and, we're back ...

They say distance makes the heart grow fonder. Well, taking August off certainly made me miss seeing all of you gathered around God's table! So come out as we launch the worship year at 6pm this Thursday. I'll put in an extra prayer to see you because ... Lord help me ... I've volunteered to do the gospel reflections for the month of September (first time I've had a regular preaching slot @ The Crossing). So say a prayer for Rev. Steph. You know I'll be praying for you ...

WHAT'S HAPPENING @ THE CROSSING?
THIS THURSDAY @ 6pm / Worship
After more than 2 years, Rev. Steph finally takes a turn leading gospel reflections this month, while our yogini Christine Evans leads us in simple, grounding yoga practices. Subway: Park St T (138 Tremont St., across from the fountain). Validated Parking: Boston Common Garage, Charles Street (b/t Boston Common and Public Garden). More info: www.thecrossingboston.org.

NEXT THURSDAY @ 6pm / Worship and Kick-off Potluck
Bring yummy food for a post-worship potluck next week. Even if you can't bring food, bring your appetite and plan to stick around as we all connect a little deeper. Hey, if this goes well, it could become a habit ...

SMALL GROUPS @ THE CROSSING
Jason Long is our new Minister for Community Life, and he's got a passion for building community and living the Jesus way in small groups. If you've got the same passion -- either to help organize this new ministry or just to be in a group -- then contact Jason: jlong@diomass.org or 617.482.4826, x311.

ONGOING JUSTICE & HEALING OPPORTUNITIES
Join Crossing members as we engage in these downtown ministries with homeless and hungry brothers and sisters:

** 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 with our neighbors. 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. Boylston St, near Chinatown. 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.

FAIR TRADE ALERT
Stay tuned for word on our efforts to become a Fair Trade Ministry this fall. It'll change the way we do hospitality (fair trade food, eco-friendly products, re-usable/washable dishes, etc.). And it might just change the way we relate to our planet and to brothers and sisters in our own community and around the world. Amen!

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 / 617.482.4826, x318 (priest, communications, pastoral care)
** Jason Long: jlong@diomass.org / 617.482.4826, x311 (newcomers, small groups)
** Chris Ashley: chris.ashley@gmail.com (budget, hospitality)
** Lynn Campbell: lynnmcam@aol.com (ministries with the homeless)
** Andrea Castner-Wyatt: revandrea@gmail.com (worship arts, "the groovement")
** Christine Evans: thatevansgirl@gmail.com (worship arts, admin)
** Ashley Merrell: amerrell@berklee.net (music ministry)

Blessings in the groove,
Rev. Steph