Tuesday, September 28, 2010

The Great Communion, again

On Sunday October 3rd, we will be gathering at Harrison High school auditorium to worship with three other churches in our community. This combined service was started last year and was such a tremendous experience we decided to make it an annual event. Elmwood Church of Christ, First Christian Church of Lafayette, and West Lafayette Christian Church will be there, and want our congregation to be well represented as well.

The value of such a service is the realization that the Body of Christ extends beyond our four walls. It is exciting to see individuals from different congregations recognize each other from work or school or even their own neighborhood and realize they are fellow believers. Sometimes relationships are renewed with past members and friends. It is a great time of worship and fellowship you will not want to miss.

See You There!
Mike

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Change is coming!

When Tyler Brooks was hired to serve as both our worship and student minister, we knew, at that time, that it was a temporary situation. We had discussed with Tyler that at some point in the future, he would be transitioned into either ministry full-time. While Tyler has done a good job of sustaining the ministries, having a divided focus has limited his ability to expand either of them successfully. Through discussions with Tyler, he has decided that his passion lies with student ministry.

Therefore, the management team has decided that beginning on January 1st, 2011, Dawn Nance will be serving as our minister of worship arts on a part-time basis. Tyler Brooks will be focusing full-time on serving the needs of ALL of our school students as student minister. MaryAnne Duff, who has been serving as our children’s ministry coordinator, will be our new coordinator for preschool ministries. We are convinced that these changes will position us to continue to grow as a congregation.

In order to minimize the financial impact on our budget, Dawn will not receive a salary but assistance with educational and ministry-related expenses. This is a win-win for both Dawn and the church. She is able to gain advanced training and education in the field of worship ministry, while we benefit from both her heart for worship and improved skills. Those of you who know Dawn personally are well aware of her passion for serving God through worship ministry and her desire to make this her vocation in the future.

To facilitate a smooth transition in January, you will be seeing more of Dawn and less of Tyler on the platform leading worship over the next few months. While Dawn is gradually taking over responsibilities in worship ministry, Tyler will be getting more involved with “Kidmo” (children’s worship) and the rest of children’s ministry. Hopefully, by January, everyone will be comfortable in their new roles and responsibilities.

With two people both serving in ministries that they are passionate about, I can see only good things happening as God continues to bless Crossroads.