Pastor’s Pen
“Vulnerable” by Rev. Scott D. Samuelson
“Peter said to Jesus, ‘You will never wash my feet.’ Jesus answered, ‘Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.’” —John 13:8 I am more stubborn than I’d like to admit. I have control issues. And, while our culture may praise those qualities, they often get in the...
“The Good Work of Crossroads Youth” by Elder Karen Patten
I’ve truly been enjoying the “Tell Us Something Good” theme recently, and I’d love to continue it here. As an elder serving on the Youth Ministry Team, and as a parent of two college-aged children, I have the privilege of witnessing so many “something good” moments in...
“Theophanic Landscapes,” by Rev. Beth Patton
With St. Patrick’s Day this past Tuesday, I wanted to share some aspects of Celtic Spirituality which has its roots in Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. It has both influenced and challenged the traditions and theology of Scottish Presbyterianism. An important concept of...
“In Ministry Together,” by Rev. Scott D. Samuelson
In a real sense, churches are always in the midst of transition. However, for the past year and a half, Crossroads has experienced more than its share of change! And, through it all, God has been faithful to bring new friends into our midst, raise up new leaders, and...
“Women of God” by Rev. Beth Patton
This Sunday, March 8, is International Women's Day (IWD), a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality powered by the collective efforts of all. IWD...
“Behind the Scenes of Session” by Elder Kate Krygiel
My name is Kate Krygiel and I am serving as the Youth Elder on the Youth Ministry Team. Each year, I watched as my friends from youth group served as Elders and Deacons during their senior and junior years of high school. I heard about it all, from card writing to...
“Invitation” by Rev. Scott Samuelson
“Go out at once into the roads and lanes, and compel people to come in, so that my house may be filled.” -Luke 14:21 Lent can sometimes feel like a chore, especially when we approach it as a discipline to be endured. Some think of it as a season of deprivation, where...
“Black History Month” by Rev. Beth Patton
As our nation observes Black History Month, we pause to honor the faith, history, and leadership of our Black siblings—a journey that has too often been ignored, minimized, or erased. For Christians, remembering is a spiritual practice. Scripture continually calls...
“APCE Conference,” by Christa Middleton and Tanya Naas
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as...
“Amid Winter, Still Much Blooms” by Elder Joann Steidinger
“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 Dear Crossroads Members and Friends, This week’s Session meeting was filled with some pretty exciting topics....
“It All Matters” by Rev. Scott Samuelson
“Then Jesus said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered, ‘The Messiah of God.’” -Luke 9:20 Depending on our church tradition or personal experience, each of us likely identifies with a particular aspect of Jesus’ time on earth. Yet an exclusive focus...
“Goals or Values?” by Rev. Beth Patton
We are now well into the second week of the new year. How is it going for you so far? Perhaps you began January with energy and resolve—new habits, new intentions, a fresh calendar waiting to be filled. Or maybe the year arrived quietly, and you are still finding your...
