can you feel it ...?

(sent to the crossing community on thurs., 8/27)

... that tingle of fall in the air? It means summer is coming to its close. Which means we'll be back at The Crossing next week! Come out on September 3, and bring friends, as we gather for worship, community, justice, formation, and all those big, churchy words that try to describe what happens when the love of God stirs and we start moving. So come out and be moved! And please do yourself a favor and read elsewhere in this blog for the humbling, wise reflections of Chris Ashley and Marie Harkey, Crossing members who are finishing up a mission trip in Maseno, Kenya, this week. And read on to see ways we could do something for God together in the waning days of summer ...

what's happening @ the crossing?

NOTE: We return for worship and a fall full of promise on September 3 @ 6pm. Until then ...

TODAY @ 6-6:45pm / Crossing Community Prayer Gathering on Boston Common

A simple gathering for prayer, scripture reflection and song, keeping connections alive during our hiatus. LOCATION: Meet on the Cathedral steps at 6pm; the group will head onto Boston Common near the State House and get started at 6:15pm. CONTACT Kieran Conroy at kconroy42@gmail.com or 845.781.3706.

SUPPORT THE KENYA JOURNEY -- STILL RAISING THE LAST $800

Two members of The Crossing community -- Chris Ashley and Marie Harkey -- return this weekend from a life-changing journey to Kenya, and their stories will no doubt stir us all. We still need to raise $800 to pay for their trip. CONTACT: Rev. Steph via email or at 617.482.4826, x318 if you plan to make a donation (checks made out to St. Paul's Cathedral, with "Crossing Priest Discretionary-Kenya" in the memo area -- mail to 138 Tremont St., Boston MA 02111). LEARN MORE: http://www.diomass.org/mission/AIDS_in_Africa.

FRI., 9/11 / Pray * Serve * Reflect

Mark your calendars now to join a National Day of Service and Remembrance on September 11, responding to President Obama's call to commemorate the devastation of 9/11 by engaging in acts of mercy. Read all about it at http://911.diomassintern.org and stay tuned for specific ways The Crossing could engage. Let's go into action that blesses our city, and let's do it together! Stay tuned ...

community notes

Giving @ The Crossing -- An Update

We're at the halfway point in our annual giving goal of $20,000 in 2009. Please prayerfully consider making a one-time gift or start pledging (setting out an amount you'd like to give over the course of a year, and filling out a pledge card so we know we can count on your contribution). Give however you're able: cash, check or credit cards. CONTACT: Chris Ashley at chris.ashley@gmail.com.

InBetweenCrossings: groups.google.com/group/inbetweencrossings
You got stuff to share (a job, a couch, a theater gig you want people to attend …)? You need stuff (lost scarf, dog-sitter, a summer sublet …)? Log onto our new online forum to connect and share information about random community announcements -- including upcoming events, apartment sublets, job opportunities, lost-and-found, furniture exchange, help requests, etc.


ongoing justice and healing ministries
We're serious about joining ministries that serve our homeless and hungry brothers and sisters. Please join us any day of the week!

** Monday Lunch Program: Cathedral every Monday, 10am to help with set-up, or 11:30am-12:45pm to help serve & build community with our neighbors. Contact Rev. Steph at revsteph@gmail.com.

** St. Francis House: Volunteers needed every day to help serve meals and provide care. Boylston St, near Chinatown. Lynn Campbell, our link to St. Francis House, is on her way to seminary. But if you'd like to help out, call (617) 542-4211 or go to www.stfrancishouse.org.

AND join Boston Faith and Justice Network to build awareness, relationships and action around fair trade and justice issues locally and globally. Go to www.bostonfaithjustice.org for more info.

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 (small groups & formation, newcomers)
** Chris Ashley: chris.ashley@gmail.com (budget, hospitality)
** Kieran Conroy: kconroy42@gmail.com (emerging church connections)
** Jamie Urquhart: jlynnu@hotmail.com (music ministry)
** Keith Nelson: nelsonkr@gmail.com (worship arts)
** Jenna Tucker: jenna.m.tucker@gmail.com (general admin)

Blessings, rest and joy in the name of Christ -- Alleluia!

Rev. Steph