Cross Roads Presbyterian Church
Weekly E-Pistle
September 18, 2009

Dear Friends in Christ,
10:30 am Worship BeginsThis Sunday
That's right. This Sunday marks the return to the 10:30 am Celebration of Worship at Cross Roads. This change coincides with the beginning of the 2009-2010 program year. Church School for all ages begins at 9:15 am. I will lead the Seasons of the Spirit Bible Study in the Parlor. We have a special guest in the Faithworks class, which meets in Fellowship Hall. Here is a little information on our guest:

Oxfam International estimates that 100 million more people will be pushed into extreme poverty this year due to the global economic crisis. Leaders from G-20 countries will gather in Pittsburgh Sept 24-25 to discuss their response to the crisis. Mr. Privilege Hang’andu, the Debt and Development Program Officer for the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection and Jubilee Zambia, will be visiting Pittsburgh during the week of the G-20 Summit to share with the public and=2 0the media the effects of the global economic crisis in Africa, and to propose solutions for how to best help poor countries – who had no hand in creating the crisis but who are suffering its consequences. Come hear about the biblical call for Jubilee from our Zambian brother.

The Children's classes are held on the second floor.
The sermon is titled “Does God Have a Plan for Your Life?” and is based on Mark 9:30-37. In this passage Jesus instructs the 12 that he is to be betrayed, killed, and resurrected on the third day. Then Jesus teaches his ambitious followers about the shape of faithful discipleship by taking a little child in his arms and blessing the child. There are those who assert, "God has a plan for my life." The providence of God may be considerably more supple, free, and resourceful than the statement "God has a plan for my life" allows. God is love, and in the loving purposes of God, there may be a sort of "plan" to love us now, so that God might love us for all eternity.

We will commission the commission the congregation as Christian Education Leaders during worship, and our special music is by Randy and the Revtones. You won't want to miss this! The Christian Education Ministry Team wi ll host a Fellowship Hour following worship.
Fifth Graders are asked to stick around after worship for Acolyte Training. Look for Miss Rennie.
Later in the day, the Children's Choir will have their "Welcome Back" rehearsal at 5:00 pm. The junior and Senior High Youth Groups will meet in the Fellowship Hall for their fall kick-off event. They will grill out and have a great time together.

PRAYER CONCERNS:
Our sympathy is extended Dorothy Grantz and her family on the death of her son Craig Grantz. Craig passed to eternal life on Tuesday. Visitation is at Corl's on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. The funeral is on Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 10:00am at the church.
Bobbi Schmidt remains in critical condition at Allegheny General Hospital. She had surgery, once again, on thursday evening. Include Hugh and the girls in your prayers during this very difficult time.
Nick Lenosky is in Mercy Hospital after having a stroke. Nick is doing better and showing signs of strong improvement.&nb sp; Keep Nick and Ruth in your prayers.

LOOKING FORWARD:
T.A.P. (Theology and People) will meet on Monday, September 21, 2009 at 7:00pm at the Rivertowne Pour House. The topic this month is "Theodicy." You'll get bonus points if you can bring the definition!
Oh, That's enough for now. See you soon!
Yours In Christ,
Pastor Rob