“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” —1 Peter 4:10
As a first-year Elder serving on the Adult Education Ministry Team, I’ve really enjoyed getting a closer look at the inner workings of Crossroads Presbyterian Church. Whether Session is discussing safe childcare procedures or reviewing adult education curriculum in the context of Compass, it has been eye-opening to see just how much effort, care, and intentionality go into making Crossroads function week to week, month to month, and year to year. The experience has given me a deeper appreciation for the level of dedication required to sustain a community like ours, something I admittedly didn’t fully grasp before joining Session.
I’ve been attending Crossroads for most of the past 28 years. Over that time, the church has shaped me in various ways, especially with respect to my spiritual, intellectual, and emotional maturation. Some of my earliest memories here include praying at the front of the sanctuary after the Time for Children before sprinting up the center aisle to children’s worship, trying to beat the other kids to the front of the line upstairs. From Great Escape, to mission trips in South Dakota and Slidell, to confirmation class during eighth grade, Crossroads has been a near-constant presence in my faith journey and a steady influence throughout my life.
What continues to stand out to me now is how much of Crossroads’ life and health is carried by people who volunteer their time without expecting anything in return. The amount of quiet, behind-the-scenes work that members pour into our community is remarkable, and I want to express my sincere gratitude to all of you who serve in those roles. And of course, our staff deserves a tremendous amount of thanks as well. Their hard work, care, and consistency are essential to keeping Crossroads running smoothly and spiritually grounded.
Thank you to everyone: staff, volunteers, and the broader congregation for the countless ways you support and strengthen Crossroads. It does not go unnoticed.
Ian McKinney
Elder
