As March Madness begins and blizzard likelihood decreases, another update is long overdue. Last week was the warmest Sunday night of the year to date, and we were so happy we almost opened a few windows (almost). All that snow cramped our style a little, but with the help of hot coffee and a very loud, quite effective ceiling heater, we continued our Arts Incubator services through the winter.
In case you’re wondering, it’s official: Kansas City does not take icy weather in stride. When the thermometer plunges, downtown resembles the arctic wasteland in Arcade Fire’s “Neighborhood #1.”
Now, as Big 12 Tourney buzz fills KC, we’re excited to be rolling forward into 2010–and yes, excited for NCAA hoops action, with seven Big 12 teams to be featured in the Big Dance. (Go Jayhaw–er, go Big 12!)
So, what’s on the horizon for Crossroads? As a new downtown church, we’re in the same phase as a lot of our neighborhood businesses–start-up. We have a small, loyal, steadily-growing community of people who love Jesus, love Kansas City, and are dedicated to the renewal of lives and culture in the city.
Despite KC’s chionophobia (that’s right, “fear of snow” is a real phobia) we’re seeing some new faces, as more people have gotten involved at Crossroads. On a typical Sunday night service at the Arts Incubator, you’ll find 15-25 people gathered to sing, pray, and talk/think about Jesus. Plus a few kids running around, three of which are mine (AJ, that’s me).
Roughly the same number of people gather in homes and coffee shops for our midweek City group times of eating, discussion, and prayer. We’re also jumping in on volunteer projects downtown that give us chances to push back cultural darkness and impact our community in meaningful ways.
Currently we’re in the middle of a three-week series on our core values, Truth, Beauty and Restoration. We see these as short-hand for our DNA, the things that matter to us and should shape the life of Crossroads Church. It’s been a timely reminder that as Jesus-followers, our barometer of success won’t change all that much, whether we’re in start-up mode or growing to a more “established” point.
Crossroads will always be about the same things: Loving Jesus and celebrating the way he changed everything when he entered history. Loving people and connecting them, the way Jesus does. Transforming cities, as we work towards a biblical vision for an earth that will ultimately be healed and re-created when Jesus returns.
That’s the skinny on Crossroads. Like you, we’ve survived the winter, are filling out brackets, and are pumped about growing into 2010. Hope you can join us.
Tags: Kansas City, kansas city church
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