on the road again

God is clearly doing something here at The Crossing. Last weekend, we discovered God is doing something THROUGH us, too. Friday night, we shared our spirit-filled, contemplative/funky, ancient/future emergent worship gathering with a group of churches in Washington, D.C. Then we did it again Sunday with more than 200 people at a celebration north of Boston. I could go on, but just know this: we're part of a movement, and God is at the center of it. Amen? Amen!

What's Going on @ The Crossing?
WORKING on the REVOLUTION / Interns are splitting, so we're looking for office help this summer. Come in from 3-6pm on Thursdays, help with worship sheets and set-up; stay to worship. What could be easier? $11/hr, 3 hrs/week, May 29-July 24. General volunteer help also much appreciated! We're also looking for field ed interns to serve this fall. Know a good one? Contact Rev. Steph at revsteph@gmail.com.

THURS. / Worship @ 6:30pm, Spiritual practice @ 6pm: Every Thursday, we worship and engage in spiritual practice -- it's how we give thanks, ask forgiveness, open to God's transforming Spirit, get steeped in the vision and soul-power of God. This month, Ben Garren and Jason Long team up to offer scripture reflections, while Kevin Casey leads centering spiritual practices. Subway: Park Street (red or green line) or Downtown Crossing (orange line). Driving: For $3, we validate parking at Boston Common Garage (Charles Street b/t the Common and Public Gardens.) More info: www.thecrossingboston.org.

SAT., 5/24 @ 9:30-11:30am / Greater Boston Church Planting Collaborative: A monthly gathering of new-church planters in the Boston area. Let's go learn from experienced brothers and sisters who know what it takes to launch a new congregation. Emmanuel Gospel Center, 2 San Juan St, in Boston's South End. Call 617.262.3363 for more info; contact Rev. Steph at revsteph@gmail.com if you'd like to come.

MON., 5/26 @ 6:30pm / Harvard Square Scripture Chat: Yup, it's Memorial Day, but we'll still head to Grendel's Den for our relaxed Bible Study focused on our stories/God's story (not who's got the most verses memorized). Half-price menu and cheap drinks sweeten the deal. Grendel's Den: Corner of JFK St & Winthrop St, between Peet's Coffee and Staples in Harvard Square. Contact Chris at chris.ashley@gmail.com or 312.451.5124.

TUE., 6/3 @ 7pm / Boston Emergent Cohort: Join the Emergent Cohort at Danny's Diner in Somerville and share the emergent conversation, rich community and a direct plug into God's radical dream as it's breaking out all over our region. Go to www.emergentvillage.com/cohorts-locations/boston-emergent-cohort for info on the Boston Emergent Cohort AND cohorts of all sorts.

SAT., 6/14 @ 2pm / Got Pride? Get Blessed!: Following the Pride Parade, our own Bishop Tom Shaw will open the doors of The Cathedral to bless people, relationships and families. Starts at 2pm with lemonade, cookies and music on the church porch. At 2:30pm, come in for a simple, celebratory gathering featuring music, blessings and prayer. All are welcome! Want to help? Contact Rev. Steph at revsteph@gmail.com.

JUSTICE & HEALING OPPORTUNITIES:
Give it 4 Good: One way to put your economic stimulus check to real use is to "Give it 4 good." Go to www.e4gr.org/giveit4good and donate part or all of your check to groups working to alleviate global poverty. Sponsored by Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation.

Burmese Cyclone Relief: Keep praying for the tens of thousands who have died, and for the hundreds of thousands who will suffer for years to come. Then, dig deep and make a contribution that provides immediate relief and invests in long-term solutions. One way is through Episcopal Relief and Development's Emergency Relief Fund: donate online at www.er-d.org or send a check to PO Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116.

Ministries with Poor People in Boston: We're closely connected to three downtown ministries with homeless and hungry people:
** Monday Lunch Program takes place here at The Cathedral every Monday. Show up @ 10am to help with set-up, or at 11:30am-12:45pm to help serve & build community. Contact Rev. Steph at revsteph@gmail.com or 617.482.4826, x318.
** St. Francis House: Volunteers needed everyday to help serve meals and provide care. Contact Lynn Campbell at lynnmcam@aol.com or 617.654.1212.
** Haley House is a Catholic-worker style community in the South End. Volunteers needed for meals programs 6-10am every day AND 1:30-5pm Saturday and Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. Could also use help tending an urban orchard in Mission Hill. See www.haleyhouse.org or contact Christine Evans at cevans@haleyhouse.org.

GETTING CONNECTED @ THE CROSSING:If you'd like to be in touch, we'd love to connect with YOU! Look at the list and then reach out:
** Stephanie Spellers: revsteph@gmail.com (priest, communications, newcomers)
** Chris Ashley: chris.ashley@gmail.com (scripture chat, hospitality)
** Lynn Campbell: lynnmcam@aol.com (ministries with the homeless)
** Ben Garren: bgarren@alumni.unc.edu (worship/creative stuff)
** Jason Long: jason.long.1@googlemail.com (small groups)
** Ashley Merrell: amerrell@berklee.net (music ministry)
** Kirsten Wesselhoeft: kirsten.m.w@gmail.com (justice and service, newcomers)

Blessings on the journey we share!
Rev. Steph