This summer, set sail for VBS fun!  Join us for a week of adventure as we navigate God’s truths.  Kids will explore stations, including crafts, snacks, games and theater where they will hear a daily Bible Point.  At High Seas Expedition, the daily Bible Point is carefully integrated into each station’s activities to reinforce Bible learning. Each activity is an important part of kids’ overall learning experience—kind of like the pieces of a puzzle.

Information:

August 2 — August 5
Monday — Thursday
6:00 to 8:30 PM

We welcome kids age 4 through 11.

Pre-school program for 2 & 3 year olds, and nursery for infants to age 2 is available for the children of parents who are volunteering.

There is no fee to attend.

Kids aged 12 and older may volunteer.

Contact the church office, 322-6400 for more information, or e-mail vbs.crossroads@yahoo.com.

Registration Forms at the Resource Desk, as well as volunteer forms or register online below.

Through the years we have refined our search process as we hire new staff at Crossroads.  Early on in our 17 year history we learned the hard way that asking the hard questions and watching for the “red flags” is crucial in the hiring process.  It can be easy to jump ahead of the process and gloss over the warning signs when the need for leadership is urgent.  Here is a brief overview of the process.  There is more to it but I don’t want to overwhelm you with details:

• Our prayer team is mobilized!
• We need to clearly define and prioritize our greatest needs in the area of leadership.  It is clear that we need a Worship Arts Director at Crossroads.
• When we’ve established the need to hire a new staff member we do our best to articulate a position description knowing that there will be adjustments as we get to know the gifts and strengths of our new leader.
• We proactively seek out quality candidates we know and invite them to apply while advertizing on key websites.
• The staff sorted through some 52 résumés and applications that included DVD’s, audio or websites that sampled the candidates worship leading skills.
• We conducted 9 phone interviews with prospective candidates and narrowed the field to 3 candidates all the while sifting through additional résumés and video samples.
• During the initial phase the Search Team, including staff, Praise Team leaders and elders, was formed and they sorted through the top candidates.
• The top three did an extended behavioral interview with Kris and Drew.  Behavioral interviews work on the premise that “the best predictor of future success is past behavior”.  We don’t ask what they would do, we find out what they’ve done.
• The top three were also asked to take a leadership assessment test (Caliper) that matches their gifts with our position description.
• Our top three candidates, the “cream of the crop”, made it through each of these steps so we invited them to come and lead us at a weekend service.  During the process of scheduling visits the Lord removed two of the potential candidates.
• Many of you participated in our primary candidate’s (Jeff Whitney) visit to Crossroads on June 10 & 11.  We gave everyone a chance to meet Jeff and see him in action while the search team conducted an extended interview and the praise team had the opportunity to meet him and ask questions as well.
• Our final step in the process is to check his references.
• The Search Team then meets (July 8 ) to make a recommendation to the Road Crew (July 12) for their approval.

With slight adjustments this is the process used to hire each individual staff member in the past 10 years.  Hiring new team members can be a stressful time for me.  There are so many variables involved and so many things to consider.  How one individual relates can radically impact the chemistry of our team.  Making the wrong choice can have a ripple effect that hinders Kingdom impact.  However, I am learning to trust God and how He uses the process.  I am excited about how I have seen Him at work in the current process and I know He will provide the right person to lead us in the unique role of Worship Arts Director.

Sermon Based Small Group Questions

Ice Breaker: Did your parents talk to you about sex when you were growing up?  Have you had a conversation with your children?

1.  What is your first thought when you hear the word sex? Where would you place your first thought on this continuum?
Blessing/Pleasure                                                                                                            Taboo/Guilt
1              2              3              4              5              6              7              8              9              10
2.  Can we be intimate with someone and not be sexual?

3.  Read random passages from the Song of Songs.  What does this teach us about the gift of sex?  Why do you think this book is included in the Bible?

4.  Read Matthew 5: 27-30 & Proverbs 6:20-35.  Do we take the issue of lust seriously enough?  How do we avoid legalism in honoring these commands?

5. Pastor Kris talked about surrender not will power that will give us victory; what do you remember from the message about surrender or what would you add to the notion of surrender?
6.  Have you ever confided in someone with this area of your life?  Does it make sense that self-control is a fruit of the Spirit? Why?

www.sexual-sanity.com Check out this website!

Note to the Leader:  Before you dive into the questions below.  Take some time to ask your group what their impressions were from the message.  Did they have questions?  Did they write any highlights in their notes?

7 Deadly DiStractIoNs

Sermon Based Small Group Questions

Ice Breaker: If money was no object what would you buy tomorrow? When was the last time you felt buyer’s remorse?  [You could think more clearly about the purchase afterward and you realized the negative aspects of your purchase (like your spouse will kill you J).]

1. What are some of the American ideals that help promote greed? Think of specific commercials or industries that create in us a desire for MORE or hoarding what we have. What are you especially susceptible to?  “Confession is good for the soul.”
2. Read Luke 12:13-21 out loud to the group – use the NIV or NLT or The Message. What stands out to you as a group when you hear this passage? What plays into Jesus’ comments (vv. 13-14) to the man – think background of firstborn sons in that culture. Contrast the man’s viewpoint of life and God’s viewpoint of life. What did the man miss? See Psalm 37:16; Proverbs 15:16; Ecclesiastes 4:6-8; Matthew 6:25-26.
3. “Greed is an attractive lie” was a main point of the message. In what ways is that true? See James 4:13-16; Ecclesiastes 2:18-19; Luke 11:39-40. What are some of the “if only” lies you’ve believed? Do you still believe it? What changed your mind?
4. “Greed repositions our hearts” was another point made. Restate Matthew 6:21 in your own words. How do you understand “being rich toward God.” Talk through 2 Corinthians 6:4-10 and 1 Timothy 6:18-19.
5. What are you investing in with your money, time, gifts and other resources? On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being totally satisfied and content and 1 having next year’s Christmas list to Santa ready, where are you on this contentment/dissatisfaction scale?
6. What can you do to nurture contentment in your life?

Note to the Leader:  Before you dive into the questions below.  Take some time to ask your group what their impressions were from the message.  Did they have questions?  Did they write any highlights in their notes?

1. Think about good anger or “righteous indignation” (see John 2:14-17, Matthew 23).  Have you ever experienced this kind of anger? Over what? Did it move you to action? What are the “justice” issues that stir your passion?
2. Track the phrase “Lord’s anger” Exodus 4:14, Numbers 25:3, Deuteronomy 7:4, Joshua 23:16, II Chronicles 24:31.  What makes God angry?  Does anger seem out of character for God?
3. When do you feel threatened or fearful?  What areas of your life do you feel will be easily crushed if you don’t protect them?  (Financial, Relational, Family, Job)  What fruit do your fears in these areas produce?
4. On the continuum between restraint and rage where would you place yourself?
   1. Restraint ___________________________________________________Rage
5. Pastor Kris talked about some ways to restrain your anger: knowing yourself, taking charge of your anger, knowing what triggers your anger, practice gentleness.  Which one of these things do you plan to work on?  Who will help you?
6. Read Ephesians 4:25-32 again. How does this chapter end in v. 32? Would those who know you well describe you with the words of this verse?

Note to the Leader:  Before you dive into the questions below.  Take some time to ask your group what their impressions were from the message.  Did they have questions?  Did they write any highlights in their notes?

Note to the Leader: Before you dive into the questions below. Take some time to ask your group what their impressions were from the message. Did they have questions? Did they write any highlights in their notes?

1. Kris made the statement: “Self-doubt is the seed of insecurity.” Do you believe this? Why or why not? Give some personal examples if you feel comfortable. How does this develop? (Hint from last week’s message: nature or nurture)

2. Review the story of Cain and Abel from Genesis 4. Does the punishment fit the crime? Hear Cain’s cry in verse 13. Discuss his punishment – how do you understand it? What does this say about envy’s impact on community? Check out 1 John 1:3-12.

3. Read Psalm 73:21-26 again (The Message or NLT give it a rich flavor). What is the cure for envy? (See verse 25 especially)

4. Wrestle with Romans 12:15 for a bit. Why is it often difficult for us to rejoice with those who are rejoicing? Who in your circle of friends/family can you rejoice with right now? Celebrate them!

5. Finding our security in Christ is a huge antidote to envy. What are some habits, disciplines, or conversation, etc. that can nurture this in your life? What’s stopping you from moving forward with these?

For the next several weeks, both in weekend services and brickhouse, were talking about the 7 Deadly Sins (DiStractIoNS, as we’re cleverly disguising it!) Mark Twain said, “We are like the moon; we have a dark side we don’t want anyone to see.” It’s true, even as I read the Bible, the “heroes” mess up: Abraham – friend of God – lied and deceived; David – a man after God’s own heart – adultery, murder; Noah – bailed water well against the flood but lost a significant battle to the bottle!

Quite frankly though what’s most disturbing about the human condition is the ambiguity in my own life! Romans 5 says I am “in Christ” but I am also “in Adam.” I’m a new creature but I bear the imprint of old sinful patterns that continue to make their appeal to my flesh. So how do I deal with this?

I went back to this verse that Kris led us to this past weekend: 1 John 1:9: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (NIV) Confess simply means take 100% responsibility. I sinned, period. Until that is done, there will be no peace, no joy, no clear sense of God’s presence, and I desperately need this.

But our flesh will battle against that. I see at least four different ways: 1) Dismissal – pretend it didn’t happen. Just like our parents, Adam and Eve, get leaves and cover things over. 2) Blame shifting – As Kris mentioned, this goes all the way back to Adam, and as modern as me! 3) Rationalization – we try to diminish the seriousness of sin by labeling it another way. Call it what it is! Don’t play games with God! Be ruthlessly honest and transparent with him. 4) Penance – attempt to make up for the bad by doing things – go to church, give more money, bargain with God: “I will never do that again. It’s perfection from here on out, I swear, perfection.” Failure to appropriate your grace is what got you in trouble in the first place! Confession is the only means to dealing with true moral guilt.

But don’t end your reading with the first chapter of 1 John – read on: 1 John 2:1-2: My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense– Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. (NIV)

John says, “I didn’t write 1:9 as a bar of soap or for loose living. Reality is we will sin. But we’ve got one who speaks to the Father in our defense.” The origin of that word can be kind of interpreted two ways: “someone who comes alongside,” or as “advocate,” which has more of a legal feel to it.

Once you know Jesus, God never sees you first, he sees Jesus. We are covered by him. God looks on us with his eyes dancing and face smiling! That’s grace! Yes, God gets upset about our attitudes and actions, but that is different than our person. We are covered from head to toe in perfect righteousness because of the Cross!

Keep this in mind as we begin our journey through the 7 Deadly Sins! I am.

- Drew Brown

Working with kids through the years has given me many reasons to laugh. I have had a multitude of opportunities, as a former elementary school teacher, as a mom, and as a leader, volunteer, and staff member in our children’s ministry here at church.

Any one who has spent time around kids knows that the laughter is one of those perks that you have to enjoy and savor when it comes.  There will certainly be days working with children, when you need a good healthy dose of it since you also have to occasionally put up with the other less-attractive side of children.  But we won’t mention the whining, the biting, the crying, etc.  Oops!  I just said we wouldn’t mention that.  Sorry!

Recently I have been reading a book by Gary Thomas entitled, Pure Pleasure, which has got me thinking about how, despite my work with children, I haven’t been laughing enough.  The book encourages taking time to rest, and to find pleasure in enjoying life.

I tend to overwork, over plan, over achieve.  Sometimes I forget my identity is in Christ and instead I find my worth in what I do.  So I am realizing that when I begin to take myself and my work too seriously, I am not trusting God.  I have to constantly remind myself that I cannot do it all.  God doesn’t want me to.  God would rather I rest and depend on Him a little more often.  God would rather see me laugh a little more often.

So this month – the month of May, I want to commit to God in public.  On my blog – for the entire world to see (okay the entire world won’t read it but they could!) – I want to commit to taking a day off…or at least an afternoon, once a week.   I need to get out and take a walk in the sunshine.  Read a good book.  Laugh with my kids.

Dear God, I want to trust you with all the stuff on my “to do” list.  I want to enjoy this life you have blessed me with.   I want to laugh more.  I want to trust you more, God.

So, if you see me around church, ask me if I took a day off.  Or tell me a good joke. 

- Deb Vos

Sermon Based Small Group Questions

Icebreaker: When was the last time you told a “white lie” (we know you did!)? Maybe you told someone their clothes looked nice, or they sang good, or their cooking tasted good.

Note to the Leader:  Before you dive into the questions below.  Take some time to ask your group what their impressions were from the message.  Did they have questions?  Did they write any highlights in their notes?

1. What evidence can you find in Scripture that God is not the author of evil?
2. Can you name all 7 of the deadly sins?  What good desire does each of these seven sins corrupt
3. Discuss the two extremes:  We are immersed and consumed by our sins or we are so “holy” we see only the sins of others. How do we avoid both extremes?  (Romans 3:23 & Ephesians 3:18ff)
4. What does I John 1:8-10 say about how we deal with sin?  How often do we apply the truth of these verses?
5. Pastor Kris talked about how we either attack or flee when we sin.  Can you give examples of how you have done both ?  What was Adam and Eve’s initial response to their sin?  When they were found by God how did they respond?

Why I Believe

Ice Breaker: This might be a great week for you as a leader or a couple of folks in the group to share how they came to faith in Christ. These testimonies don’t need to be long. Was there a defining moment, or simply in Chesterton’s words an “accumulation of small but unanimous facts”?

Note to the Leader:  Before you dive into the questions below.  Take some time to ask your group what their impressions were from the message.  Did they have questions?  Did they write any highlights in their notes?

Talk through the idea of a Moral Code built into each of our lives. Read Romans 2:12-24. Think back to various ancient civilizations: where did they get the idea of wrongdoing, the fear of judgment, the desire to atone for sins and appease whatever gods they feared?

Which is a more powerful argument of God’s existence to you, the complexity of creation or the goodness of creation? Why? What can we know of God from his creation? See Romans 1:18-20; Psalm 19; Isaiah 40:22-26. What is missing in this revelation?

With MacDonald’s quote in mind: “I can only say with my whole heart that I hope I have indeed a Father in heaven; this man says he knows,” think through what Jesus said about the Father. See Matthew 6:26-32; Mark 11:25; Luke 10:21-22; 23:34, 46 to get you started – other passages?

Moral Code, Creation, and Changed Lives are three reasons to believe. Can you think of any more “scraps” of evidence for belief? (Hints: First Cause, Joy, others)

How would you define repentance? What must we believe to have faith in Christ? See Romans 10:9-10; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 14-18. How has God sought or is seeking you?

Can one ever be sure of their faith? How? Are you?

The Strange Silence of God

Ice Breaker: Every one of us has some element of skepticism. Share with the group yours. Ideas: Honesty in government; truth in advertising; hype of sports teams; belief in global warming; your favorite “urban legend.”

Note to the Leader:  Before you dive into the questions below.  Take some time to ask your group what their impressions were from the message.  Did they have questions?  Did they write any highlights in their notes?

Which of the three areas talked about this weekend – Lack of Evidence, Believers, Problem of Pain – have you personally struggled with? A friend? Why was it so much a struggle?

Read Exodus 33:12-23. Discuss the concept of “No one can see God’s face.” Compare

Deuteronomy 5:24; Judges 13:22; 1 Timothy 6:16. How did God answer this? Compare John 1:14, 18; 6:46. What perception do you project onto God?

Discuss John 14:12 – What did Jesus mean when He said that believers would do “even greater things than these”? Is this an overstatement? Compare the early church: Acts 2:41; 4:4; 6:7.

Think of instances in your own Christian experience (giving or receiving) where you have seen, as Dr. King said, “true Christianity” lived out. Do you see echoes of Luke 6:27-37?

Suffering may be the most difficult of all the doubt areas. Talk through Wolterstorff’s comment that “perhaps his [God’s] suffering is his glory.” Compare Romans 8:17; Galatians 2:20; Hebrews 2:10; 1 Peter 3:18; 4:13-14.

How does the belief in the resurrection of Christ impact our doubts? Are you using doubt as an “antibody” to your faith?

Sermon Based Small Group Questions

Icebreaker: What is the most high risk (death-defying) adventure you’ve ever taken?  How did you get the courage? What kind of equipment/expert did you put your faith in? Was it good faith or bad faith?

If you have no risk takers in your group, you can ask the question, “Have you ever seen a foundation (of house or building) fail?

Note to the Leader:  Before you dive into the questions below.  Take some time to ask your group what their impressions were from the message.  Did they have questions?  Did they write any highlights in their notes?

1. Read James 3:13-18 What are the parallels between this passage and Matthew 7:24-29 What are the characteristics of heavenly wisdom?
2. Read I Corinthians 3:10-11 In light of this passage what are you building your faith on?  What is the evidence of this in your life?
3. Psalm 92:13-15 & Matthew 16:18 Many times in Scripture God refers to “the Rock” what does this mean?  Can you think of any Scripture passages that contrast the lack of foundation for the wicked (Psalm 1)? What are other biblical examples of those who build a foundation of sand?
4. Pastor Kris taught from Matthew 7:24-29 this is the conclusion of a sermon that starts in Chapter 5 of Matthew.   How might this shape how you hear this passage in Matthew 7:24-29?  What are some highlights from this great sermon of Jesus?
5. Can you recall any of the characteristics of Good Faith and Bad Faith from the message?  Can you describe people in your life who model Good Faith?
6. What and/or who has God used in your life to build a solid foundation? What and/or who has contributed to a poor foundation?
7. What core conviction is at the top of your priority list right now?  How long will it take you to build the foundation in this one area of your life?

Sermon Based Small Group Questions

Icebreaker: Do you believe there are aliens living on other planets?  Explain.  If you do not believe what would convince you? If you do believe there are aliens what would convince you there are not?

Note to the Leader:  Before you dive into the questions below.  Take some time to ask your group what their impressions were from the message.  Did they have questions?  Did they write any highlights in their notes?

1. Review John 20:24-29 If you were the writer of a gospel, would you include this story?  Why or why not?
2. Read 1 Peter 1:1-9 What issue is Peter addressing in this letter?  How might these verses encourage the readers?
3. What is the opposite of faith?  What is the opposite of doubt? (Hint: faith and doubt are not opposites!)  Read Hebrews 11 to help you determine the answers.
4. Do you ever have doubts about what you believe?  Have these doubts served to build your faith or have they been more destructive to your faith?  Explain.
5. What aspect of Christianity would you like to find answers for?  Have you ever investigated this issue? Where might you find those answers? How would your life be different if you found those answers?
6. What attitudes does Thomas exemplify?  Read John 11:16; 14:5; 20:24-25 He is called Didymus (twin) there is a connection between doubt and the word two!  Is Thomas really a twin or is he double-minded?
7. Is there a positive side to skepticism?  (v.26-29)
8. Define “cynicism” in your own words.  Give a biblical example of a cynic.  What areas of your life are you cynical about?
9. Why is unbelief or rebellion worse than cynicism or skepticism?  (I Samuel 15 Saul ; II Chronicles 26 Uzziah)

I don’t know about you, but I am tired of seeing our young men lose the fight for purity and the whole “boys will be boys” mentality just doesn’t cut it with me. There’s just too much at stake. The teen years are not throw away years, they are formative years. They are the years that young men establish beliefs, habits and patterns that can last a life time.
The truth is that media messages about sexuality, pornography, masturbation, and pre-marital sex are keeping our young men from attaining their true destiny. Instead of becoming more of a man, they become more like children; unable to grow up and grow out of that dominating, selfish fascination with themselves and their own sexual desires and impulses.
It’s time to start a fight! It’s time to fight for our young men and with our young men as they toughen up their convictions and take a moral stand and become the Heroes they are meant to be. This is why we created our Brickhouse Sr. High Fight Club. A place of honesty, truth, inspiration, and growth.   A place where Sr. High guys can get real with each other about temptation and sin, as well as keep one another accountable toward living out winning strategies for purity in their lives.
Fight Club is not just a program idea, it is also an environment. Last year we purchased a 25 ½ foot Coachmen “pull-behind” camper-trailer. We rebuilt the trailer and created a kind of “man-cave” on wheels. Many of our Fight Club studies and gatherings will take place inside and around the Fight Club trailer in various locations around the area.
Beginning Sunday Night April 11th our Sr. Higher’s will engage the battle and begin to learn winning strategies for living God’s best as they receive a copy of Every Young Man’s Battle by Fred Stoeker. The book includes a journal as well and we’ll discuss portions of the book during our Fight Club gatherings.
Our next Fight Club gathering will be April 11th.  Fight Club members will receive the Every Young Man’s Battle book on this night.  Other FC gatherings will be scheduled soon as we form consensus among FC students and leaders.

For more information about Fight Club please contact Youth Pastor Todd E. Hair 219-322-6400 or by e-mail: thair@aboutccc.com

Ice Breaker: Are you a coffee drinker? If so, how do you drink it? If not, what is your drink of choice when you are sitting and visiting with friends? Is it different in the winter versus the summer? Is this making you thirsty?

Note to the Leader:  Before you dive into the questions below take some time to ask your group what their impressions were from the message.  Did they have questions?  Did they write any highlights in their notes?

Share an experience where you felt you had a spiritual conversation – soul to soul. You don’t have to share the details of the conversation nor tell who it was with, but what made this conversation so unique? How did it make you feel?

Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-8 slowly together as a group – maybe even have it read in several versions. Talk through how we provide comfort (give empathy) to those struggling – how does our own experience play into this? (Think through what Paul himself had experienced – eg. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, and how it allowed him to minister to the Corinthians).

Explain what it means to encourage someone to see the Larger Story. Read 2 Corinthians 1:9-11. To what hope is Paul pointing them to? Look at Romans 8:17-39. See also 2 Kings 6:1-17 for a picture of seeing with eyes of faith.

Which half of an enlightening conversation “It is horrible to sin, but it is wonderful to forgive” do you tend to err toward? Compare how the writer of Hebrews exposes sin – Hebrews 3:12-13 – then grace – 3:14. Look also at Hebrews 4:12-16: power of the Word of God to expose evil (12-13), then focus on grace (14-16).

With the mindset of empowering, read Hebrews 10:24-25. Do you see “provoking” (spur in NIV) as a part of your church life? How could you “fan into flame” (2 Timothy 1:6-7) the work of God in someone’s life? Will you?

Sermon Based Small Group Questions

Icebreaker: What is your favorite fast food?  Can you recall the favorite fast food of everyone in your family?  How often do you eat fast food?  How often do you sit down for a meal at your table?

Note to the Leader:  Before you dive into the questions below.  Take some time to ask your group what their impressions were from the message.  Did they have questions?  Did they write any highlights in their notes?

1. Background of Deuteronomy: Do some digging into the background of the book. Why this repetition? What is the basic message of the book? How does it apply to us?

1. Read Deuteronomy 6 vs. 18 & 24.  How have these promises/consequences proven to be true/untrue in your life?

1. Pastor Drew talked about how Moses (and through him, God) is “fighting for the heart”.   What does that mean to you?  How was it different prior to Deuteronomy 6?  How did it progress from Deuteronomy 6 (Jeremiah 31:33 & others)?  What words of Jesus brought this notion even further (John 15:15,

1. Though the message is targeted at parents and children, be sure to get ample input from those who don’t have children exploring their experiences growing up, what they’ve observed; empty nesters can recount their past experiences or now with grandchildren; singles can speak of growing up, or conversations with extended family and friends.

1. The character modeled in our lives continues to be one of the most powerful ways to influence our children (or our parents).  What truths are you communicating to your family regularly? How are you doing it? Read the character qualities God wants to reveal through your life found in Galatians 5:22-23. How might you put that quality into action in the family setting?

1. How does your daily life reflect what you hope your children will catch regarding what it means to know, love and follow Jesus in the following areas?

…serving and putting others first

… forgiving others and owning up to your mistakes

… loving your enemies

… speaking the truth in others

… time with God

1. What will you do this week as a result of this message? Do you have a time and a plan? Who will you ask for help in pulling this off?

Eugene Peterson’s Introduction to Deuteronomy:

Deuteronomy is a sermon—actually a series of sermons. It is the longest sermon in the Bible and maybe the longest sermon ever. Deuteronomy presents Moses, standing on the Plains of Moab with all Israel assembled before him, preaching. It is his last sermon. When he completes it, he will leave his pulpit on the plains, climb a mountain, and die.

The setting is stirring and emotion-packed. Moses had entered the biblical story of salvation as a little baby born in Egypt under a death threat. Now, 120 years later, eyesight sharp as ever and walking with “a spring in his step,” he preaches this immense sermon and dies, still brimming with words and life.

This sermon does what all sermons are intended to do: Take God’s words, written and spoken in the past, take the human experience, ancestral and personal, of the listening congregation, then reproduce the words and experience as a single event right now, in this present moment. No word that God has spoken is a mere literary artifact to be studied; no human experience is dead history merely to be regretted or admired. The continuous and insistent Mosaic repetitions of “today” and “this day” throughout these sermons keep attentions taut and responsive. The complete range of human experience is brought to life and salvation by the full revelation of God: Live this! Now!

The Plains of Moab are the last stop on the forty-year journey from Egyptian slavery to Promised Land freedom. The People of Israel have experienced a lot as a congregation: deliverance, wanderings, rebellions, wars, providence, worship, guidance. The People of Israel have heard a lot from God: commandments, covenant conditions, sacrificial procedures. And now, poised at the River Jordan, ready to cross over and possess the new land, Moses, preaching his great Plains of Moab sermon, makes sure that they don’t leave any of it behind, not so much as one detail of their experience or God’s revelation: He puts their entire experience of salvation and providence into the present tense (chapters 1–11); he puts the entire revelation of commandment and covenant into the present tense (chapters 12–28); and then he wraps it all up in a charge and a song and a blessing to launch them into today’s obedience and believing (chapters 29–34).

“Let’s go.”

Note to the Leader:  Before you dive into the questions below.  Take some time to ask your group what their impressions were from the message.  Did they have questions?  Did they write any highlights in their notes?

• Review Genesis 1:28-2:17 (especially v. 28 & 15) How have we done in following God’s direction to take care of the garden?  How do we still feel the impact of the curse in Genesis 3:17-19?  How have we overcome the curse? (i.e. how have air conditioned tractor cabs impacted the sweat of your brow)
  • As you sit down to dinner and look at the food on the table, do you have relationships with any of the people you buy food from?  Is that important?
  • The dietary laws of Leviticus are confusing but they seem to indicate that God cares about what we eat and how we prepare it. After hearing Rob and Kirstin’s message on Sunday are there any changes you would like to make in how you buy and prepare your meals?
  • Reflect on how crops are grown in our country.   Are there ways we could do better?  What are some strengths of the current farming system?  How can you make a difference?

1. My daughter is leaving for college in the fall. I waffle between pride and self-pity every time I think about it. I know she’s ready. She is far more mature than I was at 18 and that’s what makes me so proud of her. At the same time I’m not ready to be apart from her. Ten hours is too far away. I can’t imagine not seeing her beautiful face every day. She is one of my favorite people to talk to in the world and the phone just doesn’t cut it. Why did God design parenting in such a way that we would love our children so much only to one day let them go? That just seems weird to me right now and maybe even wrong! But it is the reality nonetheless. I don’t think I’m good at letting go. Maybe that’s the moral of this musing. Learn to let go or better yet learn to embrace the reality that she was never mine and always God’s. I just lived with the illusion that I had some kind of hold on her.
2. Saying good-by to a partner in ministry that I have worked closely with for 8+ years is hard. It takes time to learn someone else’s strengths and gifts. It takes years of trial and error to know how you fit together on a team. Then things are clicking and you feel the synergy the Spirit brings. Suddenly, everything changes. Your friend and partner moves on and you begin the process again with this gaping hole in your team. It has been such a blessing to see God begin to fill that hole with so many committed volunteers. I have been so proud of how so many people in our church have handled a difficult situation with so much grace, encouragement and prayer. The greatest healing comes when we yield ourselves to the Spirit and allow Him to shape and mold us through the painful changes life brings.
3. I’m excited about the future! Our attendance numbers, member’s classes and new visitors indicate we are in a season of growth and momentum at Crossroads. As leaders we have been working for some time now on some long range plans. Just this week I was consolidating some of the work we have done into a working document that we will be refining in the coming weeks. Long range planning is not a strong suit of my leadership but as I see the plans begin to coalesce I am getting excited. Here is a taste of what’s coming:
   • I believe God is calling us to invest in greater ways in our families through “home discipleship”.
   • Volunteer Central and Sermon Based Small Groups will continue to strengthen relational connections in our church.
   • God is nudging us toward partnerships with the urban centers that surround our area.
   • Our taste of “Service Worship” in November last year needs to grow!
   • Making room for more folks in our facilities is a must. We need to make creative use of our current facilities and plan for growth.

   D. Spring! Everything looks better when the sun shines on it! The sun is making me squint right now as I sit at my desk at 4:35 on a Wednesday afternoon. Life is good and God is great! Our Easter series is “Faith & Doubt”. I am praying that the Son will shine His light on the dark corners of doubt in the hearts of so many.

- Kris Vos

Sermon Based Small Group Questions

Icebreaker: What were some of the regular meals on the menu in your house growing up?  Who cooked and who cleaned up?  Did you sit down together and eat?  What is your best memory from family meal time and what is your worst memory?

Note to the Leader:  Before you dive into the questions below.  Take some time to ask your group what their impressions were from the message.  Did they have questions?  Did they write any highlights in their notes?

1. Exodus 12:26 indicates that the children will ask what the ceremony means.  What role do children play in our observance of the Lord’s Supper?  Why did God include the children in the Passover?

1. Read Exodus 12 and/or Luke 24 and rehearse that event in your mind.  What did you hear, smell, taste, see and feel?

1. Luke records no less than 10 meals that Jesus shared with people.  Find one and discuss its spiritual and theological significance.  (Remember Luke wrote Acts and the meal shared in Acts 2)

1. What are other notable meals in Scripture?  (Genesis 26:28-30; Exodus 18:12; Exodus 24:11; Joshua 9:12-15; II Samuel 3:20) You can use your concordance to find more.  Contemplate their significance for the occasion.

1. Passover was a meal of celebration.  We are often somber in our observance of the Lord’s Supper.  Should it be more of a celebration?  Should it look more like a meal than tiny samples?

Sermon Based Small Group Questions

Icebreaker: What was home like for you growing up?  What was the floor plan of your house?  What was your favorite spot in the house?  What smells do you remember?

Note to the Leader:  Before you dive into the questions below.  Take some time to ask your group what their impressions were from the message.  Did they have questions?  Did they write any highlights in their notes?

1. Pastor Kris mentioned that Jesus was likely walking through the Kidron Valley as he spoke the words of John 15. What significance does that have? (This is a “did you listen closely to the message” question! J)  What might be a modern image for the vine and the branches of John 15?

1. What are some practical ways that you might “remain” in Christ?

1. Do you remember a time when you were chosen last for something? (Think back to elementary gym class and kickball – UGH!) Or, a time when there was no place for you at the table at a party or special dinner?  How did you feel?  Read John 14:1-4 as Jesus leaves, what comfort does he give his followers?

1. What have you allowed to become a substitute for your “true home”?  If that is too difficult to answer, try: What is running a close second (to God) in your life as your true home?

1. How do you reconcile what Jeremiah 17:9 & Ecclesiastes 3:11 say about the heart? (see Proverbs 4:23 also)

1. Is there a connection between Jesus’  call for us to “remember”  (Luke 22:19) and Jesus’ call for us to “remain” in him (John 15)?

Sermon Based Small Group Questions

Icebreaker: How far off course have you gone on a trip.  When did you realize you were off course?  Who did you blame? (Who was really to blame?)

Note to the Leader:  Before you dive into the questions below.  Take some time to ask your group what their impressions were from the message.  Did they have questions?  Did they write any highlights in their notes?

1. What comes to mind when you hear the word wilderness? Have everyone in your group give at least one or two adjectives.

1. How long did it take the people to start grumbling against Moses after they were delivered from Egypt? (Exodus 15:22-24)  How long did it take them to want to return to Egypt and slavery? (Exodus 16:1-3)  What does this say about our need for patience in the wilderness?

1. Pastor Kris talked about “designer despair”.  Can you describe what this means?  Where have you observed this to be true in your life or others?  Give an example of someone you know who is more at home in their despair than they desire to find hope.

1. Review Deuteronomy 2:7 How has God provided for you in the wilderness?  What has He taught you in the wilderness?  Do you think He could have taught you those things had you never gone through the wilderness?

1. Read Numbers 14:20-25 The people were at the end of the wilderness and suddenly their journey got even tougher.  They chose not to trust God.  Was God too harsh in his judgement?

1. Many key biblical leaders: Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, and Paul had wilderness experiences.  Even Jesus began his earthly ministry with a time in the wilderness.  Why is this so important to God’s plan for us?  Are you in the wilderness now?  Just on the other side? Nearing the end?

Agape means “love” in modern day Greek, which can also be translated to literally mean, “I love you”.  In Ancient Greek, it often refers to a general affection and many ancient Greek texts use the term to denote feelings for a good meal, one’s children, and the feelings for a spouse. It can be described as the feeling of being content or holding one in high regard. Many have thought that this word represents divine, unconditional, self-sacrificing, active, and thoughtful love…God’s love!

Perhaps the best place to go to see agape love showing itself is in I Corinthians 13, often referred to as the New Testament “love chapter”.  Let’s discover how well we do with this “Agape Love”.
The first characteristic of agape love in I Corinthians is, “love is patient”.  I have to be honest, this is not one of my strong points.  I have a difficult time expressing this aspect of agape love.  However; when I look at God, I realize how patient His love is.  I see all the time how He patiently waits for me to come to Him to ask for help or to express my love for Him. He has the patience that a true father represents.
The second characteristic that is presented here is, “love is kind.”  How do you do with this?  I like to think I am a kind person, but unfortunately far too often human nature takes over and kind words and thoughts are far from my heart, mouth and mind.

Love does not boast, it is not rude.  This phrase makes me think of my own boys.  Being twins, competition is always at the forefront of conversation.  For the most part, the boys are compliant and share a special bond.  Recently, however, I came home to find one of them near tears.  He said that his brother was bragging because he did better on a test.  Boasting and rudeness come naturally to us.  After speaking with the brother, I realized that he was not even aware of what he was doing.  As I think about myself, I wonder how many times I am rude or boastful and don’t even realize it.  As Christians, the only thing we can boast of is what Christ has done for us! (Prov. 13:10; 16:18; Psalm 31:15; Daniel 4:30; 5:23; Matt. 7:5; Acts 17:28; 1 Cor. 12:25-25; 2 Cor. 11:20; 12:5-9; Col.1:17; Eph. 3:18-19; 1 John 1:6-7).

God’s (Agape) love is not self-seeking.  Selfishness should not be confused with seeking ourselves.  God wants us to find our innermost strengths and the gifts and talents He has graciously given us, but to help others in the process.  There are certain individuals that I know that have dedicated their lives to serving others and not themselves.  I consider that agape love that is not self-seeking.  I want to be like that!

The next characteristics of love is, “it is not easily angered”.  Wow, I don’t know anyone who doesn’t struggle with this.   A husband one day said to his wife, “You do not fight back when I get mad at you, how do you control your anger?” The wife responded, “I clean the toilet….” He said, “How does that help?” To which she said, “I use your toothbrush.”  I think it’s important to realize that this verse says that love is not EASILY angered.  It doesn’t say that there is never going to be moments where anger rises, but we have to learn to control it.  Thank the Lord for friends that can help us in this and hold us accountable.

I think the end of the chapter is my favorite…”Love never fails.”  This is when I know that only God is the one who has true Agape love.  I hate to think of all the times that I fail my family or even myself, but God never fails.  In all the hardships of life and rushing around, God never leaves us.  He is always there patiently waiting and guiding us.  God’s love (Agape) never fails!

Sermon Based Small Group Questions

Opening: Have each person share a time that they made a wrong turn or somehow got lost or turned around or found themselves going in the wrong direction. Ladies, please be patient with the men as this may be a hard question for them to relate to!

Take some time to ask your group what their impressions were from the message. Did they have questions? Did they write any highlights in their notes?

1. Review CAYG (Circumstances, Advisors, You, God) from last week’s message. Which part of the CAYG is your weakest? Was there a time you received advice or came to understand something about yourself but then refused to act upon it? Why didn’t you? Did you have the information you needed?

1. Read Proverbs 3:5-6 in at least three different versions of the Bible. (Leaders may need to come prepared for this. You can check out www.biblegateway.com) How do you trust, lean, and acknowledge? In what areas is this easy to do with God? In what areas is it hard?

1. It is ironic in light of Solomon’s later life that he wrote Proverbs 3:5-6 – see 1 Kings 3:7-13 with 1 Kings 11:4-5. What happened? What stood out to you in the discussion of idolatry?

1. Describe a time when incredible pressure or emotions changed a decision you had to make. Why are decision making times never emotionally neutral? Read 1 Samuel 15:3-23. What command did God give Saul? How did Saul disobey God? What were the results?

1. How does the statement: Choosing the right path begins with submission, not information, apply to you right now? What are you going to do as a result of what you’ve heard?

Sermon Based Small Group Questions

Icebreaker: What is your dream job?  (Digging deeper: Describe what you believe is your life calling. How does your occupation enhance and/or hinder that calling?)

Note to the Leader:  Before you dive into the questions below.  Take some time to ask your group what their impressions were from the message.  Did they have questions?  Did they write any highlights in their notes?

1. Review Genesis 37: 1-10.  For those in the group who know the story of Joseph, how did his dreams as a young man shape his immediate future and long term future?

1. Circumstances:

Describe one circumstance in your past that has significantly shaped your life.  Read Jeremiah 29:11.  Has this promise always seemed true in your life?

1. Advisors:

If you were to choose a Board of Trustees or a Life Panel for your life, who would be on the list?

1. You:

Name a spiritual gift you think you might have.  How has God used this gift in your life? (Examples: Service, Helps, Hospitality, Teaching, Administration, Leadership, Intercession, Craftsmanship, Healing, Encouragement and more!)

1. God:

Mark 1:35 is only one place in Scripture where it tells us that Jesus went off by himself to pray.  Tell the group about a time you prayed for God’s direction.  Was your prayer answered in the way you expected?

Community Dialogue: Lake Central Schools Facility Master Planning – 6 pm Clark Middle School.  Drop me a note if you’re planning to join me for this! kvos@aboutccc.com

Membership Class Our next membership class starts this Sunday and will continue on February 21, & 28 from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.  All adults and students 14 and up are welcome to come.  If you’re interested, contact Joan at jbuss@aboutccc.com.

Winter Fun Night for Families Join the fun as we co-sponsor a night with funny guy Keith Coast on February 21 at 4:00 p.m. at Faith Church.  Crossroads has only 150 tickets, so don’t wait to pick up your ticket!  The cost is $3.00 per ticket.

Baptism Our next baptism date will be February 21.  If you are a member of Crossroads and would like to have your child baptized, please contact Joan at jbuss@aboutccc.com.

Brickhouse SuperBowl Party Sunday, February 7^th all jr and sr high students are invited to watch the BIG game on BIG Screen at Brickhouse! Bring your friends and some of your favorite snacks to share! We’ll supply the soda! Just show up to Brickhouse at regular time (5:15 PM) and hang out until the game is over. There is no cost associated with this event but we do ask that you bring something eatable to share with the rest of us! Painted faces, Sports Jerseys and temporary tattoos (or permanent…whatever) are welcome! Have fun supporting your team! 5:15 — until the game ends!

Brickhouse Winter Sr High Retreat(WinterXtreme) Don’t wait to sign up – we only have 10 spots left.  The sr high retreat to Timber-lee is February 12 -14.  We will leave on Friday at 4:00 p.m. and return Sunday at 3:00 p.m  Cost is $140.00       For more information go to http://www.timber-lee.com/youth_programs/winterXtreme/index.html There is also a video from our jr high retreat with some of our students in it!

Prom Alternative The Christian Prom is a black-tie event held every year in the month of April.  This year’s date will be April 23 from 6:00 – Midnight.   It is open to all high school students. It is intended to be a fun-filled evening of dinner, dancing, and fellowship.  This year, it will be at the Halls of St. George.  Cost is $35.  See more information at www.christianpromrocks.com

Sermon Based Small Group Questions

Icebreaker: Describe your ideal vacation (location, activities, who goes?).  Do you return from vacation rested or exhausted? Why?

Note to the Leader:  Before you dive into the questions below.  Take some time to ask your group what their impressions were from the message.  Did they have questions?  Did they write any highlights in their notes?

1. In Exodus 20 Israel is told to keep the Sabbath because God did after creation and in Deuteronomy 5 Israel is told to keep the Sabbath because they were once slaves in Egypt.  What is the significance of each? Why the difference?

1. Read Ezekiel 20:12-13.  How important is Sabbath observance to our Father?

1. Jesus was frequently at odds with the religious leaders for breaking Sabbath laws.  (See Mark 2:23-28 what is meant by v. 27) Based on the message what do you think were the religious leaders missing in their understanding of Sabbath?

1. Discuss how the issues of pride, trust and generosity are related to Sabbath.

1. How well do you observe Sabbath?  Do you consider vacation Sabbath?

Membership Class Our next membership class will be on Sundays, February 7, 21, & 28 from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.  All adults and students 14 and up are welcome to come.  If you’re interested, contact Joan at jbuss@aboutccc.com.

Men’s Fraternity All men ages 18 and up are welcome to join us for our Men’s group meeting every Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m.

Winter Fun Night for Families Join the fun as we co-sponsor a night with funny guy Keith Coast on February 21 at 4:00 p.m. at Faith Church.  Crossroads has only 150 tickets, so don’t wait to pick up your ticket!  The cost is $3.00 per ticket.

Baptism Our next baptism date will be February 21.  If you are a member of Crossroads and would like to have your child baptized, please contact Joan at jbuss@aboutccc.com.

Brickhouse SuperBowl Party Sunday, February 7^th all jr and sr high students are invited to watch the BIG game on BIG Screen at Brickhouse! Bring your friends and some of your favorite snacks to share! We’ll supply the soda! Just show up to Brickhouse at regular time (5:15 PM) and hang out until the game is over. There is no cost associated with this event but we do ask that you bring something eatable to share with the rest of us! Painted faces, Sports Jerseys and temporary tattoos (or permanent…whatever) are welcome! Have fun supporting your team! 5:15 — until the game ends!

Brickhouse Winter Sr High Retreat(WinterXtreme) Don’t wait to sign up – we only have 10 spots left.  The sr high retreat to Timber-lee is February 12 -14.  We will leave on Friday at 4:00 p.m. and return Sunday at 3:00 p.m.  Cost is $140.00.  For more information go to http://www.timber-lee.com/youth_programs/winterXtreme/index.html There is also a video from our jr high retreat with some of our students in it!

Snow Removal Help Needed! If you are available on Saturday or Sunday before the church services to snow blow (we own a snow blower!) and salt the sidewalks, please email Joan at jbuss@aboutccc.com.

Opportunity to Give to Haiti If you are looking for ways to contribute to the needs in Haiti, you can go to our denomination’s website at www.crwrc.org and make a donation.

Prom Alternative The Christian Prom is a black-tie event held every year in the month of April.  This year’s date will be April 23 from 6:00 – Midnight.   It is open to all high school students. It is intended to be a fun-filled evening of dinner, dancing, and fellowship.  This year, it will be at the Halls of St. George.  Cost is $35.  See more information at www.christianpromrocks.com

Crown Point Christian Breakfast Please join Crown Point Christian School for a delicious hot waffle breakfast on Saturday, February 27 from 7 – 10:30 AM in the CPCS gymnasium. Donations will be accepted at the door.  Proceeds will defer expenses for the 8th grade class trip and any excess funds will be given to the CPCS operating fund.

I Hope I Never Have to Deal With That! – Parent Workshop at Highland Christian School:  You may HOPE that you never have to discuss sex, racism, or substance abuse with your child, but sooner or later, your child will face these issues.  Join us for a parent workshop in the Highland Christian School Gymnasium at 7:00 pm on February 10 to learn principles and strategies to help your child navigate the difficult issues they will face in their lifetime.  Dr. Bill Sytsma, pastor of Second Highland CRC will lead our evening workshop. Childcare for children under the age of 11 will be available at Second Highland Christian Reformed Church (next door to the school).  Refreshments will be provided, and there will be resources available for purchase following the workshop.

Sermon Based Small Group Questions – January 23 & 24 Messages

Ice Breaker: Tell your best “ticket” story (or other run-ins with the law!). What traffic law did you violate? Did you talk your way out of it? What were your feelings following the episode? Were you thankful for the law and those who enforce it? What was the approach of the police officer?

Note to the Leader: Before you dive into the questions below. Take some time to ask your group what their impressions were from the message. Did they have questions? Did they write any highlights in their notes?

1. Why do you think Leviticus 19 starts with the respecting parents and observing Sabbaths?

2. What significance was there in not wearing clothing of woven of two kinds of material? V. 19 Is there an eternal principle we can take from a command like this?

3. The phrase “love your neighbor” looks like a footnote on not holding a grudge and yet Pastor Kris made it a centerpiece of the chapter. Do you think that is accurate and why? (Matthew 22:34-39)

4. Do you think there is a legitimate link between Leviticus 19:1 and 1 John 4:8? Describe the connection between holiness and love. Give examples of people in our world you would describe as holy.

5. We have an “ancient hunger”. We want to see the power of God revealed. We want to see God Himself break through into the natural world. We want to see splashes of glory in a world that is scarred by suffering and shame. Those who display God’s power to overcome what burdens us most are called “holy.” They are holy because they are the power of God revealed in this world.

As you read this quote from Gary Thomas (Holy Available) what comes to mind? How has God’s power come through you in the past and how will it in the future?

Brickhouse Winter Retreats (WinterXtreme) – 1 Spot Open for Jr High THIS WEEKEND! Jr High Students will be attending the WinterXtreme this Friday (leaving at 4) to go to Timber-lee.  Please pray for safety for all of the 44 students and adults attending this weekend!  1 more spot has opened up.  If you’re interested, please email or call Joan at jbuss@aboutccc.com or 322-6400.

Sr highers shouldn’t wait to sign up!  We only have 10 spots left.

You can read more about this fun winter retreat at http://www.timber-lee.com/youth_programs/winterXtreme/index.html

Membership Class Our next membership class will be on Sundays, February 7, 21, & 28 from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.  All adults and students 14 and up are welcome to come.  If you’re interested, contact Joan at jbuss@aboutccc.com.

Baptism Our next baptism date will be February 21.  If you are a member of Crossroads and would like to have your child baptized, please contact Joan at jbuss@aboutccc.com.

Snow Removal Help Needed! If you are available on Saturday or Sunday before the church services to snow blow (we own a snow blower!) and salt the sidewalks, please email Joan at jbuss@aboutccc.com.

Opportunity to Give to Haiti If you are looking for ways to contribute to the needs in Haiti, you can go to our denomination’s website at www.crwrc.org and make a donation.

Brickhouse SuperBowl Party Sunday, February 7^th all jr and sr high students are invited to watch the BIG game on BIG Screen at Brickhouse! Bring your friends and some of your favorite snacks to share! We’ll supply the soda! Just show up to Brickhouse at regular time (5:15 PM) and hang out until the game is over. There is no cost associated with this event but we do ask that you bring something eatable to share with the rest of us! Painted faces, Sports Jerseys and temporary tattoos (or permanent…whatever) are welcome! Have fun supporting your team! 5:15 — until the game ends!

Prom Alternative The Christian Prom is a black-tie event held every year in the month of April.  This year’s date will be April 23 from 6:00 – Midnight.   It is open to all high school students. It is intended to be a fun-filled evening of dinner, dancing, and fellowship.  This year, it will be at the Halls of St. George.  Cost is $35.  See more information at www.christianpromrocks.com

Languishing is the condition of someone who may be able to function but has lost a sense of hope and meaning. Languishing is not the presence of mental illness; it is the absence of mental and emotional vitality. In ancient lists of deadly sins it was called acedia – weariness of soul and inability to delight in life. We speak of dead marriages and dead-end jobs, and to languish is to feel inner deadness. Languishing is the opposite of flourishing, and it was the fear of Henry David Thoreau that “when I came to die, [I would] discover that I had not lived.”

I read Thoreau’s words and it was as if God was saying, “I came to give you life…live it!” My greatest fear is that I will languish – I don’t even like the sound of the word! I’m an activist, I want to constantly be moving, pushing, pursuing, seeing things change. I even toss and turn all night in my sleep! And yet, too much of my life feels like it’s languishing – there’s a feeling of deadness. Some of that is simply the routine of life, some of it is winter in NW Indiana (L), some of it is laziness, but far too much is that I’ve given up on growth, believing that God has something more for me, as Ortberg says, “the me God wants me to be.” I like that. Deep down I want that.

Here’s what I’m learning: God has a plan for the me he wants me to be, but it will not look like the plan he has for someone else. There is no “one-size-fits-all” process for growth. It includes those things that give me – uniquely – life and vitality, and I’m looking to build them into my life and schedule: solitude, reading, coffee with my wife and friends, laughter, opportunities to coach/encourage/mentor/teach, moments of learning something new, sitting in the sun… Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

In the weeks ahead, I’ll be talking about an assessment to help understand one’s temperament, learning style, signature sin, and season of life. Over time we find that becoming “the me God meant me to be” is too hard or takes too long. When we give up pursuing growth, or really, pursuing God, we languish – we die a slow death! There is a person inside of you and me waiting to come alive. I want that! Because I don’t want to come to the day of my death and “discover I had not lived.” Stay tuned…

SBSG Questions

Ice Breaker:

Describe your favorite meal. What food do you despise?

Take a canned or boxed item and read the ingredients. Feel hungry? J

Note to the Leader:  Before you dive into the questions below.  Take some time to ask your group what their impressions were from the message.  Did they have questions?  Did they write any highlights in their notes?

Sailhamer: “It has long been recognized . . . that the order of the purity laws in Leviticus 11 follows that of the creation of animal life in Genesis 1.” Do a little comparison for yourself.

Discuss the concept of clean/unclean. Talk through various ideas of why something might have been deemed unclean: physical health, societal values, ritual regulations, others?

[Note: There is no right answer to this! We don’t know for sure, but it makes for great discussion! J]

Read portions of chapters 11, 12, 13, 14 – what commonalities are there? Do these various dietary, hygiene, cleansing laws still apply? Why or why not? Cf. Matt. 15:11; Acts 10; Rom. 14; Col. 2:16; Heb. 9:10; 13:9

Why are we striving for purity?

Every aspect of daily life was affected by the reality of the presence of God. If that was true for the nation of Israel – give some concrete examples from Leviticus – how about us?

God was “in your face” with Israel – why not us post-Cross believers? Or is He?

What are some practical ways that we maintain purity or are “set apart” in the world? Activities? Associations? What we see, say? How do we make sure that we don’t isolate ourselves from the world?

What is an unclean thing that is keeping you from walking with God as you want?

For the deep thinkers and if you have time:

Think through the evolution of worship by God’s people: tabernacle (Exodus 25), temple (1 Kings 5), believers (1 Cor. 3:16-17; Eph. 2:20; Heb. 3:6; 1 Pet. 2:5). What are the implications of us now being “the temple of God”?

Other prayer concerns are deeper and more personal.  Prayers for sick Grandmothers, prayers for a friend who’s parents are getting divorced, or prayers for dad who is out of work.

I am often thrilled to read the request of students whose request is related to the message I taught that evening.  It is very rewarding to see that they have processed the talk and are ready to ask for God’s help in applying what they have learned.

Each week we receive the cards and pray for that student’s needs and concerns.  However, there are times when we feel called to respond to the prayer cards with more than a prayer.  Sometimes we feel called to minister to our student’s needs with both prayer and action (not that prayer isn’t action… it is!).

One such ministry is Divorce Care for Teens which will begin it’s second season on Tuesday, January 19th.  DC4T meets weekly and is lead by Tiffany Nottingham, Cyndi Schoon and Norm Vugteveen.  There is NO CHARGE for participating in DC4T.  Weekly meetings are on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 – 8:30 PM.  For more information or to register contact Tiffany Nottingham at 219-322-6400 ext. 303.

Divorce Care for Teens (DC4T)
Beginning Tuesday, Jan 19th
6:30 – 8:30 PM
Contact: Tiffany Nottingham
219-322-6400 ext. 303

Tribe Levi – Sermon Based Small Group

Priest

Ice Breaker Ideas:

• What season of the year is your most favorite and why
• Most memorable thing you did over the holidays.
• Introduce yourself and Tell in two minutes who you are.

Note to the Leader:  Before you dive into the questions below.  Take some time to ask your group what their impressions were from the message.  Did they have questions?  Did they write any highlights in their notes?

1. What were your perceptions of Leviticus before this series?

1. One of the key concepts in Leviticus is “Holiness” how would you describe holiness?

1. Think out loud what you might have seen, felt, smelled, heard or tasted in preparation to serve God as a priest? What would have been paramount in your thinking? (Review Chapters 1 & 8 to give you some ideas)

1. Unpack 1 Peter 2:9 and all of its implications.  Identify any parallels (if any) that there are between the preparation, ordination, and roles of the OT priests to our role as priests in God’s Kingdom.

1. Talk through the concept of the “human touch of holiness”.  What came to mind and how can you do it this week? (Recall the story of St. Francis)

Closing: Take some time to ask for prayer requests and pray for the group.

Priest

Ice Breaker Ideas:

• What season of the year is your most favorite and why
• Most memorable thing you did over the holidays.
• Introduce yourself and Tell in two minutes who you are.

Note to the Leader:  Before you dive into the questions below.  Take some time to ask your group what their impressions were from the message.  Did they have questions?  Did they write any highlights in their notes?

1. What were your perceptions of Leviticus before this series?
2. One of the key concepts in Leviticus is “Holiness” how would you describe holiness?
3. Think out loud what you might have seen, felt, smelled, heard or tasted in preparation to serve God as a priest? What would have been paramount in your thinking? (Review Chapters 1 & 8 to give you some ideas)
4. Unpack 1 Peter 2:9 and all of its implications.  Identify any parallels (if any) that there are between the preparation, ordination, and roles of the OT priests to our role as priests in God’s Kingdom.
5. Talk through the concept of the “human touch of holiness”.  What came to mind and how can you do it this week? (Recall the story of St. Francis)

Closing: Take some time to ask for prayer requests and pray for the group.

My daughter just rolls her eyes at me and says, “Whatever, dad.”

She knows I don’t really love cleaning the bathroom.  She sees through my shallow ploy to get her motivated to do her chores.  But, she cleans the bathroom.  That look of accomplishment in her eyes when she displays the sparkling results of her hard work is unmistakable: she loves it!

Maybe you were rolling your eyes a little as I introduced our new series on Leviticus last weekend.  I told you how excited I was about diving into Leviticus.  I’ll admit it is not an easy book.  When it says that a priest’s daughter who turns to prostitution should be burned to death, it’s a little hard to swallow!  At times it seems repetitious about trivial details (how many times do we need to know that the offering should have no physical defects), gross (do we really need the details of cleansing from contagious skin diseases, yuk!) and at other times extremely harsh (fire blazes forth from the Lord’s presence and burns up Aarons sons for disobeying God’s instructions).  In spite of all the difficult aspects of Leviticus I really do love uncovering its riches!

When I think about how hard the Israelites worked to remind themselves of God’s presence in their lives it challenges me to think about how meager my spiritual life looks in comparison.  When I think about the role of the priest in Israel and his responsibility to represent the people to God and God to the people I wonder if I am worthy of that same role as 1 Peter 2:9 says all of us are!

Last night I sat in a meeting with community leaders thinking about Leviticus.  Most of them in the room have probably never read Leviticus.  Many of them are probably not aware of the closeness of God.  As a priest I pondered how I was representing God in that meeting.  Did my attitude, my actions, my words give some indication of God’s presence?  Did I represent those people to God?

If Leviticus tells us anything it is that we must design our lives in such a way that we have reminders of God’s presence and power in everything we do.   As we begin a NEW YEAR, I hope you will take some ideas from Leviticus and find some ways you can set up reminders of God in your everyday life.  Maybe it’s post-it notes with verses, prayer time in the morning, a song every night, reading through the Bible in a year, praying for your co-workers during every meeting or tuning your radio to 89.7 or 90.1.  Only your imagination limits the ways you can connect with God every day!

We have around 100 folks participating in some form of sermon based small group!  You can still get on board.  Even if you are not able to join a group I hope you’ll take the study guides from the website and use them in your personal devotions or family devotions.  Let’s get all  that God has for us from Leviticus! J

Sermon-Based Small Groups:  Sermon-Based small groups will start this weekend!  These short-term (6-8 week) small groups are a great way to meet other Crossroads attenders and dig deeper into the messages heard on Sunday mornings.  To sign up to attend a group, contact Tiffany at tnottingham@aboutccc.com.

DivorceCare:  We will be starting a new session for adults, teens & kids on Tuesday, January 18^th from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.   If you would like to sign up, contact Tiffany at tnottingham@aboutccc.com

Brickhouse Winter Retreats (WinterXtreme) Our Jr Highers will be heading to timber-lee (East Troy, WI) for a fun winter retreat on January 22-24 and our Sr Highers will go on February 12 – 14.  Our jr high retreat is completely booked.  We are hoping to get more spots if they become available.  If your jr higher would like to attend, please let us know and we will put them on a waiting list. Sr highers shouldn’t wait to sign up!  We only have 10 spots left! Information for jr high students attending the retreat will be sent home today!  You can read more about this fun winter retreat at http://www.timber-lee.com/youth_programs/winterXtreme/index.html

Women’s Bible Study is beginning a new study called Discerning the Voice of God: How to Recognize When God Speaks by Pricilla Shirer on Tuesday, January 12 at 9:15 am. All women are invited to join us. If you would like to order a workbook or want more information, please contact Kathi Poplar at kspoplar979@gmail.com or 219-775-1449 no later than Sunday, January 4. Consider joining us for this 6-week study as we connect and grow with one another.

Crossroads Camping If anyone would like to camp with the church group on Memorial weekend at the Indiana Dunes State Park please make some camping reservations at the Indiana Dunes website.  http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2980.htm Book for Friday, Saturday, Sunday nights, leaving Monday (May 28,29,30).  We currently have folks on the following campsites: 52,53,65,86,87,88,89,90,122,134

Monday, January 11  6:30p.m.  Highland Christian School invites you to a Preschool and Kindergarten Open House. Come meet our teachers, visit our classrooms and discuss how a Christ centered education would benefit your child.  All are welcome.  For more information please call Jodi Lineburg at (219) 838-0356 x165.

Tribe Levi Series: Kris Vos

January 2/3: Tribe Levi: Sacrifice
Big Idea: OT animal sacrifices help us understand the depth of God’s grace through the atoning sacrifice of Christ.
Thoughts on Sacrifice/Atonement:

• -Ritual is a bridging mechanism that spans a gap between people that could not ordinarily interact.
• -God gives the details for various reasons. (“slit the throat” – less suffering for the animal; kill first then spread the blood – common sense)
• -The goal of the ritual is atonement which is a sweet aroma to God.
• -The hand is laid on the head of the animal to symbolize transferring of guilt to the animal.
• -the sacrificial system was God’s “altar call” to his people.  The brought a tangible sign of their dependence on Him and their desire to be with Him.

Take home:  What does our worship cost us? Celebrate Communion.  Do we desire to connect with God as He requires or do we chafe at his requirements?

January – Tribe Levi
Leviticus is not an easy read.  We are tempted to skip over it.  However, Leviticus contains more direct speech by God than any other book of the Bible!  Its rituals form the foundation of Israel’s worship.  In the pages of Leviticus we also discover a depth and meaning to our own worship rituals that we would not otherwise know.  Both our rituals and the ancient rituals are designed to connect our realm with the heavenly realm—sinful humanity with a holy God.

January 2/3: Tribe Levi: Sacrifice
Big Idea: OT animal sacrifices help us understand the depth of God’s grace through the atoning sacrifice of Christ.
Thoughts on Sacrifice/Atonement:

• -Ritual is a bridging mechanism that spans a gap between people that could not ordinarily interact.
• -God gives the details for various reasons. (“slit the throat” – less suffering for the animal; kill first then spread the blood – common sense)
• -The goal of the ritual is atonement which is a sweet aroma to God.
• -The hand is laid on the head of the animal to symbolize transferring of guilt to the animal.
• -the sacrificial system was God’s “altar call” to his people.  The brought a tangible sign of their dependence on Him and their desire to be with Him.

Take home:  What does our worship cost us? Celebrate Communion.  Do we desire to connect with God as He requires or do we chafe at his requirements?

January 9/10: Tribe Levi: Priests
Big Idea: We are the tribe of Levi – set a part as a nation of priests.  Christ the Messiah (anointed) has set us apart for His service.
Thoughts on Priesthood:

• -Aaron and his sons were touched with blood on the right earlobe, right thumb and right big toe—so they would listen, act and go where God directed!
• -The temple, altar and Aaron were all anointed as unique instrument s in the worship of God.
• -The barrier between this world and the heavenly realm is incredibly thin because of Christ’s work on the Cross.
• -Instead of entering the holy of holies once a year, as priests we are sent to “declare the praise of Him who called you out of darkness!” –I Peter 2:9
• -Hebrews identifies the unique order of priesthood (Melchizidek) that Christ fulfilled.
• -The priestly inheritance was not land, it was the Lord. “they are mine”-God
• -Nadab and Abihu were killed when they failed to follow God’s instructions for holiness.

Take home:  As priests we have the unique gift of entering into God’s presence. We must be careful to follow God’s guide for holiness.

January 16/17: Tribe Levi: Unclean
Big Idea:  We guard against impurity and preserve purity in every detail of our lives.
Thots on Purity:

• -It is difficult to determine why certain animals were chosen and others aren’t.  We do know that God limits the number of animals that we can eat maybe to preserve creation and remember that eating meat is an exception and a privilege.
• -Why was Jesus not defiled when the woman with flow of blood or when he touched lepers?  The flow of purity went one way like the cistern and the dry seed in 11:36.  Christ in us is a source of purity that cannot be defiled by anything.
• -All too often detailed laws like this become twisted into legalism.  In age of “cafeteria style” self-help where we take what we want we have to remember that God’s plan for us is wholistic!
• -We don’t question the Dr. when he tells us do this or die! Why do we do that for God when his intentions for us are even better than the Dr. (who gets paid!).

Take home: Spiritual disciplines are God’s best plan for our spiritual life—how do we let them flow into every part of our day.

January 23/24: Tribe Levi: Holy
Big Idea: Our life goal is to be holy as God is holy.
Thots on Holiness:

• -To grow in holiness means to grow in love and compassion.
• -We work so hard to rid our lives of sin when that is only half way to holiness and not the hardest part nor the most fun!
• -It is not about being a “good person” it is about representing God to the world.
• -Holiness is comprehensive: health, relational, psychological, spiritual.

Take home: Be transformed by the power of God’s love flowing through you!  Opportunities to serve: here in church, in our community, in your neighborhood.

January 30/31 – Tribe Levi: Sabbath
Big Idea: Rest is the closest thing to heaven on earth!
Thots on Sabbath:

• -It expands from a day to weeks, to a year, to Jubilee!
• -Jubilee is the pinnacle of Sabbath – debts repaid, forgiveness, prisoners freed, and a do-over fresh start!
• -Rhythm of life is work and rest.
• -God waits for us in Sabbath!

Take home: Make every effort to enter God’s rest.

Traditions…those little rituals passed down from generation to generation that give character to families and help build a special bond among family members. They create memories that can be talked about and cherished for years.

Traditions don’t have to be elaborate or require a lot of planning. They can be as simple as reading to your child every night in the same comfy chair, having a movie and pizza night once a month, or even just eating dinner as a family and discussing what you are thankful for. Traditions are the glue that keeps a family together. We all have very busy lifestyles, and adding a small tradition here or there can make all the difference to your family.

Shortly before Christmas, I asked my students what some of their favorite family traditions were. Here are a few that really stuck out or that I enjoy myself with my family:

1. Christmas Pajama run: The week before Christmas, we all get into our pajamas and pile into the car and drive around looking at Christmas lights. We search for the house with the brightest lights and vote for the best decorated lawn. We end the run back home with a cup of hot chocolate while we laugh about the goofy things we found.
2. Special Birthday Celebrations: Each year on our children’s birthdays, I fill up balloons the night before and hang them in the doorway to their bedroom. When they wake up in the morning, they find the balloons and then are served breakfast in bed. It is a special way to start their special day
3. Easter egg hunt: A classic in many households around the world. My mom and dad always filled eggs with money or candy and we searched for them on Easter. They still fill and hide the eggs, but now invite the grandkids over for the big hunt!
4. Winter “Snowed-In” Day: Choose a day (Saturday if your kids are in school) and stay inside all day, in your pj’s, watching movies, drinking hot chocolate, just doing “nothing” together as a family.
5. Potluck: This is a great way for extended family members to showcase their culinary talents. If you decide to do this monthly or bi-monthly, consider themes – make one night Mexican, and the next time Thai, followed by Italian. Theme nights can introduce you to a whole new world of cooking. Bring print-outs of the recipe so people can take it home with them.
6. Angel Tree: Each year our family takes a trip to the local department store and finds an “angel tree” with names of children in our community that won’t be able to have a Christmas with their family. We choose an angel, read the list and shop for the perfect gift or gifts for that child. It is a great way for kids to recognize the joy in giving at Christmas.

Family traditions are a great way to bring your family together. Maybe you can’t remember many special traditions that your family shared growing up. That is an even better reason to create these special memories with your family now. It doesn’t have to be extravagant or expensive, start small. Maybe you have no family that you can share these traditions with. Find a neighbor or a friend and do something special with them. It’s never too late to start a new tradition, and generations to come will remember you in a special way and embrace that special bond that a family tradition carries. This New Year’s, don’t make a resolution that will last only a month or two, make a new tradition that will last for years, even generations to come.

Traditions are fun to share. If you have any fun, creative traditions, please share them here. I’d love to add to my list!

It has been great to hear stories of “Christmas Caring” the past few weeks around the office: Unchurched friends and neighbors who have come to our services; tangible expressions of God’s love through giving of food, gifts and visits to those in need; and encouraging calls or cards to those who need a lift.  I hope and pray God puts you in a place where you can observe and participate in the giving and receiving of His love this Christmas!

Christmas Eve Service Join us for our Christmas Eve service on Thursday at 6:00 p.m. We will share communion together and end the night with candlelight.  Children are welcome to attend this service.  We will look at the Christmas Prayer of Simeon found in Luke 2.Sermon-Based Small Groups:  Sermon-Based small groups will launch January 9!  These short-term (4-6 week) small groups are a great way to meet other Crossroads attenders and dig deeper into the messages heard on Sunday mornings.  We will be studying the book of Leviticus in the month of January.  To sign up to attend a group, contact Tiffany at tnottingham@aboutccc.com.

BRICKHOUSE CLOSED DATES:  We will be breaking for the Christmas season.  No brickhouse on December 27^th.  We’ll resume on January 3^rd.

DivorceCare:  We will be starting a new session for adults, teens & kids on Tuesday, January 18^th from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.   If you would like to sign up, contact Tiffany at tnottingham@aboutccc.com

Women’s Bible Study is beginning a new study called Discerning the Voice of God: How to Recognize When God Speaks by Pricilla Shirer on Tuesday, January 12 at 9:15 am. All women are invited to join us. If you would like to order a workbook or want more information, please contact Kathi Poplar at kspoplar979@gmail.com or 219-775-1449 no later than Sunday, January 4. Consider joining us for this 6-week study as we connect and grow with one another.

Big Idea:  The path to true peace on earth comes through a life dedicated to God’s glory.

• The angels give as a view from heaven.
• The close connection between heaven and earth is revealed in their brief prayer of praise.
• Our desperate search for peace on earth is bound by what we have at our disposal rather than the rich resources of heaven!
• The angels exist to give glory to God…what does a lifelong pursuit of God’s glory look like for us?

Take home:  Let’s learn to live all of life with a view toward heaven.

I have a unique seat to watch all of the seasonal miracles acted out. Often I feel like one of Santa’s elves – getting the joy of being the in-between person who delivers the surprise package to someone else who is caught off guard by generosity. Bags of groceries, gift cards, neatly wrapped Christmas gifts, or a tin of freshly baked cookies, express a love and concern that is at the heart of the Christmas spirit.

I and my family have marvelous memories of being caught off-guard by the spirit of Christmas: The “White Gifts offering” on Christmas Eve in our church in Hillsdale, OK that often went to pay for special treats for our growing family; the gift of sending Carrie and I to Dallas to be able to walk at graduation from Dallas Seminary; even the fun of nightly gifts showing up on our doorstep last Christmas season, as the Hair family delighted our family with their version of “The 12 Days of Christmas.”

As blessed as it has been to receive over the years, I still find the greatest joy in giving to others. Usually it has been out of our own need and not abundance, but God has always blessed. Gift giving doesn’t have to be extravagant: a hand-written note well-thought out becomes a prized possession, or the gift of time – a cup of coffee or egg nog and conversation may cause someone to characterize this Christmas as “the best ever.” My best Christmas memories are of family gatherings, laughter, hand-made ornaments, listening again to the miracle of the Christmas story, and seeing the spirit of Christmas touch young and old alike.

If we can just carry that spirit of Christmas over to every day of the year we will truly exemplify what Christmas and especially the Christ of Christmas is all about. I’m reminded of Max Lucado’s words: “For a few precious hours, he is beheld, Christ the Lord. Those who pass the year without seeing him, suddenly see him. People who have been accustomed to using his name in vain, pause to use it in praise. Eyes, now free of the blinders of self, marvel at his majesty. All of a sudden, he’s everywhere… I want to savor the spirit just a bit more… I can’t help but linger on one fanciful thought: If he can do so much with such timid prayers lamely offered in December, how much more could he do if we thought of him every day?”

I pray you experience the spirit of Christmas this season and all the days following like never before. Merry Christmas!

(A couple of great Christmas reads to stir the spirit: God Came Near, Max Lucado, and In Search of the Real Spirit of Christmas, Dan Schaeffer)

Big Idea: Zechariah’s prayer rejoices in the fulfillment of God’s covenant promises.

• As a priest Zech should have expected something like this!  He knew the prophecies and the promises and yet he is hesitant to believe!
• Zech’s doubt is reminiscent of Abraham and Sarah’s doubt about having Isaac.
• Where in your life are you hesitant to hope?  Do you believe your financial situation can ever be better?  Your marriage? Your health?
• Why are we so hesitant to believe what we know to be true about God and His faithfulness.
• God “shut-up” Zech for 9 mos to contemplate His promises to Israel!

Take home:  Even the smallest thread of hope is powerful when attached to God’s promises.

And although I go each year with “supporting the kids” as my primary motivation, I always find myself caught off guard by God’s love and grace.  This year was no exception.  What’s even funnier about being caught off guard by God is that I knew what was coming because I helped co-write the play “Nicholas and the Nativity” with my wife Tami Hair.

Nicholas and the Nativity was born out of a desire to “keep it simple” this year.  In other years, the children’s Christmas program included a dozen half working wireless mics and lead characters standing at center stage  slapping their forheads trying to remember their complicated lines. This year we hoped to stay away from complicated scripts and stage pieces.  So we decided to write a children’s Christmas musical play.  Our moto was “keep it simple” and our challenge was making it fun as well as thought provoking.

So after a few days my wife Tami shared her thoughts, “What if one side of the stage is a scene with a modern family, while the other side of the stage is the manger?”  She later added “The children’s chior could stand in the middle and we could go back and forth somehow having the manger scene parallel what the family is reading from the bible and discussing.”  We set the idea aside while we fixed dinner and finished helping the kids with homework and then after tucking our youngest two in bed, we began collecting our best ideas.  What finally emerged was a rough draft script about a little boy named Nicholas (Nick) who discovers the nativity under his Christmas tree.  Nicholas struggles to see how his modern Christmas experiences fit into the manger scene.  Nick’s father and mother try to explain but quickly realize they would do well to share the story straight from the Bible.  In the end, Nicholas “puts all the pieces together” and embraces the true and deeper meaning of Christmas.  My wife and I had goose bumps as we wrote out the idea that Nick would cross over from his side of the stage (family room scene) to the other side of the stage (manger scene) and kneel at the manger/throne.  We hoped that many in the audience would do the same in their hearts.

Thank you to eveyone who helped this children’s musical-play come to life.  I hope you all have a Merry Christmas.  I hope you will all find yourselves caught off guard by God’s amazing grace and love this Christmas.

Grace and Peace,

Todd E. Hair

Mary’s prayer reflects the “great reversal” of the kingdom: the humble being exalted.

• Mary believes though she is an unlikely candidate.
• She is young and a woman yet in short order she accepts whatever God has for her.
• “Who am I” is her humble reflection
• Not so much what Mary does as what is done to her to bring salvation

Take home:  Your so-called small life becomes huge when attached to God.

We want to welcome you to our upcoming Christmas series entitled “Christmas Prayer”  Here is a look into weekly sermon topics and the direction we are taking our series.  Stay tuned on the following Monday of each sermon for the audio download, just in case you missed it.

December 5&6 – Prayer of Mary (Luke 1:46ff) Hope for the Humble

Big Idea:  Mary’s prayer reflects the “great reversal” of the kingdom: the humble being exalted.

• Mary believes though she is an unlikely candidate.
• She is young and a woman yet in short order she accepts whatever God has for her.
• “Who am I” is her humble reflection
• Not so much what Mary does as what is done to her to bring salvation

Take home:  Your so-called small life becomes huge when attached to God.

December 12 & 13 – Prayer of Zechariah (Luke 1:67ff) Hesitant Hope

Big Idea: Zechariah’s prayer rejoices in the fulfillment of God’s covenant promises.

• As a priest Zech should have expected something like this!  He knew the prophecies and the promises and yet he is hesitant to believe!
• Zech’s doubt is reminiscent of Abraham and Sarah’s doubt about having Isaac.
• Where in your life are you hesitant to hope?  Do you believe your financial situation can ever be better?  Your marriage? Your health?
• Why are we so hesitant to believe what we know to be true about God and His faithfulness.
• God “shut-up” Zech for 9 mos to contemplate His promises to Israel!

Take home:  Even the smallest thread of hope is powerful when attached to God’s promises.

December 19 & 20 – Prayer of the Angels (Luke 2:14) Heaven’s Hope

Big Idea:  The path to true peace on earth comes through a life dedicated to God’s glory.

• The angels give as a view from heaven.
• The close connection between heaven and earth is revealed in their brief prayer of praise.
• Our desperate search for peace on earth is bound by what we have at our disposal rather than the rich resources of heaven!
• The angels exist to give glory to God…what does a lifelong pursuit of God’s glory look like for us?

Take home:  Let’s learn to live all of life with a view toward heaven.

December 24 – Prayer of Simeon (Luke 2:29-32) Holding on to Hope – Christmas Eve

Big Idea: Simeon’s prayer reveals a lifetime of patient expectation of God’s salvation.

• Simeon (and Anna) never let go of the belief that the Messiah is coming.  Though so many in Israel had twisted the promises to mean something they never meant, these two faithful people waited patiently in the wings for the real thing.
• Both Simeon and Anna are on the fringe.  While everyone one else seemed to miss the coming of Christ these to represent the faithful remnant in Israel.
• Though minor players in the grand scheme of salvation history they herald the coming of Christ in a way that none of the religious leaders did.
• Reminiscent of Hannah’s prayer and patient waiting for a son!
• Simeon holds hope in his hands and his life is complete.

Take Home:  How much of the hope God promises is enough for you?

There are several obvious benefits of this type of format. First, there is a church wide focus on a particular topic or passage of Scripture for the week. In most church settings, one topic/passage is discussed in the weekend message, another in the Tuesday morning Bible study or weekly small group, another in children’s and youth gatherings. With one singular topic being discussed in multiple venues and in different ways, we can move beyond mere exposure to actual knowledge. Here’s a test: What was the topic of last weekend’s message? The message a month ago? It’s gone before we can ever truly apply it.

Another plus is that each group still maintains its own flavor or personality that makes it unique and impacting. People are more attentive during the weekend services, because they know they will be discussing this later in the week. There is more note-taking to have as a reference for further discussion. The neat thing in this format is that anyone can discuss what they heard – everyone has an opinion – no matter where they may be in terms of spiritual maturity. The study is not a rehashing of the weekend message, but rather takes biblical passages that are either complimentary or parallel to the main text but not covered. It allows the hearers, to take the discussion deeper than what can be covered in a large group. In other words, it takes the Word of God and plants it in our hearts and lives better than any thirty minute message could ever do.

Are you ready to jump in and see how this works? I’m pleased to say that over 50 of you said YES just last weekend. You can continue to sign-up at the Resource Desk the next couple of weekends. These groups will kick off after the weekend services of January 9-10.

If you have signed up, or are interested in being a leader/facilitator or host, we will be having a meeting on Tuesday, December 15th at 7PM at the church. We’ll answer any questions you might have or contact me at dbrown@aboutccc.com.

I have been meeting with the pastors who participate in the ministerial for about 14 years.  I have seen our group grow and change over the years.  We are committed to building relationships with each other as pastors and finding ways we can work together in our community.

The friendships I share with the pastors in our area is probably the greatest benefit I have experienced.  We also work hard to handle weddings and pre-marital counseling in ways that will be consistent for couples just looking for a quick and easy church to get married in.  We find ways to care for the poor in our community.  We also invite speakers to our monthly luncheons to share about their work in the community.

The Thanksgiving service is a culmination of the friendship and service we share in this community.  I thank God for Christian leaders whose hearts are open to him.  I also thank God for a great Thanksgiving service!  There is still lots of pie in the refrigerator that the staff will be eating.  That’s always a nice perk!

The evening began sitting around tables getting to know each other better and enjoying a great meal.  We learned that some of us have some pretty unique nicknames “Snooky” & “The Cleaner” to name  few.  Laughter and chatting could be heard throughout the room.

Dennis Olthof and Jeff Otto walked us briefly through the budget and we had overwhelming concensus (read all but 1) to affirm the budget for 2010.  Owning this together means we committ to trust God together and give as God directs us!

Pastor Drew walked us through the highlights of 2009.  We will have the video review of 2009 posted on the site very soon.

I concluded the evening with a vision for 2010.  Our Long Range Planning Team has been hard at work assessing our strengths and challenges.  We are beginning to formulate some initial plans for next 5 years.  The graphic above was the opening slide that forms the foundation of our Long Range Plans.  Everything flows out of our mission-vision-values!

The best part of the class for Pastor Drew and I is listening to the testimonies.  This class did a great job of sharing some of their pain from the past and then acknowledging God’s grace and love in the midst of that pain.

We plan to introduce the class early in December.  As you have opportunity welcome these folks!  We’ll try to get a pic of the other half of the class for you.

“Nicholas and the Nativity”
JAM Children’s Christmas Musical
December 6th
3:00 PM

In the CCC Auditorium

Thank you to all of the children who took the time to try out for special parts in this year’s children’s Christmas musical-play.  We are excited about the impact you are sure to have on many hearts as you combine all of your gifts and talents to perform together.

Posted below are the selections for parts in the play.  You will also find more information about practices and our December 6th performance!

Nick: Andrew Ericks

Joseph: Tom Ericks

Mary: Jaylin Hair

Readers:

Reader 1: Collette Bouwer

Reader 2: Evalin Hair

Reader 3: Justin BeBoer

Reader 4: Savannah Kitchens

Reader 5: Megan Kirby

Reader 6: Jessica DeBoer

Reader 7: Alex Eenigenburg

Reader 8 : Kade Bouwer

Reader 9: Matthew Eagen

Dancers:

Ashley Smith

Zeta Johnson

Savannah Kitchens

Chloe Kaminski

Maddie Nohos

Angel and solo:

Sarah Mapes:  Sings Joy to the world 2^nd verse

Solos:

Erin Rockhill: Sings the first and the last solos in Call His name Jesus

Maddie Nohos:  Sings the 2^nd solo in Call His name Jesus

Kyle Nohos: Sings 2^nd and 3^rd Verse of  Little Drummer Boy

Madison Young: Sings all solo parts in When Love Came Down

Wisemam:

Jason Schutt

Grant Buikema

Eric Blankenship

(All boys will sing as a group some parts of the song We Three Kings)

Sheperd:

Ben Meter

Evan Holland

Brandon Schutt

Michael Zajac

(All boys will sing as a group a SMALL solo in the song Who is this Child)

Our First Practice is Saturday November 14th from 5:30 – 6:45 (during the Saturday evening service).  All of the above parts should attend!

Special Note: the December 4th Practice has been changed to Thursday, December 3rd from 6:00-7:30 pm
All of the parts above need to attend this practice!

]]> http://www.aboutccc.com/nicholas-and-the-nativity-a-ccc-childrens-musical-play/feed/ 0 http://www.aboutccc.com/we/ http://www.aboutccc.com/we/#comments Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:44:39 +0000 tnottingham http://aboutccc.com/?p=532 Called Out- Kris Vos

Over 350 volunteers were mobilized on November 1.  If you were part of the team that served:  St. Jude, Lake Area Regional Recovery of Indiana (LARRI – Those recovering from the floods!), Hearts in Motion, etc. Resale Shop, Dyer Nursing Home, and families in need in our community then tell us how it went.

The coloquium doctum or doctrinal conversation lasted about 45 minutes and covered a variety of topics including: call to ministry, biblical knowledge, doctrinal knowledge and practical theology.  Pastor Drew did an outstanding job!  As a member of Classis for over 15 years I would say it is one of the best I have ever seen!

Todd Hair and Elder Dennis Olthof were present for Drew’s examination.  Liz Rudenga and Larry Boer also stopped in to see Drew on the hot seat since they both work at Trinity College where classis was held.

Thanks for those who prayed for Drew as he prepared for this and thanks to Classis Illiana for their unanimous support for Drew’s ordination in the CRC and the cordial welcome he has recieved since beginning his ministry here at Crossroads!