It is also a day when our thoughts turn to friends and relatives whose sacrifice provides us with these freedoms. On Sunday, July 4, we will gather as a faith community to worship God, give thanks for the blessings we have inherited and respond with a token of thanks to those who continue to risk their life for us and our country.

We will be providing gift boxes to persons serving in the military. If you wish to participate, you can pick up a box on Sunday morning and return it on Sunday, July 4, as a part of our thanks and worship. A list of potential items will be provided with the boxes. You fill the boxes and the church will distribute the boxes to persons serving in the military. If you have names and addresses of service men and women, please provide them as well. If you have any questions, please contact Charlie Atkinson, coordinator, at cwa35@juno.com (913.631.6345)

Children in Worship is “an exciting way . . . children experience God while learning about God. It involves helping children worship in a special place apart from the worshiping congregation so they become able to worship meaningfully with the congregation.” (Stewart & Berryman, Young Children and Worship, 1989, p. 13). Beginning this fall, our children from about late age two through first grade will participate in Children in Worship after the Children’s Message during the 10:45 am service. The children’s worship space is planned for the conference/choir room. Each child will be intentionally greeted and welcomed into the worship service by a specially designated greeter who assesses the child’s readiness to enter worship. Once inside and seated, the worship leader uses the stories, parables and liturgical expressions of the Bible to create a sacred and intentional space for connection with God—through the power of the Holy Spirit. After the leader has used the materials to enter fully into the story and experience, each child is encouraged to individually experience the power of the sacred messages and symbols through creative play and further questions. Parents are expected to receive their child after the conclusion of corporate worship.

We ask each member of the Crossroads family—young and old—to prayerfully consider participating in Children in Worship as a greeter. The greeter serves to welcome the children into worship and help the children maintain focus on the worship process. With a large pool of greeters, your participation would be routine but only occasional, as is your preference—the schedule will be posted for the entire worship year. Please contact Maggie Sullivan or Michael Lubbers about sharing your time and talents in this important component of the spiritual formation of our children.

May God richly bless you and your family.

The Spiritual Growth Ministry Team

If you have never been to Java House, it is a time for those of us from both services to come together as well as people from the community – to drink coffee, have snacks, listen to an interesting speaker, have communion, and hang out with each other. Babysitting is provided.

On Thursday, May 6, we invite any and all who desire to become more effective leaders to join us on an adventure toward greatness. We will gather at 6:30 PM and enjoy a simple meal as we begin this adventure. Child care will be provided by request. There will be some advance preparation required so if you are interested in participating in this leadership development process, it is necessary for you to contact me to register. The deadline is Sunday, May 2. Thanks! Pastor Don

If you have never been to Java House, it is a time for those of us from both services to come together as well as people from the community – to drink coffee, have snacks, listen to an interesting speaker, have communion, and hang out with each other.  Babysitting is provided.

Reggie McNeal leads with teaching and inspiration followed by interactive sessions.

PRACTICING GREATNESS

If you want to make a difference in the lives of the people you touch, read “Practicing Greatness” and begin the journey. While Reggie devotes a fair amount of time to self-awareness and self-management, he definitely believes that leadership is not about you. Although he recognizes it starts on the inside, it moves to the outside when you realize that greatness begins with a clear vision that inspires people to get into the act of forgetting about themselves and committing to the greatest good.

Heartland Center
www.heartlandcenter.org
Address:
16965 NW 45 Hwy
(1 mile West of I-435 on Hwy 45)
Kansas City MO 64152

Phone:
Office 816-891-1078
Fax 816-891-3453

To register please sign-up here.