“I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive it?” —Isaiah 43:19a
What a privilege it is to start a new year with wonderful friends in ministry! On Tuesday, our program staff team spent the day at the ChristPond Retreat House in Random Lake. We reflected on the past twelve months of ministry, shared with one another how we are entering this new year, and noted together where we sense God at work within our Crossroads church family. Spending intentional time with these incredible leaders refreshed my soul and filled me with such anticipation for the year ahead.
I am energized to be in ministry with an amazing staff team and profoundly grateful to be nominated by our PNC to serve as pastor. We are in the midst of completing some necessary steps with the Presbytery of Milwaukee and hope to announce a Candidating Sunday shortly. And, through it all, Christ continues to shepherd and lead us.
It is especially gratifying to know that the Rev. Beth Patton is not only remaining with us in 2026 but expanding into a full-time pastoral role. We’ll get to hear Beth preach more regularly (at least monthly) and benefit from her compassionate presence in pastoral care. Beth will continue to come alongside our Deacons and serve as staff liaison to our Mission Ministry Team. We’ve also asked Beth to take on some special systems projects this year which we believe will better position Crossroads to faithfully and effectively minister wherever the Spirit may lead.
Adult education and spiritual formation remain close to my heart, so I’m looking forward to rejoining our Adult Education Ministry Team starting this month. I am also eager to find new ministry leaders to join a staff team that serves with such energy, imagination, and love.
Last Sunday we received our Star Words. It’s a fun practice that helps us pay attention to how God may be moving in our lives, church, and world in this new year. For God continues to do a new thing. Christ’s mighty work of transformation progresses in us and through us. I can’t wait to perceive and respond to the Spirit’s “new thing” alongside incredible colleagues and an amazing church family.
Grace upon grace,
Pastor Scott
