Author: mission staff

It’s that time of year, again!  Christmas is upon us as we celebrate the birth and life of our Savior, Jesus Christ!  Much like it is at any church, school or home that celebrates Christmas, it is a fun and joyful time around here!

This past Sunday evening we had a Christmas celebration, of sorts, at Cross & Crown.  During this time we ate, we sang, we worshiped, we participated in a time of the ‘Lord’s Supper’ together and then we distributed warm clothing items to our community of friends and family as needed.  It was a memorable night.

Meanwhile, across the street at Rock Island many of the neighborhood youth gathered together with the youth from Quail Springs Church of Christ for a meal, some door prizes and new Rock Island hoodies.  It was a packed house, to say the least.

 

Happy Holidays!

Here is a look at our Holiday schedule:

December 9 – Christmas meal & worship (6:00pm)

Every year Cross & Crown hosts a Thanksgiving meal the Sunday before Thanksgiving day for our neighborhood friends. Those with homes and without homes are invited, as well as, anyone else in between. Young, old, men, woman and children are all present.

Rather than having the meal on Thanksgiving day we distribute special, holiday groceries to our neighbors the week before and the week of Thanksgiving so that they are able to prepare their own Thanksgiving meals for themselves and their families. We have learned that by doing this we are able to give individuals a healthy sense of pride by giving them the responsibility and ownership for their families Thanksgiving meal. We believe is very significant.

Here’s a look at our Thanksgiving meal and worship!

Last night a handful of Rock Island students and adult volunteers ventured out of the comfort of the Rock Island walls and enjoyed a meal together.  The students that were invited to go out to eat were students that attended 75% of our Tuesday night Bible studies.  A couple of the girls didn’t miss a single study!  The adults that attended with us were each small group Bible study leaders for the youth.  

Last night we celebrated Halloween a day early at Rock Island. Our evening was full of games, tastey treats, homemade flautas, a costume contest and small group Bible study!

Here’s a look at some of the action.

Working at Cross and Crown has been great. Everyone here is so fun to work with! The people here are always so kind and hardworking. I came into this internship thinking I could help others spiritually, but most of the people here are the ones who are influencing me to be a better Christian. A lot of that comes from prayer time and seeing how much faith some of the people here have.

One of my favorite people to work with is Roberto. He works here and helps out every where it seems. Roberto always has something to say that can make you laugh or make your day better. Another person I’ve met here is Ramon. I’ve only had a few conversations with Ramon and he’s changed my life spiritually. I definitely see God working at Cross and Crown.

– Jake

Cross & Crown has been fortunate enough to have interns from Oakcrest Church of Christ join us, again, for the duration of the summer. This summer Allisen, Nathan and Jake will be working along side the staff and volunteers as we ‘administer the love, hope and mercy of Jesus through service and prayer.’

Each week one of the interns has been asked to gather their thoughts and experiences for the week and put them on paper (or online, in this case). Here’s the first…

Since I’ve started here at Cross & Crown my attitude about life has changed. There is no more room for selfish thoughts and actions. My day is now consumed with glorifying God by serving and putting His people first.

I don’t think this mission could ask for a better group of employees and volunteers. Never once have I heard or seen any of them complain or say something negative towards someone or something. Everyone is always so motivating and happy everyday. It’s so awesome to come to work and know that the day will be awesome! One lady here at Cross & Crown that has impacted me greatly, already is Roma. She puts together hundreds of boxes every week each with her own loving touch. She doesn’t allow the box to be handed out unless its packed full.

I asked Roma on my first day here when our lunch break was… It was already 2:30 and we were all pretty hungry. Roma said “Oh kids go eat, go eat!” When I got back to the pantry to help Roma, I asked her, “Roma, when do you eat lunch?” She told me she would rather make, pack, and unload boxes instead of eat. She never stops working all day and always hopes that Paul will let her stay until 5. I don’t think I’ve ever met such a self-less person as her. To this day I continue to learn and bond with Roma and I think I may be getting too attached! She brightens my day with her sweet smile, a compliment and a hug. Roma not only inspires me to be more positive and work hard but she inspires me to be God in someones life. To be on fire for Him and love everyone, always. I couldn’t ask for a better internship than this one, here at Cross and Crown.

– Allisen

We have been presented with a wonderful opportunity from some local high school, football coaches to raise awareness and funds for Cross & Crown!

Who: You!

What: You, along with a football coach or staff member, will sell Gatorade, snacks, hotdogs, ect. from the concession stand to players, parents and coaches.

When: We need volunteers June 5, 6, & 7 from 6-9pm each evening. You can sign up for the entire evening or for a 1 hour shift. Everything helps.

Where: Casady High School located on Penn between Hefner & Britton.

Why: To raise awareness of Cross & Crown and funds! 100% of all purchases at the concession stand go directly to Cross & Crown!

If interested in helping or have any questions contact Luke at lwhitmire1@gmail.com

A few nights back the Rock Island youth took a trip to Bricktown to do some bowling at the RedPin alleys. Each student that attended the trip was invited to do so based on their participation over the last five months in a Tuesday night Bible study.

Since the beginning of January the Rock Island youth have been meeting every Tuesday night for a group meal followed by small group Bible studies.  Each small group had a different adult, volunteer leader that lead them through different stories from the Bible.  The students that were most consistent in their attendance and participation were rewarded with an opportunity to have a little fun downtown.

Here’s a look at some of the action! One student was so overwhelmed with excitement when we walked along the Riverwalk that he “fell” in.  Go figure…