Crossroads Church

Today we worshiped at Crossroads Church, 8533 Peters Road, Cranberry Township, PA 16066, www.crossroadsumc.org, 412.494.9999, Mike Arnold, Campus Pastor.

Scripture – Galatians 1:6-7 NIV –

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.

Bob’s thoughts –

We chose to visit here today for the opportunity to reunite with some of our grandchildren and to see how the church had made this their new home. Both were positive: it was great to see our grandchildren again and I was impressed with all the work on the building. Everything has a fresh coat of paint and the infusion of some barn wood was dramatic.

There are a number of wooden crosses, which made me happy. We were greeted by our children and introduced to some of their friends. Interestingly, a woman recognized us from worshiping with us there with the previous church and I was able to act as an impromptu visitor greeter for Crossroads.

We were privileged to see a video of their first church plant in Florida. If we go there to visit, I hope it is in winter.

The message today was delivered by the Student Pastor, Tim. I thought he developed it well with effective Scripture references. More importantly, he believed what he was preaching.

The theme was the Fake Good News contrasted with the Real Good News. I think we have all been tempted to believe the devil’s fake news or known those who just hoped to get enough points to get into heaven. Some of my most precious memories were when I could help someone on their deathbed come to grasp God’s truth that their debt was paid by Christ.

We got to hear a little about the church plans and feel them bursting with growth ideas in their new home.

Jan’s thoughts –

This building was left vacant when Fountain Park Church dissolved last year, so in December Crossroads moved in. The lack of clutter would be the only real indication of such a recent move, because everything looks quite spiffy and seems to run like clockwork.

We were greeted as we entered the building and by a number of others from the congregation whom we have come to know. Our son-in-law gave us a tour and the freshly painted walls and redecoration in the sanctuary was evidence of a superb transformation.

Reclaimed wood provided a design theme in the lobby area as well as the rear stage wall, the sound booth, and the refreshment counter. I had heartfelt appreciation for the fact that they brought with them the countertop from the coffee area of the old place…somehow that just felt right.

Signage was excellent, providing directions to each of the well-staffed children’s areas by grade.

The worship area was full and more seating had to be set up during the opening songs. The music was terrific, as always, and the clarinet, I think it was, provided an extra dimension to the sound. The volume has never been a problem for us at this church and it was still fine.

During the city’s boil water advisory this past week, the East Liberty Crossroads campus collected donations of gallon bottles of water and distributed them to anyone from the neighborhood who was in need. Today this congregation saw the local news report featuring this effort. Other highlighted mission efforts included their support of a new church plant in Florida.

Student Pastor Tim Fray presented the message, Fake Good News, the first in the new series “Losing My Religion.” He used Scripture to debunk widespread inaccurate beliefs, i.e., Fake Good News, such as to get God’s acceptance you must be a pretty good person, believe AND be religious, and be sincere. He then contrasted that with the Real Good News: you can live forever because Jesus died for you and you can stop striving because God’s acceptance is a gift.

I think this church will find a real niche in their new home, and I hope many people discover the blessing of worshiping here.

Our prayer for this church –

Lord, we pray You will continue to encourage this congregation as they grow Your church. Amen.