Christmas Eve

Christ's story...

Christmas Service
Choir Singing
Congregation Standing & Seated
Communion Savored

Crossroads' settling snowflakes...

Follow-Up to Children's Ministry Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

Two bounce houses made for a great time for the kids of volunteers. This was my first time to attend the dinner, having volunteered in the elementary kids' Sunday School all year.

Dinner was served by the staff and elders--quite a treat. At the the gift exchange, I managed to steal back a game system (what happened to the $5 limit?) for the great kid at the table next to mine who graciously helped my daughter brave the bounce houses.

It was fun meeting the other volunteers and spending time with my family at a place that cares for them so much. Thanks to the Children's Ministry volunteers who are the reason my kids can't wait to go to church up to four days a week. And thanks to the church for the recognition and the cool T-shirt.

2010 Online Registrations are Up!

Check out the Winter/Spring Classes here. Class include Marriage Matters, Hebrews, and Theology 101.

Check out the Women's Ministry Studies here. We've got Precept, Beth Moore, and Amazing Worship.

Sign up for the Career Transition Workshop here.

Christmas Program 2009!!!!!

I'm writing through tears ... of joy. What a night of musical magic!! Several new faces joined our own talented bunch to be a part of this awesome evening at Crossroads Bible Church where Sammy Davenport crafted a humongously successful Christmas event. Oh my stars!!! Are we EVER so lucky he and Julie landed in our CBC body, or what??!!!!!!!!!!

Many stepped up to the mic and blew away the full-to-the-brim crowd. I just kept thinking, "How many songs are going to be this good?" And they WERE ALL GOOD. From Elvis, (O.K., who WAS that guy ~ he was great?!), to Stephanie, to Billy Grammer on that harmonica (dang!) to the electric guitar rifts, to our incredibly talented Milo, to Texas Christmas from the Randy Travis sound-alike who blows me away every time he sings, to Marcella and the Peanuts Christmas theme... Then there was Hal in that white coat. Mercy ... what a hoot! Then he sang the song about Mary. You could hear a pin drop as his voice floated out into the crowd. Gorgeous. The flutes, the horns (that saxophone ~ my favorite!) Sigh ... it was just incredibly delightful.

My sweet friend, Andrea Herndon, was the wind beneath Sammy's wings, not only helping him coordinate the night, but also lending her incredible pipes to the lineup as Sammy played the piano. O.K., I'm crying again.

If you're reading this and you haven't emailed Sammy or Andrea or any of those you know were a part of the extravaganza, let me encourage you to do so. A program like this takes more behind the scenes work than we can EVEN imagine, and while they're not looking for kudos ~~ surprise these men and women with them anyway. Believers must love and support one another. Please close this blog and send a quick note of thanks to those involved.

I love our LORD. I love the gifts He's so generously bestowed... I love the people who make up our church. Here's the church, and here's the steeple, open the door and see all the people. I love our church. I love our church. I love our church.

Blood Drive Postponed

Tomorrow's blood drive has been postponed until January 23.

Christmas Eve Services

Christmas Eve services will be held on Christmas Eve, the night before Christmas, which is December 24. Got it?

Services will be at 5 and 7 PM. There's no Sunday School for kids that night because we'd love to see them at the service!

This Weekend

Can't wait for all the events coming up this weekend!

First, there's the blood drive on Saturday.

Second, Angel Tree gifts are due back Sunday morning.

Finally, the Christmas to Remember event is Sunday night at 7!

Birthday Party for Jesus Recap

The party was really fun with bounce houses, games, and pizza. We were thrilled to be surprised with entertainment and a message from the Power Team! They tore, broke, and twisted objects I thought couldn't be torn, broken, or twisted, including a baseball bat, steel bars, and a license plate. Can't wait for the next family fun night!

Updated statement

Please allow me to clarify a blog I wrote Nov. 23rd ... I meant to be encouraging but what I wrote was poorly stated. Please note the change and accept my apologies for any confusion.

Birthday Party for Jesus Wednesday night

Half-Time is throwing its annual Happy Birthday, Jesus! party Wednesday night from 6:45 to 8:15. Bring the entire family for worship, bounce houses, games, and pizza! You don't have to be a regular participant in Half-Time to attend. It's gonna be fun! No cost to attend.

CBC Ladies' Christmas Brunch 2009

The foyer sparkled
Silver/blue color scheme
Decorators had hung stars,
Curtains, lights and other things.

Inside the tables gleamed
Beyond imagination; so pretty
Women amazed women
Ambiance was giddy.

Four headphones were worn
Newbies in control
To dismiss each table
Hungry women’s eyes rolled…

Men wandering ‘round
With coffee, water and tea
Almost invisible
Male servers of CBC.

Chef, Morris Salerno
brought his kitchen fare
Mercy (!) the pastries alone
Golden, flaky ~ savoir faire.

Plates were whisked away
It was time for Kim Hill
A funny, husky voiced songbird
Coming to us from Nashville.

My second time to hear her
This child of God
Her testimony through music
All listening were awed…

Sammy and others
Such talented guys
Jammed and sang backup
Kim’s gifted allies.

Milo and Kim
Then sold their recordings
Rachel, Milo’s wife,
Even sold jam at the closing!

So, our Liz [again] organized
Another successful Women’s Brunch
After it was all "sang and done"…
I bet no one had lunch.

What's Making News at Crossroads

Merry Christmas from Crossroads! We have a number of exciting events scheduled this month at CBC. For more information about most of these events, log on to our website, http://www.crossroadsbible.org/.

Sunday, Dec. 6th

PRESCHOOL Christmas Store OpenS

A variety of handcrafted items and homemade baked goods will be available for purchase this Sunday at the annual Christmas Store, located in the preschool area and put on by the Childcare Ministry. The proceeds will benefit Hope for Kids, a child sponsorship program in Haiti. So be sure to stop by, check out the crafts, and take a few home with you!

Have You Met Dave & Penny Semmelbeck?

You are invited to meet and greet BEE World missionaries Dave & Penny Semmelbeck Sunday night in Room 203. Come visit from 6:30-7:15 and hear how God is working through their ministry from 7:15-7:45. Dave works with pastors in South Asia and Penny has recently traveled to SE Asia for conferences. Dave was a pastor at Crossroads for 17 years before heading to the mission field in 2008.

Help the Hurting Through Our Annual ANGEL TREE MINISTRY

The annual Angel Tree Christmas ministry is here once again. The Angel Tree serves families at Crossroads who are in need as well as local ministries. Instructions can be found in the lobby next to the tree. All gifts need to be brought to the church by the end of next Sunday.

Saturday, Dec. 12^th

Next CBC Blood Drive

Donate blood and save lives. Carter Blood Care will be having a blood drive here at CBC on Saturday, Dec. 12^th, from 8:00am until 1:00pm. Register in the CBC lobby or online at crossroadsbible.org.

Sunday, Dec. 13^th

A CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER CONCERT

Tickets for "A Christmas to Remember," a Christmas concert produced by our worship ministry and special guests, are on sale at the Ministry Center in the CBC lobby. The concert is Sunday, December 13th, 7pm, at CBC. Tickets cost $12 apiece. A special CD of instrumental Christmas music by Sammy Davenport and Milo Deering is included with the ticket, one CD per family.

We encourage you to buy an extra ticket or two and invite your neighbor! It should be a special night of holiday entertainment with beautiful stage decoration, impressive soloists, lush instrumentation and joyful songs. The event is a concert geared toward an adult audience, and there will be no childcare provided. Doors open at 6:30. Seating is first-come, first-served.

Wednesday, Dec. 16^th

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION DINNER

Have you served in Children's Ministry this past year? If so, we'd like to say "thanks!" with a special volunteer appreciation dinner, Wednesday night, Dec. 16^th from 6:45 to 8pm. Please RSVP for the dinner to Roddy Willis by Dec. 13^th so he can plan the food.

Thursday, Dec. 24^th

'CHRISTMAS, CAROLS & CANDLELIGHT' SERVICES

Our Christmas Eve services this year will be at 5 & 7pm on December 24^th. Come join us for this family-friendly event with songs, Scripture readings, and a special Christmas Eve candle lighting. There will be no childcare provided. All children are welcome in the service.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

via Finishing Well by Mike Messerli on 11/26/09

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you have a wonderful day with family and friends.

Thanksgiving BBQ/"thankful for..."

Last night, 350+ CBCers and friends came together to enjoy Dean Guyton's brisket, Bud Baker's pulled pork, somebody's sausage (?!), potato salad, beans and good company... Oh yea, and no less than 5,984 pieces of every imaginable flavor of pie. It was a full and happy crowd... And a thankful one, as all but a few filed back into the sanctuary to publicly or quietly remember blessings and the many reasons to be thankful this season.

Although I had to leave early, I would have added this (probably already stated last night, but worth reiterating):

I'm so thankful for Steve Hixon and the difficult passage he and Darlene have endured as they made their way into our church. Under Steve's guidance our strong, scripture-first church continues to put God's word into effect ... presented to us in unique and individual ways by each of our pastors. I am very thankful for our lead and support shepherds at CBC. We are now a church that has brought in new and energetic ministries (Sammy's incredibly personal stamp on our worship, children and middle school guys, Roddy and Charlie, career ministries, divorce care, teen MOPS, and young adults to name but a few).

Unlike ever before, talents and skills of CBC's church body are highlighted for enjoyment, but also to bring front and center the gifts God has given to so many! [Not the least of which is Steve's incredible photographer's eye.] He has begun encouraging, filming and sharing for our congregation, clips of real life issues experienced by several CBC family members. We'd have to be half alive not to see and feel how this brings us closer as a church.

Steve and Darlene, in the short two years they've been here, have already taken a large group to Israel and Steve has gone to Africa... a walking the walk, especially when there were still "new pastor" struggles. But missions, and the importance of Christ-led relationships within our own walls and abroad, has already been reflected by example.

The women's ministry went out on a limb this fall and combined two separate groups in an effort to bring these believers into each others' lives. We pray, eat breakfast, sing and study on a single day, instead of two ~ in the new Side by Side program. This happened, I believe, because of the new leadership's open door policy and acceptance of doing things differently.

I think ALL of these changes are because a new pastor has finally started to shake off the ghosts of CBC's past and is now making his own footsteps in which others are beginning to follow.

So this season... I am VERY thankful to God for sending Steve and Darlene to Crossroads Bible Church.

Last day to RSVP Online for the BBQ

Today is the last day to RSVP online for the CBC Family-Style Thanksgiving BBQ. Childcare is provided. RSVP here.

Men needed for the Women's Christmas Brunch

Hi there to all you wonderful, kind, generous, thoughtful, handsome, romantic, compassionate, strong, and brave men.

As you probably know, the Crossroads Women's Christmas Brunch is only one month away! The Women's Christmas Brunch on Saturday, December 5 is a chance for hundreds of women of all ages to come together to celebrate the birth of our Savior. And we need your help for things to run smoothly.

Would you be willing to serve the ladies from 9 am -1 pm on December 5? We need your help doing all sorts of things so the ladies can sit back and relax during the brunch-- and not be running around refilling water.

This will be a great chance for fathers and sons to work together. And since childcare is provided for all the youngsters, the dads of young kids don't have any excuses not to serve their wonderful wives.

So, will you be willing to serve the Lord by serving the women? Go here to volunteer.

It's our 200th post!

It's been a great year of being able to spread the word to everyone at CBC. Hopefully, no one feels out of the loop anymore. There are many opportunities now for getting information.

There's the Facebook page.

There are the email updates and newsletters.

We're on Twitter.

There's the website.

And there's this blog and the other!

Thanks for your courage

I took my daughter to a doctor's appointment this morning which started to run into time we hadn't allotted for. We started to get nervous while we waited because this was a special day for her. Beginning yesterday, she was to read the announcements over the intercom at her middle school. A very shy kiddo, this was a safe way to be heard; it was also an honor to be asked in the first place.

On the way back to school (we got there just in time!) I thought about the testimonial videos which we watch at CBC on occasion. Obviously, each one has been unique, and like my daughter, without the added stress of being "out there", and in this case, in front of our congregation. These are sweet faces I often recognize, many of whom I've had the opportunity to study or attend classes with in these past few years.

Even still, it takes courage to expose personal details that are not perfect; struggles which are real and life changing in many ways. So, here's to those who step up to a mic or who sit in front of a large, black camera and tell their stories.

CBC Thanksgiving BBQ

You are invited to break bread and give thanks on Sunday, Nov, 22 at 6 PM, with brisket prepared by CBC's own.

Afterwards, we'll have a time of praise and sharing.

Bring your favorite pie to share for dessert. RSVP online here. $7/adults, $4/kids.

Newcomers' Lunch Nov 15

If you are new to CBC (at any time within the last year), we'd love to see you at the newcomers' lunch this Sunday, the 15th, after second service.

We'll introduce the staff and ministries at CBC to you and we hope to get to know you better.

Rhett Butler is back in town!

Check him out at Congregation Kol Ami on Nov. 21. More info here.

November 1, 2009

Not hard to believe, "This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24) The sky is so blue, low humidity, 70-something degrees ~ if your heart is heavy, this is the kind of day to enjoy the hand work of our creative God. Hope you're there.

Teen MOPS Halloween Party

Several TEEN MOPS Mentor Moms went to the Learning Center Wednesday night and had a Halloween Party for the SAP program (School-Aged Parents). We're hoping to introduce them to MOPS and the opportunity to learn the value of good parenting! Plus we had a blast! Please pray for these moms and this ministry.

Halloween Activities for kids

Here are some things to do this weekend with the kids for Halloween, brought to you by CBC Families:

Friday:
- Lake Dallas Halloween 4-6. lakedallas.com/special_events.html
- Grapevine Main Street Halloween 6-9
- Bass Pro Halloween 4-7

Saturday:
- Bass Pro Halloween 12-4
- Model Trains in Carrollton 12-5. springcreekrailroad.com
- Shops of Highland Village 2-6
- WinFest at WinKids 2-5. winkids.net
- Highland Village Fall Festival 5:30-8 at Unity Park
- Free Skating at Interskate 7-10:30. interskate.net
- Grapevine Mills 6-8

Or just regular ol' trick-or-treating :)

Check out familyeguide.com for more events and info.

Octoberfest at CBC

Octoberfest was really fun! There were four bounce houses, a balloon artist, face painters, games, and pizza! The kids had a great time running from event to event and a lot of CBC Families members made an appearance. Can't wait for the next big kids' event!

Octoberfest

Octoberfest is tonight at 6:45! Kids, come in your costumes and bring a bag of candy as admission. Be prepared for fun!

Events for Saturday, Oct 24

There's a lot going on tomorrow!

There's the Men's Breakfast at 8 AM.

Working Women's Brunch at 10 AM.

And the CBC Families Halloween party at 5 PM (at an area home)!

Octoberfest at CBC

You are invited to celebrate Octoberfest with our Children's Ministry on Wednesday, October 28, from 6:45 to 8:15 PM. Bring the kids in their costumes and join us for fun and games.

Admission is one bag of candy per child.

Real Guys' Breakfast this Saturday

This Saturday is our Men’s breakfast at Crossroads Bible Church. OUR REGULAR COOKING CREW IS BACK, so you will not want to miss this great time of food and fellowship.

Please let us know if you are going to attend. We'd like a head count for the men preparing the food. Simply contact Pastor Mike Messerli through this page. It will really help us with food preparation…(I want to have plenty of food!)

Coffee service will start at 7:45 on Saturday. The men’s breakfast with mass quantities of food will start at 8 AM. We will be done at 9 AM on the dot.

Cross Timbers Art Gallery

A lot of you have inquired about the art gallery Steve displays his photographs in. It's the Cross Timbers Art Gallery at the Shops of Highland Village (northwest corner of 2499 and 407). The store is next to James Avery and Brilliant Sky. Here's a link to their website and a link to their Facebook page.

License Plates needed

Our McFadden Ranch outreach ministry is in need of old license plates for an upcoming project.

Please drop off any plates you have at the church office. Thanks!

No Joke: It Really Is ~ Side by Side

I heard an amazing story a few weeks ago while staying in a beautiful lodge in Colorado. It's an account of two women (through CBC's Women's Bible study ministry: Side by Side). Like many ladies joined on Thursday mornings who still don't know each other well, this group in Colorado was also made up of newly forming friendships and was, therefore, perhaps a little more touched by God's grace when we heard it. (Names and some details will be omitted to assure privacy.)

About a month ago a long time member of our church saw a woman sitting by herself at a table during the Girlfriend Breakfast before worship. The CBCer sat down with this gal, and they spoke generally for several minutes before God then directed the conversation to marriage. The woman, new to CBC, had lost her husband a year earlier to a sudden, devastating condition. And in the way ONLY our loving God can craft, our CBCer had ALSO lost her first husband... to the same destructive affliction!

Memories, sadness and understanding led to shared tears between the one who'd popped out on the other side of this difficult life changing event, to the other, hardly able to escape it's terrible pull.

I've since heard that this woman is so broken hearted that she has not returned to CBC. But I know God planted His sweet messenger of hope in her path, and I pray she will [one day] realize it was Christ's great love and tenderness for her that He arranged a meeting with a woman who could empathize. If, however, she finds a church home elsewhere, may it be that she looks back on that day KNOWING it was no coincidence. Let her be certain, Father, that You sent one as an example, who though changed, is living life in victory.
**********************************

Romans 8:39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Psalms 18:35 You give me Your shield of victory, and Your right hand sustains me; You stoop down to make me great.

Missions Meal Sunday

We're in for a treat this Sunday! We're having chicken enchiladas, red-eye rice, beans, and creamy lemon pie. Meal may be purchased after each service to raise money for CBC missions.

Missions Meals are a once-a-month fundraiser for CBC Missions. We prepare meals for our CBC family to enjoy at church after services or to take home. In return, we ask for a donation for the missionaries we support and the Mission Trips in which we partake. Meal dates are posted on the CBC Calendar. Come to church hungry those days! If you would like to help with this ministry please go here. Thanks!

Volunteer Kitchen Manager Needed

We are seeking a volunteer to take on the responsibility for maintaining the kitchen.

Basic tasks – weekly:

1. Wash kitchen towels (using the washing machine & dryer downstairs or they can be taken home).

2. Clear counters of “stuff.”

3. Sanitize all counter surfaces, including coffee areas.

4. Wash any dirty dishes (hopefully this should be minimal).

5. Wash the sinks.

6. Put away any dishes on the drying racks.

7. Scan refrigerator for outdated/spoiled items.

8. General tidying up

Basic tasks – monthly:

1. Make a Sam’s run to replenish kitchen and Children’s ministry supplies.

As the spirit may move:

1. Wash dusty shelf items

2. Re-organize cabinets, shelves and drawers.

3. Clean ovens, sweep under cabinets and shelving

4. Treat it as yours and respond accordingly as needs are recognized.

If you are interested please contact Ian Cook.

Holiday Food Basket Program Starts Oct 18

It’s just about time for our annual Holiday Food Basket program to begin. This program provides food for a holiday meal to families in our congregation that are financially struggling. The funds for this ministry opportunity will be collected from October 18 to November 15.
To contribute to a Holiday Food Basket, please make a check out to CBC. On the memo line, write "Holiday Food Basket.” This is a wonderful opportunity to help CBC family members going through a difficult time.

October Events

There are a lot of CBC events to plan for this month:

10/24: Men's Breakfast in the cafe at 8 AM. Info here.

10/24: Working Women's Brunch at CBC at 10 AM. Info here.

10/24: CBC Families Halloween Party (bounce house, pygmy goats, etc.). Info here.

10/28: Octoberfest for the kids at CBC. 6:45 PM

10/31: Rocktober Bowl for young singles. Info on the CBC Calendar.

Food Drive 09

Next week, we're collecting household items and canned goods. See you at church!

New Feature: Music @ CBC

Curious about the songs we sang at church? Andrea is now posting the titles and the artists over at the CBC Community blog. Check out her first post here.

Thanks, Andrea!

The Food Drive Continues

Starting Sunday, we will be collecting boxed dinners and baking products. Please leave all donations in or near the collection bins at either entryway.

Letter from Children's Ministry regarding illness

Dear parents,

The cold and flu season is starting earlier this year. We are all concerned about the flu virus. I want to reassure you that our children’s ministry team is being diligent to do our part to prevent it from spreading, as well as any other illness. We are committed to keeping the room sanitary and avoiding cross contamination during all programs. We disinfect all toys, tables, mats, etc. in our children's area after each event and between Sunday services.

I do want to remind you of our "wellness policy" which we will continue to enforce at all times. We ask that you not bring a child to childcare or Sunday services who appears ill. Children with the following conditions are not allowed in the classroom:
- Fever (above 100) within the last 24 hours
- If they have been on antibiotics less than 24 hours or if symptoms are still present
- Any congestion, runny nose, coughing or sneezing not related to allergies.
- Common cold (yellow/green discharge from nose) from onset through one week
- Sore throat, coughing or croup
- Any skin infections/rashes not related to allergies
- Any discharge from the eyes
- Any infections or contagious disease
- Any diarrhea or vomiting within the last 24 hours

We will page parents to pick up a child who shows any of the above conditions.

Please help us protect other children by adhering to this policy.

Tish Kelley & Roddy Willis
CBC Children’s Ministries

Substitute Greeters Needed

Interested in greeting but don't want to get into a long-term commitment? CBC needs substitute greeters. All you do is sign in behind the counter when you arrive at church on any day you would be willing to fill in.
We need people to greet guests and members at the front doors, basement doors, Ministry Center, front desk, and at childcare check-in. Go here to contact the greeting coordinators or just show up on any Sunday.

Men's Fraternity

Men's Fraternity is back, starting Wednesday, September 28. Go here for the original post.

Food Drive for the CCA Food Pantry

This Sunday, we're collecting PB&J (in plastic containers), rice, and pasta for the CCA Food Pantry.

Just drop them off in the entryway.

GirlTalk is new this year!

Well, the format is. The goal is still to inspire laughter, build friendships and community across generations.

This group is for any women, teens and older, to get together.

Meet in Room 203A, after second service on October 4, then go out in small groups for lunch or coffee.

More info here. Is there anyone out there who is a part of GirlTalk that would like to add anything in the comments?

Fall Class Spotlight: Parenting with Love & Logic

The Love & Logic class on Tuesday nights has been really fun. We're averaging 50 people a night in the class and so far we've learned how to avoid exhausting arguments and how to institute discipline in a loving way that maintains a good child/parent relationship.

The folks attending have shared some entertaining stories about putting these techniques into practice and how their children have responded. With a semester-long class, it's nice that we can share the growth we're experiencing at home. I hope the other classes are enjoying themselves as much as we are!

Fall Food Drive begins Sept 20

Our annual drive, benefiting CCA's food pantry, begins Sunday. Each week, we'll be collecting different items. For the first week, we are collecting:

Baby Products and Cereal

Please drop off donations in the main airlock. Thanks!

New Women's Study days at CBC

Wow, it was another wonderful morning... The prayer room was full to brimming with group leaders both thanking God and asking for His provision in the lives of the women coming to study at CBC. It was so, so cozy and felt so, so right.

Girlfriend Breakfast was both yummy, and again, just plain fun to watch as women throughout the cafe shared a meal or even just chatted over coffee. I watched several of them take seats at tables of "strangers", which is sure to change as friendships across the two study groups begin to deepen. Now you KNOW that's cool, y'all! And as Liz said, it reflects the very purpose of this change...

Worship with Sammy and Andrea was short but oh-so vibrant ... Good job, you two!! The song choices were WONDERFUL, and it's so powerful to be singing as one voice.

It's just easy to feel that the devotion to making this new schedule work is in the air with these Tuesday mornings soon to have their own rythmn. Don't you just love being on the ground level of the thing and watching God unfold before our eyes?

407 Entrance Closure

Due to pedestrian and traffic safety concerns, beginning Monday, September 28, the FM 407 entrance to CBC will be gated Monday though Saturday. Please use the Chinn Chapel entrance on those days. The entrance will be open on Sunday, as usual.

We will monitor the traffic as the fall midweek schedule continue. If you have questions or comments, please contact Deacon Bud Baker or Randy Shuffield.

Winning at Work and Home

Men, improve your work and home life. Beginning Wednesday, September 30, an early morning 16-week study will explore how a man can both enjoy his work and relate to a woman in a whole new way.

Called Winning at Work and Home, the series is sponsored by Men's Fraternity at Crossroads in Double Oak. Visit www.cbcmensfraternity.com for more information.

Yoga starts tonight

CBC will again offer yoga classes this fall, led by Sherri Sund. (Sherri has practiced yoga for 25+ years and has been a certified yoga instructor for the past 10 years at the YMCA.) Wanna get outta the house and RELAX? Grab your friends and family and come join us! Any child under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Hope to see you there! The classes will begin Thursday, Sept. 10th, and will end in Nov. Class time is 6:30pm ~ 7:30pm.

Each class is designed for beginner and intermediate participants so prior experience is not necessary. What you WILL need is comfortable clothes, a YOGA mat (you can purchase VERY cheap ones at Ross, Target, TJ Max, Wal-Mart, etc.). Childcare is on your own.Cost: $5 per person, per class, and all proceeds will be donated to CBC.

GirlTalk Mtg Sunday, Sept 13

Ladies high school age and up are invited to join GirlTalk on Sept. 13 at noon in room 203A. Come meet new friends and enjoy going out to lunch in small groups! GirlTalk exists to inspire laughter, build friendships, and encourage community through mingling the generations of women at Crossroads Bible Church.

More classes start tonight!

Last night was really fun. It was great to see the church buzzing in the evening. MOPS Ruby starts today, and here's what's on the schedule tonight:

- Hebrews, Part 1
- Financial Peace University
- DivorceCare
- Working Women's Connection (1st & 3rd Weds.)

Adult Studies Start Tonight!

We're really excited about the fall classes and they kicked off today with Precept. Here's what starts tonight at 7:

There's:
- How to Study the Bible
- Parenting with Love & Logic
- Connecting...Listening...Growing..., and
- Esther: It's Tough Being a Woman

Which Class Are You Taking this Fall (2009)

Many of us don't know one another and yet God will bring us together on a path ~ even if only for a short while IF we show up! Sometimes He intends us to enjoy a long journey together, other times only a brief connection, but we've got to be engaged to receive the blessings either way.

Have YOU been involved with classes and/or studies here at CBC? Don't miss the opportunity to connect. It's really a significant way to experience the body of Christ, to grow in your faith and most simply, to make friends. I mean, can we have enough faithful friends, people we can turn to who understand our struggles, but who are also loving and caring enough to hold us accountable?

Hurry and sign up TODAY (Sun., 9/6/09). It'll be to God's glory and your benefit ~ promise!

Ephesians 2:19-22
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

Do You Look ... and See?

No matter what's leaking or jammed up in my head or my heart, I'm almost always comforted by the beauty God has given us. It's in the everydayness of our surroundings and is a gift for the taking if we'll see ... when we look.

We all appear to be taking it in when our eyes are open... but seeing, that's really entirely different. Looking without seeing is when you glance at your wrist watch and have to look AGAIN when someone asks for the time (!) or when you arrive by car at your destination and wonder how you got there. Isn't THAT freaky? Sometimes it's merely annoying (not seeing that what you looked for the first time actually IS in that drawer), or it can be vital (knowing when to send specific prayers up for a friend's son who is flying solo for the first time ~ for example...) but it can be dangerous, too. How did I race down the interstate going 70 mph and not remember what I saw along the way?! Always there's been something missed. Always.

When I'm seeing what God has put out there for me, I don't miss the yellow and black butterfly with the blue spot on the back of its wings or the red dragonfly that blends in with the Cannis. The orange and yellow Lantana that just popped up sticks out like a sore thumb amongst the pink blooms and is immediately obvious, and I actually see the red tail feathers of the Red Tailed Hawks that soar over my backyard.

Even man-made beauty is refreshing when we're open to the blessing. At an art gallery opening last night a two year old ran around in a new Tinker Bell outfit, bought for Halloween but too tempting not to wear NOW. Its bodice, the wings and this little girl's hair all sparkled in the sunshine. From the weaver's loom inside, there was an exquisitely made, airy, silk scarf that was so light it almost floated off the shelf. Incredible shapes appeared from pieces of carefully cut wood; God's trees. Beautiful images caught at just the right moment hung on the walls. Stitches marched behind one another in seemingly never ending quilt patterns.

No joke: have you ever noticed the starlings (lowly black birds on the ornithological totem pole) when they're bathing in a puddle early in the morning? Their feathers become a deep blue and the water they splash around looks like glass marbles bouncing in the light. Or have you seen them string along the telephone wires, huddled so closely together they look like an onyx necklace? Maybe it's the way an elderly loved one's face crinkles when he/she laughs that blesses you.

Maybe it's none of these things, but ... you won't know how often our It's-in-the-Details Father wants to wow you unless you actually look around ... and SEE!

Fall Classes start next week!

When we get back from Labor Day, fall classes will be in full swing!

By the way, Sunday will be you last chance to register online or in the lobby. Go here to register online.

Men's Fraternity starts Sept. 30

Ever wonder how to take that next step to being a better husband, better father, better leader, better employee/employer? Our "Winning at Work & Home" program can help you do just that. The program teaches us how to live lives of authentic manhood as modeled by Jesus Christ and directed by the Word of God. Learn more and register in the lobby today or go to www.cbcmensfraternity.com.

Wednesday mornings, 6-7:30, starting September 30.

Crossroads' Career Transition Workshop

This workshop is so popular that the Star Telegram has announced its new season. Congratulations on this great ministry! Check out the blurb here.

Ice Cream Competition Winners

1st Place: Robin & Theresa Mangum w/ Blackberry Cobbler Ice Cream

2nd Place: Darlene Hixon w/ Caramel Cashew Ice Cream

3rd Place: Vonda & Dale Andrews w/ Fresh Strawberry Ice Cream

Hopefully, we can get them to share their recipes! Thanks for all the hard work! It was tasty!

Rebecca & James ... and ice cream

Hope you didn't miss the concert ~ Rebecca tamped down the Bluegrass, and James lifted his UNCANNY Randy Travis-sounding voice. What talent!

Thank you to Sammy who (once again) brought singers together for CBC members to enjoy ~ and participate with... what an assembly of musicians!

Then of course, right before August slips off the yearly map, declaring summer over and "fall" on its way, there was the ice cream. I only tasted two: the first and third place winners (only because the first was next to me, and I was dishing out the third place entry.)

It got down to giving people "tastes" of each flavor as CBCers are apparently an ice cream lovin' crowd, and it went quickly. Homemade ice cream reminds me SOOOOO much of my Dad and that old crank he turned and turned and turned until we thought we'd die from waiting.

Official Ice Cream Judge, Randy Shuffield, you're a lucky man.

p.s. Did Brenda Baker rock those colors in the foyer and cafe or what?! Good job, Brenda!!!

In the Eyes of a Hummingbird

Showing up in the mornings; slowing it down to a crawl
Backyard’s sprawling oak; under His heavens it’s all small.
I take with me now the One Year Edition
Old Testament said aloud, it’s better if I listen.

Still, my mind’s so prone to wander; stealing my attention
Oh let me capture the truth, fragrant like sweet jasmine.
So I say to the LORD, “What do You want me to see?”
How shall I take up Your cross and be more like Thee?

And I’ve begun to notice the oddest thing!
When I’m deep in His word a blessing He’ll bring.
A hummingbird that feeds on poolside yucca blooms
Then I know He’s drawn near; wings swift, emerald plume.

Of course this sounds crazy, unless you know what I do,
This little bird only shows up when He’s teaching me truth.
Even ADD thoughts remain quiet and alert
It’s a gift really, of invaluable worth.

So this morning when I sat in my usual chair
With my One Year Bible, I knew He was there.
He appeared on whispering wings two feet from my face (!)
Looked me straight in the eye, smallest delivering His grace.

Praise and Worship Night Aug 30

Sunday, August 30, at 6:30 PM, featuring Rebecca Hendricks and James Hinds.

Joe White, President of Kanakuk Kamps and Men at the Cross said, "Rebecca's incredible heart and passion is the center of each song she sings. Her music is uplifting and her God-given talent shines on each note! God has truly blessed her with an amazing talent!"

Join us as we lift our voices in praise.

Also, there will be a homemade ice cream competition. Sign up to enter the competition by contacting Andrea. We're providing childcare for kids through age 5. Reserve though this link. Check out our guest at www.rebeccahenricks.com.

Faithful friends

Thanks be to God for our friendships, those relationships that lift us up and help us remember what it looks like to follow our LORD's truths!!! Do you have at least one friend with whom you can look in the eye and allow them to see, really see, into your eyes? Do you let this person
know who you really are? This would be someone you're not hooded with but one who draws you out of hiding. Do YOU realize what a rare gift this might be for you? If you have such joy in your life already, does He/SHE know how much you treasure their deep commitment to you? This friend may not agree with everything you say or do, but he/she will often still come along side, and that takes the deepest devotion and love between two people. I have found these are the hands that reach over with His strength and pull us back onto the narrow road. These are the friendships which God carefully constructs to meet us, "...at such a time as this." (Esther 4:14)

It's been my prayer throughout the years that He would send someone along side me, and He faithfully brought certain people in and out of my life ~ umbrellas over me ~ watching and interceding when they were needed. And He faithfully has again sent three friends through which He works. These sweet friendships with other strong believers feel different; there is a kinship, a nurturing that is the fragrance of Christ (2 Cor.2:15), and I find I long for their influence.

Yes, it takes time and effort and TRUST (!) to develop this kind of love, but it reverbertes in your heart like no other. I hope you have someone, a friend with whom you can depend. I pray
God is bringing someone closer to you and onto your pathway... right now.

Yoga ~ Fall 2009 at CBC

After a fun 5-week pilot class this past July, CBC will again offer yoga classes this fall, led by Sherri Sund. (Sherri has practiced yoga for 25+ years and has been a certified yoga instructor for the past 10 years at the YMCA.) The classes will begin Thursday, Sept. 10th, and will end in Nov. Class time is 6:30pm ~ 7:30pm.

Each class is designed for beginner and intermediate participants so prior experience is not necessary. What you WILL need is comfortable clothes, a YOGA mat (you can purchase VERY cheap ones at Ross, Target, TJ Max, Wal-Mart, etc.) The cost will be $5 per person, per class, and all proceeds will be donated to CBC.

Wanna get outta the house and RELAX? Grab friends and family and come join us! Any child under age 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Hope to see you there!

Listen to My Life

Yoo-hoo! Girlfriends! May I have your attention for a quick moment? I just spent three days with Cheri Hudspith and two other women going through a marvelous program called Listen to My Life. This is Cheri's exciting, deep and sensitive ministry, and our group was Cheri's second retreat.

It was a wow-er with "aha" moments tumbling one after another for each of us. Introspective work can be unexpectedly (and incredibly) poignant, and our LORD met us as Cheri led us with her gentle servant's heart. God has clearly called her front and center for this ministry, and I pray you and other women you know will step up in faith to embrace Him in this unique format. I'm SO glad to have been a part of this!!!! Here's how to contact Cheri: cheri_hudspith@yahoo.com

Oh y'all... let God lead Cheri in helping you hear the melody that is your life ~ He wants you to know He's been there all along and can be trusted in your future.

Dr. Bock comes to CBC (8/16/09)

Wasn't Dr. Bock's sermon an interesting unveiling of God's word? Have you ever thought of repentance to mean the horizontal living out of the Word? I understand the vertical aspect of it, but have not before considered or heard that by definition that word means the
SPECIFIC fruit- of-the-Spirit behavior with which we are to bless each other. I suppose I just thought true repentance helps us live a more purposeful, loving life, as a result of our repentance.

How like the LORD to reveal some of His mysteries to those seeking understanding; don't you love it? And ... as a result of our Father crossing the pathways of an SMU relationship with Steve (who helped lead Dr. Bock to Christ), God blessed our church body all these years later when this man stood in our pulpit. Faith means there are no coincidences...

Repentance means ... well, you already know!

Fall 2009 Studies

Fall classes are online now and we've got a great line-up. Check them out here, then register online or at church.

Women's Studies

Women's studies are now online and this year we're offering online registration. Go here to check out the classes and register.

Online registration

You can register online for MOPS here.

You can register online for Teen MOPS here.

You can register online for the September Career Transition Workshop here.

You can sign up for CBC Families here.

Live Band Tonight

Tonight at the Shops of Highland Village: Dance Fuse Variety Band, from 6 to 9. Last week's band was really fun and it's a great thing to take the family to. Tip: if you wait until 7:30, there will be more shade.

Children's Ministry is Seeking Outstanding Volunteers

We know you walk among us. In you beats the heart of a musician, a dancer, a worship leader, an administrator, a greeter, a workshop leader, or a small group facilitator. We've got some great kids looking for you to entertain them, guide them, and watch them grow.

Crossroads has an awesome Children's Ministry due to the efforts of people like you and we could use some more. This isn't the Sunday School you attended as a child. There's music, cooking, movie-watching, drama, popcorn, experimenting with science, and more!

Contact Pastor Roddy if you might be interested.

Comedian ~ Tim Hawkins

Oh Dear ...

Last night at Trietsch Memorial Methodist Church, when comedian Tim Hawkins took the stage (in front of a crammed-full sancturay), I started laughing. And I'm still laughing. Before my friend, Linda, mentioned going, I'd never heard of him.

He had the audience wheezing, sputtering and shrieking as soon as the mic clicked on. His schtick on Legos, Marriage-as-a-Roller-Coaster, kids running around pools and a million other regular life things were BEYOND hysterical. I'm tellin' ya ~ I could hardly breathe, and I'm a yoga instructor for crying out loud!

After the show, he was selling his DVDs and CDs, etc., and if the lines hadn't been so long we'd have bought at least one right then and there. Instead, I think I'll order online and be pleasantly surprised [again] by this guy's clean, creative comic act when it arrives on our doorstep. We gotta get this guy to CBC! (It was $15 per ticket at Trietsch.)

If you're in a mini church and want something fun and different for your group to do as the summer winds down ~ one of Tim's DVDs may be it. I firmly believe laughter is the rocket booster that jettsons us from life's snapping jaws. http://www.timhawkins.net/video.php

If you hate it, I'll buy it from you... then we're going to have a long talk.

Perspective

Billy Grammer just concluded his July class last night ... what a treat. Thank goodness we braved the "You're taking a Marriage Class ~ are you guys having trouble?" comments from friends to attend this seminar. It was very, very good.

There's no way to expand on the details since to do so would require A LOT of explanation, and I could never do it justice. Suffice it to say, I hope MANY more will brave the 'high brow' from friends and family to hear this guy's Christian perspective on marriage. Who of us attending will ever forget the wonderfully visual "vibrating hula-hoop" as we pass the days between our anniversaries?

His perspective was so fresh and unique, and Biblically based, that what he said during the sessions made tons of sense. And it was so funny to watch couples looking at each other with the "Oh yes, he's talking about YOU!" gaze. I know during the time my husband could attend, we did! Ha! This class should be mandatory for couples planning to marry. I know I used the "should" word, but really! It should!

Thank you Steve and Sammy and whomever else brought Billy our way. Another "Score!" (as my brother n' law would say) during this wonderful summer at CBC!

Last Summer Class

And we're serving pizza! Come by at 6 to share some Papa John's pizza.

Highland Village Balloon Festival

The Highland Village Balloon Festival is coming up August 14-16. Link to the event here. It's a fun event and great to take the kids to.

The CBC Families group is planning on going together, and we're taking a poll to determine a time. If you think you might be interested, head over here to read more about CBC Families and to join the Yahoo Group to receive announcements about upcoming events. Right now, most of us in CBC Families are families with preschoolers, but all families are invited to join.

While you are there, take the survey about what activities you'd like to engage in, such as a Sunday School class, weeknight class, or Home Group.

Teen MOPS

Clothing Donations Needed:
We are seeking new and used baby items and maternity clothes for our brand-new Teen MOPS ministry, which serves teenage mothers of preschoolers.

Time Donation Needed:
If you have a heart for teen-aged mothers and would like to partake in this ministry, go here to contact the director, Dawn Paradise.

Haiti Mission Recap

Check out Carol's recap over at the CBC Community blog. Here's an excerpt:

"The highlight of our trip was the group wedding ceremony. We were planning to marry 9 couples. We found out when we arrived that there were 14 couples! Fortunately, we found dresses for all of the brides. It was wonderful to sit back and observe as they performed the wedding ceremony. The team is usually in the spotlight, so being on the sidelines was a real treat!"

CBC Dads' First Adventure

The CBC Dads went to Bass Pro to fish with "Aunt Mikki" this morning. We had four dads and eight kids. The kids turned out to be quite the fishermen.

CBC Dads is a brand new group at CBC. Most of us has preschool-aged kids, but every dad is invited. We get together with our kids for fun--usually something the CBC Mommies wouldn't dream of (like bait a hook with a live worm). Check out CBC Dads, part of the CBC Families Ministry here.

High School/College Leaders Needed

CBC Student Ministry needs servants to assist in the following areas: Need assistant leaders for the sophomore guys Wednesday night study, the junior/senior guys Wednesday night study, assistant leaders (preferably a married couple) for the 10:45AM college ministry Sunday School class, and assistant leaders (again, a married couple preferred) for the college Wednesday night in-home study. If you can help, or know of someone you think might be interested, please contact Brent (at) crossroadsbible (dot) org.

Music Camp Revealed

Spread the Word CBC was able to sneak a peak at the Music Camp's latest production without being noticed. Check out pics I was able to smuggle out of the building:

If you'd like to attend the production, it will be at CBC tomorrow night (July 24) at 7 PM. Come early to get a seat. All are invited. Bring your friends!

G Team Event Sunday, August 2

Our next golf outing will be Sunday, August 2, starting at 2:06 pm at Bridlewood golf course. Cost will be $45.

Please reserve your spot with Sam Russell at sam.russell@tx.rr.com or by phone at 972-742-0326. Any questions contact Bud Baker.

G Team is open to all golfers, friends, and family.

CBC Art Show Goes through Sunday

The Art Show has some great pieces in it. Check out more pics on Facebook or FLICKR.

Rhett Butler concert

Almost all the seats were filled for the concert. Rhett and Billy showed amazing skill on the guitar. Billy, Rhett's inspiration, talked about how he had to learn how to play the guitar left-handed after playing with his right for so many years.

The night ended with several standing ovations and lots of admiration for the artwork in the lobby.

Hopefully, we'll see a lot more events like this one. If you have pics from this one, please send some to me for the website, or post them to the CBC FLICKR page.

July 19th evening concert at CBC/art show

Is this summer buzzing or is it just the 7,569 cicadas in our backyard? Their song reminds me of every single summer I've known as a Texas native. How 'bout that "cool front" that moved through today between 2pm and 4pm this afternoon? Nice, eh? Sixty seven drops of rain fell in various areas of our yard; it almost sounded like the much anticipated "ping" of precipitation. "Noah", melodic voice of the national weather service, predicted cooler temperatures. But it's actually been MUCH warmer than he droned it would be.

Hot actually... and in case you had the misfortune of missing Rhett Butler and BillyMcLaughlin, make no mistake: it was sizzlin' by 6:45pm tonight. Cool without the front. Buzzin' without the bugs. If I could enlarge this font to 36, I would because tonight at our Double Oak, Texas church two UBER talented men took to the stage and absolutely mesmerized the no-seat-left audience. DANG y'all, I'm not kidding here!

We are told in scripture that we've been made in God's image, and it's clear He's given a special few soaring talent to make music that is awe-inspiring! If the music that our crowded auditorium of slack-jawed, thunderstruck audience heard was [even remotely] any indication of what awaits us in heaven; I just gotta believe God will be passing out extra auditory equipment in order for us to take it all in ~ I mean, really!

Another 36-size font THANK YOU has to go to our worship leader, Sammy Davenport. We're so lucky to have him. He's already organized quite a parade of talent for us at CBC in the short time he's been with us, and I urge you to hug his neck and thank him for the behind the scenes work that materializes like magic so a concert such as the one tonight can thrill us to the marrow.

I love our church... because after hearing the music, bells from a single guitar (!) still ringing in our ears, we could take a delightful stroll through the shared talent of our members' passionate past times. Pretty amazing work ~ so fun to recognize a name and learn there is a skill not previously known about someone. John Newton deserves the tall font here as he organized all the pieces, large and small, flat and 3-D. THANK YOU, JOHN!

A lead pastor usually sets the tone for the flock; it's his vision that often strongly molds the ways a church body will worship the LORD. Kudos to Steve and his proclivity to step out of the box and urge CBC members to glorify God with their freely given talents! Y'all this is SO COOL! Do you tell him THANK YOU often enough for these efforts? Do it; in big, bold font!

Thank You, Jesus, for all the parts of CBC's body and for the flair and genius in the gifts You bestowed on some of our very own. What a privilege to be a part of this whole! Did I mention that I love our church?

Rhett Butler Concert

The concert is quickly approaching. It's July 19 at 6:30 PM. Acclaimed Dallas guitarist Rhett Butler teams up with fellow acoustic guitarist Billy McLaughlin. You can see them at McDavid Studio on the 17th for $25, or at CBC for free! Visit his website here.

You don't need to RSVP for yourself, but go here to reserve childcare for children kindergarten-age and younger.

Tonight's menu

It's meatloaf and homestyle veggies at 6 tonight!

Dixon Lane update

Due to the need to acquire additional easements, completion of the project has moved to some time in September.