Wednesday's Word

*Deborah Willis thanks our pastor, Rev. Julie Schendel, for all she is doing for Crossroads.

*Happy Birthday to Lindsey Preiss 03/18, Selina Koil 03/20, Luvicia Bryant 03/24, Margaret Jones 03/24, Jeremy Ridgeway 03/24, and Diane Reagan 03/25

*Judy Compton requests prayer for her daughter, Ginny and Alison who are both nurses on the front lines.

*Melanie Page is asking for prayer for Linda Huhn's son who had chest pains and went to the hospital.

*Sharon Roberts asks for prayer for her grandson, Blaze Adams who is undergoing tests in the hospital.

*Doug Smith is requesting prayer for all doctors and medical staff who are under stress during these unprecedented times. Pray for calmness, faith, and trust in our God.

*Ann Martin Lowe requests prayer for Christie Reardon Medlock who had a hysterectomy last week and developed serious life threatening complications.

*Susan Smith is asking for prayer for the Barksdale family on the death of Brett Barksdale, for all those in healthcare related fields, and for calm in the midst of uncertainty.

We give thanks for the opportunity to stay connected throughout this season of wilderness. We know that we are never alone, your Holy Spirit is always with us, and we are the Church no matter where we are. As we venture into unknown territory due to this viral pandemic, we ask that you offer us reassurance that we truly are never alone. For some of us, this is a minor inconvenience, interrupting our daily schedules and throwing us off a bit. For others, there is genuine fear for the safety and well being of our loved ones and ourselves. Whether we are merely disappointed at all of the cancellations, or we are truly facing hardships due to lack of resources, lack of healthcare, lack of childcare, or any number of things, we seek to trust in you.

We especially lift up all our healthcare workers and first responders who are in the midst of the most difficult situations and who are putting themselves at risk. We pray for Ginny and Alison to be protected as they care for others. We lift up those who are sick or injured, who are awaiting diagnoses, who are recovering from surgery. We pray for Christie, Skylar, Blaze, and others to received healing and peace of mind. We pray for those who are grieving at this time, whether the loss of a loved one, the loss of their sense of security, or the loss of wages and other support. We lift up the Barkesdale Family on the death of Brett. We pray for those who may feel isolated during this time, whether they live alone, are separated from family, or lack technology to help them connect. Lord, give us reminders to reach out to them with phone calls, letters, and prayers.

Despite these strange times, we truly and humbly give you thanks Lord. We praise you for calling us your Beloved and reminding us that we are yours. We praise you for creating a sense of connection and community among your Church, even when we cannot physically be together. We thank you for the compassion and caring of our community that is willing to put up with a few interruptions and discomforts in order to save lives and reduce risk. Above all, we thank you for the strength of our faith as we find comfort and peace in you, as we can hand over our burdens, and as we can celebrate that among it all, you are with us always. In your holy and precious name we pray. Amen.

Please keep us informed of your joys and your prayer requests. You can do so by calling the church office (770-388-7438), posting them on our Facebook page (Crossroads UMC Conyers) or by emailing them to admin@crossroadsumc.net

Pastor Julie's sermon for the fourth Sunday of Lent will be available this Sunday, March 22nd. She will be sending an email with more information and a link to connect you to the video. You can also connect in the following ways:

Crossroads UMC Website: Crossroadsumc.net

Facebook Page: Crossroads UMC Conyers

To prepare yourself for worship, read John 9:1-41 and ask yourself how you have been blind to others needs in the past.

Join Pastor Julie on Monday, March 23rd at 6:00pm for a Zoom conference call as she continues the study of "The God We Can Know." Since this is a live interactive format, we unfortunately cannot record it for later viewing, but hope as many as can join us will. Check out your options below. A computer is recommended, because it will be easier to see everyone on a larger screen. If not, a phone works just as well. Keep in mind, clicking on these links now will not work. You have to wait until Monday at 6:00 pm for the group to be live.

Instructions on how to join:

1. I have a computer with a camera. Click here. Then follow instructions on your screen.

If for some reason that doesn't work, click here for the Zoom website. It'll ask you for the Meeting ID number. Enter 779 381 1898.

2. I have a smartphone. First, download the Zoom app. Once you've downloaded the app, click here. Once you're there, follow instructions on your screen.

Make sure you allow use of the camera and microphone when asked. That way we can hear and see you! If you run into trouble along the way, text Pastor Julie at 770-855-3963 and she will try to assist to get you added to the conversation. Please keep in mind that the website is only live during the scheduled meeting time at 6:00 pm on Monday. If you click on the links when a meeting is not in session, you will not see anything.

This week we'll discuss Ch. 3--I Am the Light of the World.

Please read ahead of time and be prepared to discuss. If you need a copy of the book, please email Julie or call the front office to request one.

In order to keep our church sustained in our mission “to be disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world” during this time of uncertainty, we all need to continue our faithful financial contributions.

Here are the methods that you can use to continue your financial contributions:

* Drop it by the church office. The office will continue to be open Monday--Thursday, 9:00 a.m.--2:00 p.m unless otherwise stated.

*Mail your contribution to the church – 2460 Highway 138, N.E., Conyers, GA 30013

*Visit www.crossroadsumc.net. At the bottom of the main webpage in the “blue area” is a “yellow button” that says “Donate to our Ministry.” This button redirects you to Crossroads UMC’s PayPal account. Once you arrive at PayPal, you can either choose to “Donate with PayPal” (if you have a PayPal account) – OR – you can “Donate with a Debit or Credit Card.”

*Use your bank or financial institution’s on-line “Bill Pay” process to set up “Crossroads UMC” as a vendor/payee as you do your electric bill or mortgage.

You may find that one of these easy to use methods makes it more convenient for you to make your contributions to Crossroads UMC!! If you have any problems implementing one of these processes, please let us know.

The Crossroad Easter Egg Hunt has been postponed. Watch your email for updates.

You are invited to read the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts in 2020, beginning with Luke 1. Subscribe (if you haven't already) to receive a weekly reading prompt and reflection each Wednesday by choosing "Reading the Gospel of Luke" at ngumc.org/subscribe. For the latest devotional on Luke 10, click here.

Sunday Service Times:

8:45am Contemporary Service

10:00am Sunday School

11:00am Traditional Service

Email: admin@crossroadsumc.net
Website: www.crossroadsumc.net
Location: 2460 State Highway 138, Conyers, GA, United States
Phone: 770-388-7438
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Crossroads-UMC-Conyers/227593134052091