Crossing Family, Many times in life we experience difficulty receiving forgiveness, not because of the lack of forgiveness being offered, but because of our unwillingness to forgive ourselves. This weekend we will be talking about God’s abundant grace and mercy, as we receive true unconditional love from the Heavenly Father. We pray that you leave The Crossing today feeling cared for and loved by God and by His people! Loving God and Others, Greg and Tamara Dumas
JANUARY’S KP3 FOCUS: PRESENCE For the month of January we are teaching our elementary kids what it means to be in the presence of God. The one big thing we want them to know by the end of this month is this: When I spend time with God I know I will be different. Week 4 Today’s Big Idea: When I spend time with God I want to share his power and love with others. Scripture: Acts 5:12-16 Mom & Dad… Today we learned that God likes to help others by using us as his vessel. That means that we have the chance to share His power and love when we are at school, home, and play. Discuss with your kids some ways that you can share this love with friends.
ELEMENTARY BAPTISM CLASS Our next baptism class for elementary aged children is scheduled for Saturday, February 13th at 3pm in Room 229. All children are required to attend a baptism class before they can be baptized. Forms are available at the check in desks upstairs or at the boat downstairs and must be turned in one week prior to attending the class. For more information please contact Kim Gore at: kgore@crossingonline.org or 813-626-0783, ext. 123.
SURRENDERING THE SECRET Many women hide the secret of abortion deep in their hearts, and they are suffering severe consequences. The seven week class, Surrending the Secret, will allow women to release this burden and find freedon through ‘redemptive community’ while experiencing hope and joy as shame and failure are replaced with beauty. Classes start Thursday, February 4th from 7pm-9pm. Register online at www.crossingonline.org or Karen Brooks at 813-654-0491 LIFECARE OF BRANDON’S WALK FOR LIFE SUNDAY Bring your family or LifeGroup to the Brandon Parkway and be a part of Inspire Life this Sunday, January 24th, between 1:00p-4:00pm. Join us as we take a walk for LIFE. Bring a pack of diapers or wipes and show your support by changing the lives of women and children everywhere. Contact Karen Brooks at: info@lifecareofbrandon.com or 813-654-0491. MISSIONS - PERU Peru Mission Trip June 18-27 – The first meeting for this short-term team will be Saturday, February 6th. For meeting, trip or other information please contact Keith and Rhonda Curran at keithc@unitedhoist.com.
The 26.2 Spiritual Race is intricately designed with you in mind! Through the different 26.2 Experiences, you can learn more about The Crossing and its leadership, become involved in a LifeGroup, and understand more about your spiritual gifts. We encourage everyone to join in the race! Register for all the 26.2 Experiences at www.crossingonline.org. The next experience dates are: • Warm-Up: February 21, registration closes February 14 • Starting Line: January 30 and 31, registration closes January 23 • Mile One: March 7, registration closes February 27 • Pushing Through: January 30, registration closes January 23 • Momentum: February 20, registration closes February 14 WWW.TWITTER.COM/CROSSINGOINLINE
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT CROSSINGONLINE.ORG/ANNOUNCEMENTS.
CARE CLASSES BEGIN FEBRUARY 2, 2010 We at The Crossing Church have cultivated a community of caring individuals who desire to help people learn how to cast their cares on Jesus through a multifaceted ministry focused on caring for people. The CARE Classes are here to help you grow in these critical areas and experience the life God intends for you to live. Registration is available at www.crossingonline/care-ministries
Saturday, January 23 Sunday, January 24 Epic Journey: Through the Bible Inspire Life Sunday
WELCOME TO THE CROSSING CHURCH
John 10:10
Lead Pastor: Greg Dumas
INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION Genesis 1:26-27; 9:6 Exodus 21:22-25 Numbers 35: 33-34 Psalm 139:13-16 John 10: 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
INSPIRATION Jeremiah29:11-13
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
CARE AND HEALING Jeremiah 30:12-17
Verse 17: But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the LORD, ‘because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares.’
LIFEGROUPS Use the following as a resource for your LifeGroup to go deeper with this week’s message. We hope this helps you as you “do life together”. SPECIAL NOTE: There may be those in your group who, because of past choices, have been affected by this week’s sermon or these notes. Take time as a leader to be sensitive, be encouraging and be ready to pray for them and refer them to a different level of care at The Crossing if needed. God forgives quickly and forgets forever. That’s His word! Opener: Everyone take turns talking about some specific ways you were born with your parents traits (created in their image). For those who have children, talk about your traits that you see in them. Next talk about what it means to be created in the image of God? Genesis 1:26-27 Digging Deeper: Read and discuss the following verses and discuss the topics. Be sure to read the Life Application Notes that correspond to the verses. Genesis 1:26-27 Exodus 21:22-25 Psalm 139:13-16 John 10:10
Made in His Image Life for life--Life in the womb Created in the womb The Giver of Life—life is eternal
Application: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 Discuss how you are to live in the specific plans God has for your life from this scripture. For added depth to the discussion or as a study during the week, use a dictionary to define each underlined word. Plans to prosper you Plans to bless you and help you (opposite of harm) Plans to give you hope Plans to give you a future