2020
Advent 2020
December/02/2020 09:03 PM Filed in: CrossWinds
Advent 1: The Prophet’s Candle
Tradition tells us the first advent candle is called “The Prophet’s Candle”.
It seems fitting that we begin with the prophets to show us the Messiah.
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Tradition tells us the first advent candle is called “The Prophet’s Candle”.
It seems fitting that we begin with the prophets to show us the Messiah.
Read More...
CrossWinds Process For Dealing With Concerns Raised About Staff or Others In The Church
November/30/2020 04:59 PM Filed in: CrossWinds | Church Leadership
Process Basis
Before we get into it, people are always quick to point out that this says "sin" and “another believer". I have found that people usually do believe that they have some offense to resolve and that they have been wronged. I also believe that this process works better than any other approach whether or not actual sin is involved and whether or not the other person is a believer. This is why it is referred to as the basis for the process. Read More...
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Matthew 18:15–18 (ESV)
Before we get into it, people are always quick to point out that this says "sin" and “another believer". I have found that people usually do believe that they have some offense to resolve and that they have been wronged. I also believe that this process works better than any other approach whether or not actual sin is involved and whether or not the other person is a believer. This is why it is referred to as the basis for the process. Read More...
What Are The Benefits And Dangers Of Digital Church?
November/02/2020 10:35 AM Filed in: CrossWinds | Culture
This past spring, in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, the nation shut down. Businesses were shuttered. Masks became common place. Schools were closed early for the summer. As the size of gatherings were limited, churches were also closed. In an attempt to maintain some sense of normalcy, the world went online. Zoom calls became a daily occurrence. Church also went online. While many churches already had a digital presence, others scrambled to enter the digital universe.
In many ways, the pandemic was good for the church. Churches that formerly limited themselves to in-person gatherings were forced to the Internet. They could now reach beyond their walls and the limitations of the church building through technology. Churches of any size could establish a global reach. Another COVID benefit was that Christians who restricted themselves to in-person teaching began scrambling to find Christian content online. On the Internet, they found massive libraries of great preachers from the past and pulpit titans of the present. There was limitless Bible teachings that spanned hundreds of years available to them at the touch of a button. Like the printing press, radio, and sound amplification equipment, when Christians embraced technology, it enabled the gospel to go places it had never gone before. Read More...
In many ways, the pandemic was good for the church. Churches that formerly limited themselves to in-person gatherings were forced to the Internet. They could now reach beyond their walls and the limitations of the church building through technology. Churches of any size could establish a global reach. Another COVID benefit was that Christians who restricted themselves to in-person teaching began scrambling to find Christian content online. On the Internet, they found massive libraries of great preachers from the past and pulpit titans of the present. There was limitless Bible teachings that spanned hundreds of years available to them at the touch of a button. Like the printing press, radio, and sound amplification equipment, when Christians embraced technology, it enabled the gospel to go places it had never gone before. Read More...
CrossWinds COVID - 19 Guidelines for In-Person Gatherings
August/18/2020 11:14 AM Filed in: CrossWinds
- All staff are recommended to wear a mask, face shield, or face covering when in a confined area and not able to social distance.
- Face masks, face shields, or face coverings are recommended for all other attendees of activities or meetings.
- All commonly touched objects and surfaces should be disinfected after use (i.e. tables, chairs, toys, etc.)
- Screening procedures should be shared with attendees prior to an event or done as attendees enter. These should include temperature checks and symptom checks. (Can be done by attendee beforehand)
- Every effort will be made to take attendance so attendees can be informed of any possible exposure.
- Events and meetings should be held outside or in large open spaces with attendees appropriately spaced whenever possible
- Quarantine or stoppage of events or activities will be determined based on Iowa Public Health and Local Public Health Guidance and recommendations
- If an event or activity is for dependents (those under 18) and the dependents will not be able to socially distance and masks will not be required, guardians should be informed prior to the event.
- During an event or activity, all attendees shall avoid personal contact (including, but not limited to, hand shakes, hugs, etc.) and no food or drink shall be served or brought to be shared unless it is pre-packaged.
- Elders request we follow these guidelines until such time as local health officials rescind these type of recommendations.
What Is The Path To Racial Equality?
June/15/2020 01:46 PM Filed in: CrossWinds
As a country, we have witnessed astounding acts of injustice. We saw the cruelty of police officers who misused their authority to take the life of George Floyd. In response, we watched the looting, rioting, and burning of our cities. Over 700 police officers were injured, some killed. Huge numbers of police were defunded in order to weaken their ability to provide law, order, and protection.
What is the way forward in this turmoil? What will bring people of different races together? Read More...
What is the way forward in this turmoil? What will bring people of different races together? Read More...
What Are The Dangers Of Grumbling? - Sermon Promo
April/04/2020 05:07 PM Filed in: CrossWinds | Video
How Do I Stand Strong For Christ When Times Are Tough? - Sermon Promo
March/28/2020 05:11 PM Filed in: CrossWinds | Video
Love Your Neighbor During the COVID-19 Pandemic - Flyers
March/17/2020 05:10 PM Filed in: CrossWinds
How Do I Forgive Someone When I Am Deeply Hurt?
January/27/2020 01:09 PM Filed in: CrossWinds
I sat across the room from the couple. The wife was wringing her hands on the couch. “I just can’t forgive,” she said. “He broke my heart too many times. He asks for my forgiveness and promises to do better, but a few months later he hurts me again.”
When I asked for specifics, not many came to her mind. It was obvious she was wrestling with accumulated wounds, many of which she had forgotten, but the hurt lingered in her heart.
What should she do? What does God want someone to do when they are deeply hurt and it is hard to forgive? Read More...
When I asked for specifics, not many came to her mind. It was obvious she was wrestling with accumulated wounds, many of which she had forgotten, but the hurt lingered in her heart.
What should she do? What does God want someone to do when they are deeply hurt and it is hard to forgive? Read More...
Winter/Spring 2020 Memory Verse Card
January/05/2020 03:37 PM Filed in: CrossWinds | Scripture Memory
CrossWinds Staff Values
January/03/2020 06:24 PM Filed in: CrossWinds
As we took on new staff, I developed core values to define the way our staff team works together. I have a different member of the staff teach a different core value each month. The goal is to remind us of the value and help the staff take ownership of the value in their lives. Below is a copy of the poster that hangs in the office of our campuses. Staff Core Values High Res Poster
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