start you may have to get there early to set up chairs. They will see that you have to stay late to clean up even after others have gone home. Hopefully they will see parents make a commitment to doing what it takes to make a new church a welcoming place for others.

I see more clearly today why faith can be more caught than taught. I can only hope and pray that my actions may help bring others to know a loving God who cares for them. What an awesome privilege.

Stay Connected

2008-09-15T15:06:00.002-04:00

If you want to know what's going on at Crossroads, we've got several ways to keep you informed.

* Visit our website at www.crossroadsum.org
* Pastor Ken sends out a group e-mail with up to date details to any one who has registered their e-mail (Complete a connect cards at worship or sign up on our web site).
* What are we doing? If you want short updates, quick reminders, impromptu prayer reminders and more, visit www.twitter.com/crossroadsum You can also set up a twitter account and "follow" the Crossroads Twitter. Followers can get updates sent as text messages to your cell phone.
* Listen (or re-listen) to Pastor Ken's sermons. You can listen from your computer or subscribe and download to your mp3 player. Visit www.crossroadsum.org/podcasts/sermons

Unique in the Marketplace Podcast

2008-09-08T16:17:00.001-04:00

Crossroads is now podcasting! Check out the sermon from this past Sunday: Unique in the Marketplace.

I've also been in the habit of posting a hard copy of my sermons too. If you've been a reader to the blog and would also like that version of my sermon as well or just prefer it, show me some love and let me know below in the comments.

Please keep in mind, we're still new to this and until we get the bugs worked out, we might not always get this out. We're going to do our best though!

30 Days Of Prayer

2008-08-29T11:11:00.001-04:00

Crossroads is now just over a month from our launch Sunday on October 5! I cannot believe how fast the time has gone by! Our first preview service was a great experience and a great time to worship God. We learned a whole lot through the weekend and saw some of the needs that we're going to have. It was neat to see everyone getting connected and new friendships beginning.

Today, however, I hope to focus on the One behind this whole endeavor, this mission to start a new church to help people connect, follow and become disciples of Jesus Christ. The Church began with God and as I spoke on last week, God is the one who cares for those connected to Jesus Christ (John 15:1).

The next 30 days are an opportunity for us to prepare our hearts, for us to focus our attention and efforts on depending on God for the results. I know because I need to do this too. It is easy to focus on our efforts.

Paul writes in his letter to the church at Ephesus (and the church at Crossroads):

Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. (6:13).

Thomas A Kempis would later write, "If we would endeavor like brave men to stand in the battle, surely we should behold above us the help of God from Heaven (Imitation of Christ)"

Would you join together with us in standing firm and turning our attention to God? Partner with us in our 30 Days of Prayer beginning on Monday, September 1. Visit our website (www.crossroadsum.org) and click on the 30 Days of Prayer button. Print off the prayer and share it at your church. Pass the link on by e-mail. Get everyone you know to be in prayer. Have your family pray each day at breakfast or at dinner.

Loving Life Indeed!
Ken

The First Preseason "Game"

2008-08-24T17:19:00.003-04:00

What a great day! Today Crossroads UMC embarked on the Preseason portion of our launch. Over the next month, we'll be worshiping on September 7, 14 and 28.

We spent the weekend with Marshall from Church On Wheels. As we experienced a day of unpacking and setting up and experimenting with all of our equipment and space. Marshall, you rock man!

I can't write this blog without a huge thank you to the staff of Shelton Elementary but especially to Ralph. Ralph, you are the best! Thank you for your help, your advice and your wisdom.

Above all else, it was our launch team that made the day happen! What an incredible group of folks! Through the blood, sweat and prayers, you guys are helping connect a community to God.

Brandon and the worship team did an amazing job. Opening with the classic, All Hail The Power of Jesus' Name, they led us through an amazing service. The team's version of God of Our Yesterdays was incredible. Our acolytes, Jillian and Ilya did a great job in assisting with the service and keeping the space sacred. Ken's message on being people of The Vine Life spoke to the need we have to be connected to Jesus Christ and the Church. It led right into the service of communion.

"The best of all is, God is with us." - John Wesley

And The Saga Continues...

2008-08-23T19:01:00.003-04:00

It is a humbling moment to drive up for the first time to see the church's first trailer. I'd say it is comparable to getting your first car.

As I talked with Brandon, our worship leader, it was just a real God moment remembering that it was nearly 5 years ago this journey began. We looked around Shelton to see all the new friends, our new family, that God has begun to form into a church. None of us were connected 5 years ago when God put the vision for Crossroads UMC in my heart but the time is at hand.

I'll be back tomorrow as we embark on our first preview service...without a safety net and reflect on these words from Elisabeth Eliot my wife shared with me months ago that have helped me on many days...

Let us recall that the task is a divinely appointed one, and divine aid is therefore to be expected. Expect it! Ask for it, wait for it, believe that God gives it. Offer to Him the job itself, along with your fears and misgivings about it. He will not fail or be discouraged. Let his courage encourage you. The day will come when the task will be finished. Trust Him for it.

For the Lord GOD helps Me, Therefore, I am not disgraced; Therefore, I have set My face like flint, And I know that I will not be ashamed. (Isaiah 50:7 NASB)

Don't Hinder the Children!

2008-08-20T20:48:00.005-04:00

I got home a little while ago from picking up a video game system for Crossroads. That may not sound like a big deal but let me fill in the gaps.

We put out an ad that Crossroads was making a home for lonely video game systems. We needed a couple for some of our areas. When the kids in the Payne family read about it in the bulletin at Due West, they insisted that they needed to give their used but still good, system to Crossroads. Not only that, they told their dad he needed to buy new controllers for us!

There have been so many people giving to us in so many ways. It is the most humbling thing about being a new church pastor when someone does something like this, makes a sacrifice or gives a gift. To have these young disciples step forward is a testament to the Church, to their parents and to their own faith journey. "Whatever you do, don't hinder the children from coming to me!" Jesus said.

I wouldn't dream of it!

(PS, it wasn't an Atari 2600, I just liked the picture!)

Backpacks for Back to School

2008-08-08T11:06:00.008-04:00

Crossroads United Methodist Church took the offerings from our first practice service and combined it with our desire to follow Jesus Christ. The result was 30 backpacks prepared for needy children in our north Paulding schools as well as supplies for the children at Murphy-Harpst in nearby Cedartown. I'm really thankful to Pam Kramer who not only received the supplies but has helped give us an idea of how Crossroads UMC can continue to partner with this incredible ministry.

Thank You from Murphy-Harpst

2008-08-08T09:13:00.005-04:00

I just received this e-mail and wanted to pass it on. Thank you to all who gave and helped make this possible!

Rev. Hagler,

I am so glad you got to visit our campus. We are so thrilled that your church already wants to do things with and for us.

I knew asking your church for tutoring and teaching aids would be good because your demographic would understand what I was looking for! I have not fully unpacked your bins, but am delighted with what I have seen so far! This will help our cottages so much on those days that a child cannot make it to school.

Have a beautiful weekend.

L. Susan Stroup

Coordinator of Financial Support Services

Murphy-Harpst Children's Home

Crossroad's Calendar Update

2008-07-24T17:44:00.003-04:00

The time for this new church is upon us. In fact, the end of August we begin the stretch run to our launch date of October 5th. Thanks to everyone who has been helping out in so many ways. With vacation schedules on us all, it makes things even crazier! But God is in the midst of it all. While on vacation, Crossroads was blest financially with some gifts and also in the way of prayer support from Pikeville UMC in Pikeville, KY.

NEW Schedule of Crossroads’ Events in North Paulding:

August 9: Practice Service is cancelled.

Sunday, August 3: Crossroads Connection & Backpacks for Back To School
7-8pm in Seven Hills Subdivision

Join us for dessert and bring any school supplies from our list below as we put together backpacks for schools and supplies for Murphy- Harpst. We'll be at the outdoor pavilion. While we put together backpacks, we'll have opportunity to meet others and go over some of the key areas in preparation for our big weekend of August 23 & 24.

School Supply List for Backpacks:

Washable Glue Sticks
Washable Markers
Crayons
Papermate American Classic Pencils
Box of Tissues

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THE BIG WEEKEND

Saturday, August 23: Practice Day: We're awaiting final details on delivery. I'll get this out, hopefully by August 3rd.

Sunday, August 24: First Preview Service @ 9:39am

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Safe Sanctuary & Training Days

Thursday, August 7th 7:00PM or Thursday, August 14th at 7:00PM in the Seven Hills Subdivision Club House

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Previews and Events

Sunday, September 7: Preview Service @ 9:39am

Sunday, September 14: Preview Service @ 9:39am

Saturday, September 20: Fall Festival & Movie Night @ Bentwater Subdivision

Sunday, September 21: Commissioning Service @ Due West UMC 11am service.

Sunday, September 28: Preview Service @ 9:39am

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THE BIG SUNDAY

Sunday, October 5: Launch Service @ 9:39am

You are now entering the Mission Field

2008-07-14T09:47:00.002-04:00

I remember reading the sign "You are now entering the Mission Field" as I was leaving a church parking lot. It was on the back of the "Welcome" sign you saw as you entered the church. I just thought it was odd, especially here in the Bible belt south. First of all, I thought of Missions as serving in some far off third world country, and second, if people didn't come to this church, there were plenty of other churches nearby that they probably went to, right? Wrong. There are plenty of people right here in our own community that do not have a church home, do not have an ongoing relationship with Christ, and don't know how to proceed. Going to church seems like just "another responsibility" that is just not a priority.

And yet, we are a people in need of knowing that God cares for us and has a plan for us. We want a sense of Hope in this unreliable world. And that is why it is so important to be laborers in the mission field and invite people to church.

As we pray in the neighborhoods of our community, let us pray for the opportunity to make a difference. Let us bring Good News and hope to those who wander. Let us use our gifts to be the body of Christ right here. If you have specific ideas of where to serve at Crossroads UMC, contact Pastor Ken at khagler@crossroadsum.org.

Crossroads UMC: where people connect, follow, and become

"What I Like About Crossroads UMC"

2008-07-09T09:42:00.004-04:00

I like Crossroads because it has a cool symbol. If you like more modern music with a "church" feel not a "rock concert" feel, you'll like it. It has acolytes (they do not wear albs) and we say the Apostle's Creed too. What I like the most is that I can be a part of spreading the word of Jesus Christ.

-Logan, 10

Images Of Our First Preview

2008-07-03T07:45:00.012-04:00

These are just a few of the images from Crossroads' first practice service. It was an amazing evening. What an incredible outpouring of support and generosity as people gave of their time to serve and support but also in offering to help support our Backpacks For Back To School project for Murphy-Harpst Children's Home and north Paulding schools.

I think I can speak for our entire launch team, that the service met and exceeded our expectations. It gave us the chance to see how the service flowed and how the room sounded. We got a chance to experiment and see the space we'll be worshipping in already set-up. It was great to have Daniel taking pictures all evening so we can show folks something is happening at Crossroads!

This night has given us all food for thought and a lot to consider. There is no way I could send out this e-mail though without thanking Cedarcrest Church for allowing us to use the space and their equipment and covering the cost! Thanks to all the churches who've given so much, most especially Acworth UMC and Due West UMC. Most especially thanks to our prayer team. Ya'll have prayed so faithfully for so long. Your prayers mean more than you know.

Stay tuned as more info from the night comes out and we let you know what is coming up!

First Practice Is This Sunday Evening!!!

2008-06-24T19:50:00.003-04:00

Crossroads UMC First Practice Service:
This Sunday, June 29th, 5-6pm

This Sunday evening will be our first practice service! Thanks to George Wright and the folks at Cedarcrest Church, we've been given a great opportunity to celebrate what God has done and prepare for what is going to happen.

If you've not made plans this Sunday, here is the information:

4-5pm Set-up and Prepare: Our worship team will plug in and warm-up. Greeters will practice and prepare for guests and the service. Some of our young people will practice the role of acolyte. We'll try out our flags at the entrance and set-up the communion table.

5-6pm Worship Service: We will have an actual worship service. A special offering for Murphy-Harpst and Backpacks for Back to School will be taken. We will also have a sermon and communion.

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If anyone does photography, we need to have photos on Sunday! Please let me know ASAP.

We won't be doing children's ministry or nursery but we will have some special space for families with children and activities for them.

Parking will be in the side lot near the gym/sanctuary. We will have flags and banner at the entrance for you to come. The school locks down the rest of the building @ 3pm.

For directions, get our simple map.

Crossroads' Calendar

2008-05-22T15:00:00.001-04:00

Much of what is planned in the start of a new church can change along the way. We’ve found this out frequently in the past year! Hopefully these dates are helpful but be on the lookout for updates at our website and through e-mails.

June 29: Practice Service @ Shelton Elementary (5pm)

July: Mission Opportunities

August 9: Practice Service @ Shelton Elementary (evening)

August 18: School Starts

August 23: (Saturday) Delivery of equipment & Practice Day (Everybody needed!!)

August 24: Preview Service @ 9:39am!!!

September 6: Arts & Craft Fair @ Paulding Meadows

September 7: Preview Service (9:39am)
September 14: Preview Service (9:39am)
September 21: Comissioning of Launch Team @ Due West UMC (11am)
September 28: Preview Service (9:39am)

October 5: Crossroads Launches (9:39am)

November 30th (Sunday) Hanging of the Greens

December 24th (Wednesday) Christmas Eve (Including 4pm Family Sing-a-Long)

Connecting Neighbors

2008-05-19T09:41:00.008-04:00

This past Saturday evening, over 200 people gathered at the Seven Hills Neighborhood Amphitheater for a great evening of family fun. It was great to meet so many of our neighbors in our north Paulding community both old and new! There were things to do throughout the evening as we had the playground, bounce houses, a pick-up football game, hot dogs and music even before the movie started.

Crossroads United Methodist Church was the primary sponsor and I can't thank enough our launch team members who came out to help along with the families of Due West UMC who helped as well.

I also want to thank all our friends in the local business community who made the night possible through their gifts and support to make the evening a success. These are businesses who believe in supporting their community and being connected. If you live in and around north Paulding, be sure to support:

America's Service Station: Bentwater Store Phone: 770-529-9993

Signs & More: Cartersville Phone: 770-383-8808

The Prissy Polka Dot Phone: 770-974-5551 Toll Free: 866-974-5551

Colonial Bank @ Seven Hills

Full of Hot Air Inflatables: Phone: 770-268-4401

Nights like Saturday night, are to me, what the United Methodist Church is about.

2008-05-08T18:48:00.009-04:00

Crossroads UMC had the opportunity in April to support one of our local Daisy Troops. We took part in their Pet Day at the Bentwater subdivision's activity field. During the day, our launch team had the chance to meet a lot of great pets (and some great owners too)! We had the opportunity to bless around 40 dogs, a couple of shelter dogs up for adoption and two cats waiting for a home.
It was neat to hear so many stories about different animals and share with people about the church's stance on the importance of animals. One of those animals was Duchess who was rescued by a family as part of a Collie rescue group.

Each owner received a certificate of blessing which included information about the start of Crossroads this fall.

Russom Rocks!!!

2008-04-29T09:05:00.002-04:00

Friday night was an awesome night at Russom Elementary as they hosted their Spring Fling. Crossroads UMCco-sponsored a booth along with Dawning Marketing.

We gave out close to 200 balloons, Third Day CDs and copies of the Paulding Family Times. Thank you to the Preece family and the Lewis family for helping out Friday night. It was so cool to see red balloons up and down the street!

And a big thank you to Angela from Dawning for providing the Bounce House for the kids and for partnering with Crossroads to make it a great night for getting the word out. If you're looking for someone who has connections and is creative in coming up with ways to get the word out, get in touch with Angela!

Prayer for Our Neighborhoods

2008-04-29T07:42:00.002-04:00

Back a few weeks ago, part of the launch team of Crossroads UMC gathered to begin praying for our neighbors and neighborhoods in Paulding County. Those who gathered took a simple map outlining our neighborhoods. We took time to stop and pray over each neighborhood.

The prayer is a simple one and easy to read. It was neat to join together both as a team and as a family, to pray over the different neighborhoods. I invite you to join with us in praying for our neighborhoods...

A Prayer for Our Neighborhoods.

God, you have built your Church, on the foundation of people just like us, with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone.
You want all families to connect with you and your Church.
Your plan is for all to follow you.
Your hope is for everyone to become a disciple.
Build your Church in our community.
May the families who don’t know you in this neighborhood, become open to you and come to faith in Jesus Christ.
Use us. Use our words. Use our lives. Use our church.
Help us to be like Jesus for them. Amen.

Another Crossroads Weekend!

2008-04-21T19:36:00.002-04:00

Mark your calendars and make plans to support...

Russom Elementary Spring Fling - Friday 6-9:30pm

Crossroads UMC will be supporting Russom and getting connected! We'll be handing out cds and our new Crossroads balloons along with having an inflatable bounce house too (thanks to Paulding Family Times who is helping our cause!) We need help with set-up and take down as well as help handing out balloons. This is a great opportunity!

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CROSSROADS CONNECTION - Sunday 5-6pm

Here is your chance to learn what goes into a new mission outpost! Join Pastor Ken Hagler and others at the clubhouse at Seven Hills neighborhood off Cedarcrest Rd. on April 27. These are important evenings to come and bring friends who might be interested as we talk about the vision, set-up, ministry areas and upcoming events

Activities for children will be available during these evenings so please RSVP.

Additional Crossroads Connection Events will be May 4 and 18 from 5-6pm. Please make plans to attend at least two and invite others!

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Thanks to everyone who participated in launching our Prayer for Our Neighborhoods and the Pet Day this past Saturday! We connected with a lot of people as we spent time in our community. We did blessings of over 40 pets and sent home information about Crossroads to all of them. Hope to have pics and video soon.

New Location for Crossroads!!!

2008-03-17T09:50:00.004-04:00

Some changes have recently come about and we're excited to announce that Crossroads UMC will begin worship this fall at Shelton Elementary School. The location of Shelton will be easy to access coming from many different directions with it being centrally located on Cedarcrest Rd.

Baby Shower Pictures!

2008-03-03T15:47:00.009-05:00

As many of you know, on Sunday Due West UMC hosted the baby shower for Crossroads UMC - WOW! Almost everything on our Target Registry was taken care of...THANK YOU!

A couple of the neat things that happened were, the Children's Ministry at Due West gave gifts which came from pennies collected from their offerings! Fellowship UMC, a new church itself, gave to help. Sunday School classes and individuals gave gifts and time to make it a really special day. A big thanks to all the kids who came and were more than willing to tear into the gifts for us!

One of our launch team families shared with me that their daughter was curious about the baby church. She asked her parents, "Is the baby church in Pastor Ken's belly?"

There are days that seems to be not far from reality. The truth is though, the Church is the Body of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27), both the little ones and the big one. Thank you for being part of His Body!

There are still needs we have as a church and if you are still interested in helping feel free to contact me at khagler @ crossroadsum dot org

Oak Leaf Visitation Date and Times

2008-02-14T14:03:00.005-05:00

On February 24th we are going to head up to visit Oak Leaf Church in Cartersville. Here is a Google Map link to Oak Leaf's Location @ Woodland High School.

Why Oak Leaf? They are meeting in a High School and that presents us with a chance to observe how they create a inviting children's ministry environment in a location not made for children. Their church is 18 months old and do things differently than Fellowship with a different approach to set-up.

Here is the schedule for them as posted on their website Behind the Leaf:

6:00 - Load-in. Everything from the trucks and trailers gets brought in and set-up.

7:30 - Sound Check. All cables are run, all lights are pointed, all elements are assembled and functioning properly.

8:00 - Production Meeting. Everyone gathers together on the stage to discuss and pray for the service.

8:15 - Rehearsal. An actual run-through of the service that includes lyrics to songs, all videos, and every person who has any role in the service.

9:00 - Breather Time. Rest, focus, and pray for the service.

9:15 - Doors Open for 9:30 service. Worship is held @ 9:30 and 11am

I'm going to spend the whole morning up there through the 11am service. For those of you with little ones, don't feel like you've got to do this but do try to come if you can. We need feedback and insights from all points of view! Let me know if you can participate so I can be on the lookout for you.

Love Our Teachers! Project

2008-02-14T07:57:00.005-05:00

For Valentines Day, the launch team for Crossroads UMC put together over 70 gift boxes for the teachers at McClure Middle School.

Included in the boxes were dry erase markers, pens, post-it notes, mints and magnets with contact information regarding Crossroads UMC. These were items that the principal suggested teachers were in need of. It is the second outreach by the team to the staff at McClure, which is where Crossroads UMC will begin worship in the fall of 2008.

Informational Lunch: Sunday, February 10th

2008-02-07T17:46:00.000-05:00

Want to learn more about the new church in North Paulding? Here is your chance to come and bring some guests.

Lunch will be served at 12:15pm in the Family Life Center. The presentation with Dr. Tom Davis and Rev. Ken Hagler, the lead pastor, will begin at 12:45pm.

For food planning, please RSVP to either Ken Hagler at khagler@duewest.org or Deb Ingham at dingham@duewest.org.

Baby On The Way!!

2008-02-07T17:45:00.001-05:00

Due West United Methodist Church in Marietta, GA and the North Georgia Conference announces that a new baby will be born, a new baby church that is! In September of 2008, just nine months from now, Crossroads UMC will begin worship in north Paulding County, GA. Rev. Ken Hagler, Associate at Due West UMC will be leading this new church.

Like any baby, there are a lot of needs that a family faces when a baby is born. In the excitement of the expectation, Due West UMC is hosting a BABY SHOWER on March 2nd after the 11AM services. We’d like to invite you and other groups in your church to be a part of this exciting event in the Kingdom of God.

Wondering just what a new baby church needs?

TARGET Baby Registry
You can visit online at target.com or at your local Target store. Crossroads UMC is registered under the name “Ken Hagler.” This is an easy and convenient way to help us with some of our start-up needs.

SAM’S CLUB Gift Card
Many additional items and needs related to hospitality and Children’s and Youth ministries can be found here.

There are additional needs a new church has when they are portable and starting out. In addition to the list above, Crossroads UMC will face unique needs regarding sound, projection and transportation of equipment. Here are some of those needs and costs Crossroads has in preparing to start:

• 3 Pack & Play Cribs, $90 each
• 2 Rocking Chairs, $70 each
• 2 Wood Candle Holders, $13 each
• Soundboard, $1,600
• 4 Banquet Tables, $45 each
• 1 Coffee Urn, $60
• 1 Diaper Genie Pail, $20
• 1 Changing Table, $80
• DVD/VCR Player, $80
• Wireless Microphone, $500
• 3 Sound Monitors, $500 each
• 30 Children’s Chairs, $30 each
• 1 Projection Screen, $670
• Coffee (regular/decaf) and Tea
• $20 each for background checks
• 2 First Aid Kits, $15 each
• 6 Baskets for Communion, $8 each
• Video Projector, $3,000
• Advertising expenses
• 1 Hot Air Popcorn Popper, $40
• 4 Microphones, $100 each
• Diapers
• Hand Sanitizer
• Case of Bibles, $60
• Copy paper
• Baby wipes

We are so thankful for the support we have received from Acworth UMC and from friends at Gainesville FUMC (GA), Jarvis Memorial UMC (NC), and Starkville FUMC (MS). Beyond the areas of Mission and Evangelism, there may be Sunday School classes, Bible Studies or groups in your church who might also want to be involved.

You are invited to come to the BABY SHOWER @ Due West UMC on March 2nd. Please RSVP by February 25th so we might be prepared for you. You may contact either Ken Hagler or Deb Ingham at 770.427.3835 or by e-mail at khagler@duewest.org. We invite you to learn more about Crossroads UMC at www.crossroadsum.org.