Author: mission staff

“I want to know more about God and I want Him to go everywhere I go.”

These are the words of Jordan Yepez in response to  being asked why he wanted to be baptized. Jordan is the youngest of 5 in his family, all of which have been baptized at Cross & Crown in years past. Jordan is familiar with the concept of baptism as he has watched his father, mother and two older siblings be baptized but recently began to have serious conversations with his family members about baptism.

This past Sunday evening Jordan approached Paul and communicated an interest to be baptized. After Paul talked to Jordan for a few minutes he told Jordan he needed to be prepared to give an answer or explanation to others that would ask him why he was baptized. Paul encouraged Jordan to talk with his family members to come up with an adequate response.

Well, Tuesday morning Jordan showed up and when Paul asked him if he had talked to his family members and come up with his response Jordan told him he didn’t have to talk with them about WHY he wanted to be baptized. He already knew. “I want to know more about God and I want Him to go everywhere I go.” We are excited for Jordan and his desire, interest, pursuit and decision for Christ. Jordan’s decision to be a part of the body Christ is presents both excitement and responsibility for those of us who are also in Christ as we have a responsibility and privilege to continue to nurture, teach and love Him as he matures in his faith.

“Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” – Luke 18:17

Sunday evenings at Cross & Crown have started back up again.  Each Sunday (except for any 5th Sunday of the month) we will have a meal at 6:00pm and worship at 6:30pm (usually lasts until 7:30 or so).  Also, during this time at Rock Island we have a Bible story, craft and meal for all our our elementary aged kiddos.  This also ends at 7:30.

We need people to come eat, worship and lead children each Sunday.  We love for individuals and families to come worship with us and meet others from the neighborhood.  This is a wonderful opportunity to begin a friendship with someone as we worship and grow in our love for Christ together.  If you are interested in being a part of all or part of these happenings we would love to have you!  Please, do come.  If you are interested in helping out please let us know, also.

We hope to see you there!

Here is the schedule for the next two weeks at Rock Island as we gear up for OKCPS Fall Break.  If you are not aware, OKCPS began their year round schedule last year which means each seasonal break the students receive has been extended.  This year’s break begins October 14 and goes through October 27.  If you would like to get involved in some of the activities we have planned please let us know.  We would love for you to be involved with the kids.

 

Rock Island Fall Break Schedule

Monday

10:00 – 1:00 Volunteer at Cross & Crown

1:30 – 3:30 Rock Island Lunch & Hangout

Tuesday

10:00 – 1:00 Volunteer at Cross & Crown

3:00 – 5:00 Elementary Bible Story/Craft

6:00 – 8:00 Jr. High/High School Bible Study

Wednesday

10:00 – 1:00 Volunteer at Cross & Crown

1:30 – 3:30 Rock Island Lunch & Hangout

Sunday

6:00 – 7:30 Elementary Dinner & Bible Story/Craft

We will be shutting down all operations at Cross & Crown and Rock Island starting Tuesday (Sept. 10) and will resume our normal schedule next Monday (Sept. 16).

For those of you interested, we will be attending  CCDA this year.  This is an excellent conference that we have attended in years past but have not been able to attend the last several years.  The conference offers a variety of classes, workshops and resources for each of us working at Cross & Crown and allows us to generate new ideas, projects and initiatives as we meet with like-minded, inner-city ministries.  Check it out here – http://www.ccda.org/gather/national-conferences/2013-new-orleans

We are especially excited to go this year because for the first time we will be taking a couple from the neighborhood with us.  This is very exciting for us as identifying indigenous individuals from the neighborhood to take ownership and fill leadership roles has been an objective of ours for quite some time.

We appreciate all the prayers you can muster up and we look forward to rejoining everyone on the 16th!

Summer has officially come to an end here at Cross & Crown.  We know this because things are much quieter 🙂

Not much changes in terms of the schedule at Cross & Crown now that school is back in session but we will begin our new schedule at Rock Island youth center this week.

Take a look and if there is a time, day or activity that interests you and you would like some more information about what exactly takes place please call or email us.  We would love to have some additional help (especially with the younger kiddos).  (405) 232-7696 or  crossandcrownmission@gmail.com

Rock Island Schedule

Monday

2:30-5:00 Middle School/High School Hangout

Tuesday

3:00-5:00 Elementary Bible Story, Crafts & Tudor (begins Sept 3)

6:00-8:00 Middle School/High School Bible Study (begins Oct. 1)

Wednesday

2:30-4:30 Middle School/High School Hangout

3:00-4:30 Elementary Hangout

Sunday

6:00-7:15 1st-5th Grade Bible Crafts & Dinner (begins Oct. 13)

 

 

 

 

 

This past weekend we wrapped up what has been a fun and adventurous summer at Cross & Crown.  Saturday marked the end our summer schedule and youth activities at both Cross & Crown and Rock Island Youth Center.  Saturday, also, played host to our 1st Annual 3×3 Hoop it Up.  It was a big success as 20 teams competed, neighbors came out and individuals served.  I think this description of the day from one of the volunteers says it best…

“What a beautiful slice of God’s grace – he gave a picture of unity and collaboration with all sorts of congregations from all sorts of denominations and NON-denominations – believers loving on non-believers, the poor in material possessions and the poor in spirit; the lovers of basketball and the fans; . They just came. They just played ball. They donated and grilled hamburgers and hotdogs. They stood by in the first aid tent just in case. They served food all day. They bargained with little girls who just wanted a tiny bit of blue drink (Gatorade!) and gave her a WHOLE bottle. They dropped a $20 bill or a $100 for a bag of chips!!! They listened to the “kids'” rap music all day. ALL DAYYYYYY! (and it was LOUD). They oohed and aahed over dunks and passes and sweet shots. They laughed. They hugged. They talked. They worked together. Arm in arm. Together. For a goal (and we sweated a bit).  A goal to restore the ancient dwellings (Isaiah 42).  In this case, the ancient dwellings of Whittier School.  For something great for God and his people.  A ways to go to the $400,000 needed.  But, a bunch of money raised today. Thank you Lord for this picture of HOPE. This might have been my best day of the summer. And I’ve had some good ones.”

Here are some pictures from the last several weeks of our younger Rock Island’ers enjoying their time off from school with some water games and crafts.  Only a few more weeks until school starts!

Cross & Crown will be hosting a 3v3 basketball tournament in the old Whittier school parking lot this coming August.  The objective is to raise funds that will go towards constructing a gymnasium, as well as, create an overall awareness of our vision and hope for the gymnasium.

Below is some general information about what is taking place and how you can be involved.  Call or email if you have any questions.

Cross & Crown Fundraiser

Who – Cross & Crown staff, neighborhood volunteers, participants & you!

What – 3v3 basketball tournament

When – August 10

Where – the old Whittier school parking lot at the corner of NW10 & Kentucky

Why – to raise funds for a Cross & Crown Mission gymnasium

How You Can Help!

1. Become a sponsor – Whether you are a church, business or individual we would love for you to be involved by way of a monetary donation.  If you have a banner, flag or other means of advertisement we would love to display it during our event.

1. Filling volunteer positions – Listed below are times and responsibilities we need filled.  Volunteers are welcome to fill multiple time slots.

1. 9:00 – 11:15
   1. 4 referees to officiate games
   2. 4 concessions stand workers

1. 11:15 – 1:30
   1. 4 referees to officiate games
   2. 4 concessions stand workers
   3. 3 grillers to cook & serve hamburgers/hotdogs

1. 1:30 – 3:45
   1. 4 referees to officiate games
   2. 4 concessions stand workers

1. 3:45 – 6:00
   1. 4 referees to officiate games
   2. 4 concessions stand workers
   3. 3 grillers to cook & serve hamburgers/hotdogs

1. 6:00 – 8:00
   1. 4 concessions stand workers
   2. 3 grillers to cook & serve hamburgers/hotdogs

1. Donating resources – Listed bellow are items we need donated.  Monies towards items, as well as, the items themselves are welcome.  All donations are tax deductible.

1. Gatorade, pop, water, hotdogs, hamburgers, buns, cheese, ketchup, mustard, plates, napkins
2. 2 mobile basketball goals
3. 4 basketballs
4. 2 grills
5. trash cans and trash bags
6. portable canopy

Here’s a quick look at some of yesterday’s action as the neighborhood kiddos made tie-dye necklaces & bracelets.  They love them some Tuesday crafts.

 

Today I helped out in the food pantry with Carly and Cynthia (food pantry manager).  I did some crafts with the kids today too.  I really enjoy helping out with the crafts.  The kids are so sweet.  Rock Island went well today.  Although, it is sometimes hard to keep up with all of the kids I got the chance to get to know the younger girls a little beter.  They are truly a blessing in my life.

 

– Abby