now that's evangelism

I could tell you the stories and count the names of people who helped to make our witness at this year's Pride Parade so full, beautiful and holy. Minister for Justice & Action Vicki Morte organized us to truly represent, and for weeks our crews gathered on the lawn of the Life Together house in Brookline to build a float that unequivocally announces "God loves you and so do we!" Gratitude is too small a word to say how much we owe everyone who made signs, built rainbow altar rails, brainstormed slogans, painted stained glass windows, marched in the rain, gave out candy and cards, danced on a moving flatbed, chanted, prayed. A whole lot of people know that God's name is Love today, and they know because we weren't afraid to say it.

Check out the rest of this week's Life @ The Crossing blast here.

black friday -- now it begins

One hour and one minute ago, it started.

Stores across America opened at midnight -- if they closed today at all -- in order to rope in desperate shoppers and convince us that, yes, you really can buy your way to joy and intimacy. Please, don't believe the hype. By all means, find concrete ways to express your love for the people who have blessed you all year long. Find real ways to show your gratitude for the gift of Jesus' life among us (alleluia!). But don't feel you HAVE to jump into the fevered mall/online frenzy later today or this weekend or this Advent season. And don't feel bad if you don't have the money to jump in, even if you wanted to.

Instead, I'm wondering what it would be like to fast this Advent. To shop less. To read more. To spend less. To sleep more. To drink less. To laugh more. To eat less. To care more. To pray more. To love more. Basically, to create a gracious space where Jesus can come and dwell as fully in me as he wants (one of the real points of the spiritual practice of fasting, as I understand it). Would you join me in the fast? I'll still go to the holiday parties and have a blast, but the fun would come from the relationships, the hope, the sweetness, the light, the stories of the people around me ... and not just from the excessive consumption that strangely leaves you feeling more hungry than when you started.

I could go on. Instead, I'll include a link to our page on how The Crossing community is engaging The Advent Conspiracy this year -- a counter-cultural approach to the season of prayer and preparation for Jesus' birth. If you're hoping to take part in the Conspiracy, now is the time to take up the four commitments, all of which should help each of us to shift gears and engage in something like a fast this Advent.

So when you feel tempted to watch that 3rd hour of television this weekend, instead find a way to pray and worship fully. When you're at the mall buying multiple gifts for someone who's already got plenty, remember you could spend less. When you've spent hours online shopping for that perfect gift, remember that people usually want your presence more than any present, and instead give moreof yourself and your time (and maybe make a relational gift instead). And when you look at your gift-list, imagine how you could love all by expanding the circle to include people who are poorer and hungrier than most of us could imagine. Maybe even set aside some of the money you're saving by spending less, and join others of us in giving to the Mothers' Union in Maseno, Kenya.

It's going to be a struggle. Every message you hear between now and Christmas will say Jesus wants you to have more stuff. I think he wants more from us, more space within us. Let's give that gift first. The rest of them will just fall into place.

Giving thanks for each of you and for the unspeakable joy that is God's gift to us all,

Rev. Steph

this must be special

(sent to the crossing community via email on nov. 21)

It is rare that I send a mid-week Crossing blast, so you might be thinking this must be special. And it is:

1. OPEN MIC GRATITUDE & POEM TO SHARE: I was heartbroken to miss Thursday night's Open Mic Night @ The Crossing, which was apparently Spirit-filled, mind-blowing and life-changing for many, many people. What a joy, to celebrate Transgender Awareness Week in the house of God! Huge gratitude to Penny and Alana and Justin and more. When you're ready to cry and praise God at the same time, scroll down to read a poem by Crossing member Michael Zahniser, shared during the Open Mic.

2. 4th SUNDAYS @ 6-8pm: EVERYBODY DOES THEOLOGY! Tomorrow is the 4th Sunday, which means it's time for "Everybody Does Theology", our community exploration of the great mysteries of the Christian faith. This month's focus is The Creation. Next month, The Incarnation. Come share deep thoughts, deeper curiosity and a passion to dive into the big questions that would've gotten you thrown out of Sunday School at age 10. CONTACT Keith at: spiritual-formation@thecrossingboston.org. DETAILS: 6-8pm @ The Cathedral (enter via side door -- 27 Temple St.)

3. THANKSGIVING @ THE CROSSING: It's a holiday, but it's still a Thursday. So please join us:

** Thanksgiving Day @ 10am-1pm at The Cathedral: Help with set-up at 10am, take part in a holiday worship service at 11am, and stay to help to serve Thanksgiving Dinner to hungry neighbors at noon. The Cathedral community partners with our Muslim friends to provide the meal. Sign-up to bring food or volunteer to help with serving -- contact Bob Greiner atrgreiner@diomass.org.

** Thanksgivng Orphans Dinner @ 7pm at Rev. Steph's home: Rev. Steph and her mother Phyllis Spellers (flying in from Kentucky!) invite you to Cambridge for an amazing Southern feast. RSVP by Monday, Nov. 23, to Rev. Steph at revsteph@thecrossingboston.org or 617.482.4826, x318 1) to say you're coming or 2) to volunteer to make/bring food or drink. All are welcome, even if you come with a full belly from an earlier feast :)

4. ADVENT CONSPIRACY: By the time most of us gather again on Dec. 3, the Advent shopping season will be in full swing. Do you cringe as you imagine the consumer rat-race and busy-ness that mark the season of preparation for Jesus' birth? Then do something scandalous! Join The Crossing as we partner with friends around the world in The Advent Conspiracy. Read all about it at www.adventconspiracy.org or contact Bill Comer, our local coordinator, at billcomerjr@gmail.com. Here's how we're taking part:

• THE CONSPIRACY: The heart of the conspiracy is four commitments: 1) worship fully in order to truly create space for Jesus in our hearts and lives, 2) spend less money on gifts and tell others they needn't purchase multiple gifts for you; 3) give truly relational gifts, the kind that share our presence, not just presents; and 3) love everybody, especially brothers and sisters living with extreme poverty.
• THURSDAYS IN DECEMBER: Each Thursday after worship, we'll share a simple meal, learn about the Advent Conspiracy (including watching a video that members of The Crossing community helped to make), and share table conversations around reflection questions. If you would like to make/bring soup or bread, contact Travis at hospitality@thecrossingboston.org.
• (OR) SUNDAYS @ THE CATHEDRAL: The Cathedral Sunday morning congregation will also be making the Advent Conspiracy journey. If you can't attend The Crossing one night, consider going to The Cathedral: worship at 10am, formation at 11:30am.
• GIFT-MAKING PARTY: Our final Thursday together (Dec. 17), we will stop talking and start doing. Bring your supplies and we'll eat soup and bread and make presents together.
• LOVE ALL TOGETHER: Please consider setting aside the money you'll save buying fewer gifts or making gifts, and instead contribute to the Mothers' Union in Maseno, Kenya, an Anglican women's circle that is creating sustainable crafts and providing meals for AIDS orphans. This summer we sent two of our members to build relationships in Maseno, and we want to keep nurturing the link with sisters and brothers in that extraordinary community.

And now, as promised, the poem from Michael Zahniser, a straight ally who shared at the Open Mic Night celebrating the lives and ministries of queer folks:

"Household of Prodigals," by Michael Zahniser

I rejoice to be part of this household of prodigals,

these wanderers and squanderers welcomed home.

And I'm awed by this faith that believes, when the world

and even the church has shut its doors,

that the heart of God is still open.

But the truth is I have been the elder brother,

who stiffened at the sounds of celebration inside.

And the world is a wasteland when your heart is so hard

that you cannot rejoice to see a brother loved.

And to those who curse God's children, God

is a thick and dreadful darkness.

No wonder we thought God was angry - but not at you.

And those were dark days, desert days,

when I spat out words like a bitter taste,

drunk with self-righteousness and lonely as all hell.

But I'm here because of a brother who said,

"Michael, look in my eyes and see

the hurt, the fear, the fury, and know

it's there because of you."

A brother in pain who trusted me to care.

I'm here because God, when my mind was shuttered,

spoke to my heart and said, "I disown

your words. I disown

your works. I disown

the wounds you've inflicted in my name."

But I'm here because I could not survive,

I could not believe God's love

if not for you,

if not for your stories, where I've learned

that the heart of God is simple: love

its only substance, love its goal,

love its means and love its end.

So keep believing.

Keep celebrating.

And help the doubtful ones like me to see.

And know that the God you were told to fear

is on your side, and always near,

to love, to heal, to bless, and to set free.

open mic, open church

Some Thursdays, a few Crossing members dart out of worship and head to Jamaica Plain for Transcriptions, an Open Mic Night that's open to everybody, especially transgendered people. This Thursday, they won't have to race out, because Transcriptions Open Mic is coming to The Crossing -- 8-10pm, right after worship! It's Transgender Awareness Week, and several of our leaders realized it just made sense to partner with Transcriptions and host a celebration of the gifts, witness and power of transgendered children of God. There'll be poetry, art, music (including regionally renowned performer Leslie-Anne Rios). It's not often that church folks and transgendered folks come together for a celebration. It's not often that church folks and transgendered folks come together at all, and that rift has caused deep pain and brokenness in too many lives. Let's change that. Let's tell a new story of an open mic, an open door and the open arms of God.

what's going on at the crossing?

THURSDAY / Transgender Awareness Week -- Worship @ 6pm and Open Mic Night @ 8-10pm
We celebrate Transgender Awareness Week with a night of celebratory worship followed by an Open Mic Night. During worship, Penny Larson reflects on John 18:33-37, while Marie Harkey leads the month's spiritual practice: dancing! MORE INFO: Head to www.thecrossingboston.org.

Transcriptions Open Mic Night at The Crossing. All are welcome to come and share poetry, music, art -- anything that celebrates hope, truth, freedom and love (sign up at the door to perform). It'll be one beautiful, queer night. Enter at 27 Temple Street (just off Tremont St., to right of church). Co-sponsored with Transcriptions, a queer Open Mic group based in Jamaica Plain. ADMISSION: $5-$10 -- proceeds go to Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition. CONTACT Penny Larson at outreach@thecrossingboston.org or 617-755-8420.

NOTE: This week, students from Emerson College return to film a documentary project they're doing on The Crossing community -- a church where ALL God's people are welcomed. If you'd like to be on camera offering your testimony, CONTACT Penny at outreach@thecrossingboston.org. If you don't want to be on film at all, no problem -- we'll have colored nametags for the film crew to know who not to film.

THURSDAYS @ 8am / Jogging for Jesus @ Charles-MGH Red Line T Stop
Join a small group of folks from The Crossing for a quick run before classes or work. There’s no program, just a chance to run with some companions. This group will meet on Thursday mornings and will convene in front of the CVS at the Charles/MGH Stop on the Red-Line. CONTACT Stephen at jogging@thecrossingboston.org or 917.536.7848.

THURSDAYS @ BEFORE WORSHIP / Prayer OR Help with Set-up
If you've got extra time on Thursdays, consider one of these ways of plugging in:
4:45pm Set-up: Our worship arts team welcomes help with preparing the space for worship. CONTACT: Julia at worship-help@thecrossingboston.org.
5:30pm Prayer: Gather in the back pews for a small prayer circle, where we will offer up community concerns and hopes and get centered prior to worship. CONTACT: Michael at crossing-house@thecrossingboston.org.

4th SUNDAYS @ 6-8pm / “Everyone Does Theology” -- Nov. 22 @ The Cathedral
Come together for a seminar-style exploration of the great “mysteries” of our faith. This month: The Creation. Next month, The Incarnation. Practice doing theology in ways that engage and empower ALL of us. CONTACT Keith at: spiritual-formation@thecrossingboston.org.

THANKSGIVING @ THE CROSSING

• Thanksgiving Day @ 10am-1pm at The Cathedral: Take part in a holiday worship service at 11am and stay to help to serve Thanksgiving Dinner to hungry neighbors at noon. The Cathedral community partners with our Muslim friends to provide the meal. Sign-up to bring food or volunteer to help with serving -- sign up sheets available after worship or by contacting Pam Pleasants at ppleasants@post.harvard.edu.
• 
  
• Thanksgivng Orphans Dinner @ 7pm at Rev. Steph's home in Central Square: Rev. Steph and her mother Phyllis Spellers (flying in from Kentucky!) invite you to Cambridge for an amazing Southern feast. RSVP by Monday, Nov. 23, to Rev. Steph at revsteph@thecrossingboston.org or 617.482.4826, x318 1) to say you're coming or 2) to volunteer to make/bring food or drink. All are welcome!

PLEASE PITCH IN

The Crossing happens because we all pitch in to make it happen. These ministries are looking for partners, so please join the community making community!
-- To help with set-up of the worship space, CONTACT Julia at worship-help@thecrossingboston.org.
-- To organize justice and service gatherings or to join the group volunteering every week to share meals and community with homeless neighbors, CONTACT Justin at justice@thecrossingboston.org.
-- To help with greeting or hospitality, CONTACT Travis: hospitality@thecrossingboston.org.
-- To read, lead prayers, preach or lead a spiritual practice, CONTACT Julia at worship-help@thecrossingboston.org.

small groups and formation
SUNDAYS @ THE CROSSING
1st Sunday: No Program -- The Crossing Leadership Crew gathers to pray and plan. CONTACT Rev. Steph atrevsteph@thecrossingboston.org if you've got ideas or questions for the Crew.

2nd Sunday: “The Nouwen Readers” -- Dec. 13 @ 6-8pm at Tealuxe (108 Newbury St., Boston)
Meet downstairs at Tealuxe on Newbury St. to have tea and share conversation around the writings of Henri Nouwen -- a powerful and inspiring and utterly accessible modern spiritual writer. The Reading: Henri Nouwen’s Reaching Out -- read up to chapter 2. CONTACT Bill at nouwen-readers@thecrossingboston.org.

3rd Sundays: “Exploring Our Faith Through Art” -- Dec. 20 @ 6-8pm at The Cathedral

Engage artistic expressions and practices and explore the relationship between art and our faith. CONTACT Stephen atart@thecrossingboston.org.

4th Sundays: “Everyone Does Theology” -- Nov. 22 @ The Cathedral

See details under "what's going on @ the crossing?"

OTHER SMALL GROUPS OPPORTUNITIES
Covenant Group: A Discipleship Circle -- Mondays @ 6:45-8:30pm
A small group of Crossing members gather for reflection, stories, spiritual practice and intentional commitment to growing as Jesus' followers. Each of the sessions will focus on an aspect of The Crossing Rule of Life. NOTE: Group is no longer open to new participants, but contact Jason at community-life@thecrossingboston.org to find out when the next group launches.

Contemplative Circle -- every other Wednesday @ 6-8pm (next gathering: Dec. 2)
Come at 6pm to learn about the ancient practice of contemplative, centering prayer. Come at 6:30pm if you already know and just want to get down to business. Closes with the evening Compline service. Meets every other Wednesday at the Cathedral -- come in The Side Door on Temple Street (next dates: 12/2, 12/16). CONTACT Keith at: spiritual-formation@thecrossingboston.org.

Jogging for Jesus -- Thursdays @ 8am
Details under "what's going on @ the crossing?"

French Conversation Group -- random Fridays in Central Square
Speak French? Wish you knew more French? Enjoy wine and cheese? Sparkling water? If so, this group’s for you! On announced Fridays, we’ll kick-back at the end of the week for some conversation, light food, and a chance to practice speaking French!
CONTACT Travis at: french@thecrossingboston.org.


justice and service opportunities
Here are just a few ways to link and serve. If you are engaged in justice and social action and want to invite others to partner with you, reply to this email and we’ll list the event or program, along with your contact info.

** Monday Lunch Program at The Cathedral on 2nd and 4th Mondays: 10am to help with set-up, or 11:30am-12:45pm to help serve & build community with our homeless and hungry neighbors. CONTACT Justin at justice@thecrossingboston.org.

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

community notes
Connect with Our Ministry Leaders
We've got an amazing crew of ministry leaders making life happen here @ The Crossing. See where you might like to plug in this year:

** Rev. Steph Spellers: revsteph@thecrossingboston.org (to get pastoral support or just connect)
** Chris Ashley: giving@thecrossingboston.org (to learn about giving and pledging)

** Marie Harkey: worship-arts@thecrossingboston.org (to get creative around worship)

** Justin Harvey: justice@thecrossingboston.org (to plug into justice work) OR newcomers@thecrossingboston.org (if you're a newcomer)

** Penny Larson: outreach@thecrossingboston.org (to suggest communities/groups we should reach out to)

** Jason Long: community-life@thecrossingboston.org (to join fall small groups or help imagine the spring)

** Keith Nelson: spiritual-formation@thecrossingboston.org (to learn about The Crossing’s Rule of Life & spiritual formation)

** Lispeth Nutt: the-web@thecrossingboston.org (to help with web ministry OR Thursday worship space set-up)

** Travis Stevens: hospitality@thecrossingboston.org (to be a greeter or help w/ post-worship hospitality)

** Jamie Urquhart: music@thecrossingboston.org (to share favorite songs or offer musical talent)

** Kirsten Wesselhoeft: the-rule@thecrossingboston.org (to learn about the Rule of Life)

** Julia Wilkinson: worship-help@thecrossingboston.org (to preach or lead spiritual practice or help with set-up)

** Michael Zahniser: crossing-house@thecrossingboston.org (to talk about starting a Crossing house or pre-worship prayer circle)

Making Music Together
Our Music Team Director, Jamie Urquhart, wants to know the songs that most stir your heart. And if you like making music -- singing, playing an instrument, writing -- let her know that, too. CONTACT: Jamie at music@thecrossingboston.org to share favorite titles or your musical talent.

Giving @ The Crossing – An Update
We're raising the last $4,000 toward our annual giving goal of $20,000 in 2009 AND starting to collect pledge cards for 2010 so we can plan well for the year to come. 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 giving@thecrossingboston.org.

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, an apartment sublet …)? Log onto our 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.

Blessings, peace and power!
Rev. Steph

saints go marching in

Someone made you who you are. Someone's life shines before you, an example that inspires you to love, to imagine, to believe. Who are these saints? They may be living or dead. You may know them up close, and you may have admired them from a great distance of time or space. Whoever they are, this Thursday you can bring their names and photos, their words and their wisdom -- bring it all to worship. We will join in the ancient observance of All Saints by creating an altar filled with images and names and prayers of our saints. We will sing songs from the many traditions that bring life to our community. And we will ask those saints to circle 'round, a cloud of witnesses who whisper and yearn and hope in us today. Come and remember.

what's going on at the crossing?

THURSDAYS @ 8am / Jogging for Jesus @ Charles-MGH Red Line T Stop

See "Small Groups and Formation" for details or call Stephen for a weather check: 917.536.7848.

THURSDAYS @ BEFORE WORSHIP / Prayer OR Help with Set-up

If you've got extra time on Thursdays, consider one of these ways of plugging in:

5:15pm Set-up: Our worship arts team can always use extra hands to prepare the space for worship. CONTACT: Marie Harkey at mharkey@gmail.com.

5:30pm Prayer: Gather in the back pews for a small prayer circle, where we will offer up community concerns and hopes and get centered prior to worship. CONTACT: Michael Zahniser at michael@zahniser.net.

THURSDAYS @ 6pm / All Saints Worship and Remembrance
Marie Harkey wraps the month's reflections, drawing on the images and words of saints she met in Kenya this summer. Travis Stevens leads the night's spiritual practice: creating remembrance cards for our saints. AFTER WORSHIP: Snacks and community, and then we head out for a cheap meal together. GETTING TO THE CROSSING: 138 Tremont St., across from Park St. T. PARKING: Validated parking @ Boston Common Garage on Charles Street (b/t Common and Public Garden). MORE INFO: Head to www.thecrossingboston.org.

THIS SUN., 11/1 @ 12-2pm at The Cathedral / Volunteer at Ecclesia Ministries

Our Minister for Justice and Outreach, Justin Harvey, is mobilizing a crew to volunteer at Ecclesia Ministries, the outdoor church on Boston Common that gathers homeless people and friends for worship, food and life every Sunday (read more at www.ecclesia-ministries.org). We'll gather at The Cathedral, help with hospitality and worship with this amazing community. CONTACT Justin at justin@diomassintern.org.

THIS SUNDAY @ 5-8pm / Crossing Leadership Crew Meets for "Scrum"

Please pray for our ministry leaders. And if you have any questions or concerns you'd like us to take up, let us know (see end of email for list of leaders and contacts).

THURS., 11/19 / Transgender Awareness -- Worship and Open Mic Night @ The Crossing

As part of Transgender Awareness Week (11/15-11/20), The Crossing will host a celebration of the lives and witnesses of transgendered people.

6pm Worship: Penny Larson will preach on John 18:33-37 (Christ the King).

8-10pm: Transcriptions Open Mic Night at The Side Door (the old bookstore space, accessed on Temple Street). Transgendered people and allies will kick it with poetry, music, art. ADMISSION: $5 -- proceeds go to Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition. CONTACT Penny Larson at penny@pennylarson.net or 617-755-8420.

FYI: On 11/12 and 11/19, friends from Emerson College will be filming footage for a web-short for our website -- the clip will tell the story of a church where ALL God's people are welcomed. If you'd like to be on camera offering your testimony, CONTACT Penny.

PLEASE PITCH IN!

The Crossing happens because we all pitch in to make it happen. These ministries are looking for partners, so please join the community making community!

-- To help with set-up of the worship space, contact Marie Harkey: mharkey@gmail.com.

-- To organize justice and service gatherings or to join the group volunteering every week to share meals and community with homeless neighbors, contact Justin Harvey: justin@diomassintern.org

-- To help with greeting or hospitality, contact Travis Stevens: tstevens@hds.harvard.edu.

-- To read, lead prayers, preach or lead a spiritual practice, contact Julia Wilkinson: juliasierraw@gmail.com.

small groups and formation

** "Covenant Group: A Discipleship Circle": Mondays @ 6:45-8:30pm
A small group of Crossing members gather for reflection, stories, spiritual practice and intentional commitment to growing as Jesus' followers. Each of the sessions will focus on an aspect of The Crossing Rule of Life. NOTE: Group is no longer open to new participants, but contact Jason at jlong@diomass.org to find out when the next group launches.

** "Contemplative Circle": every other Wednesday @ 6-8pm
Come at 6pm to learn about the ancient practice of contemplative, centering prayer. Come at 6:30pm if you already know and just want to get down to business. Closes with the evening Compline service. Meets every other Wednesday at the Cathedral (next dates: 11/4, 11/18, 12/2, 12/16).

CONTACT Keith at: nelsonkr@gmail.com.

** "Jogging for Jesus": Thursdays @ 8am
Join a small group of folks from The Crossing for a quick run before classes or work. There’s no program, just a chance to run with some companions. This group will meet on Thursday mornings and will convene in front of the CVS at the Charles/MGH Stop on the Red-Line.
CONTACT Stephen at: stephengire@mac.com or call Travis at 213.675.1627

** “French Conversation Group”: random Fridays in Central Square
Speak French? Wish you knew more French? Enjoy wine and cheese? Sparkling water? If so, this group’s for you! On announced Fridays, we’ll kick-back at the end of the week for some conversation, light food, and a chance to practice speaking French!
CONTACT Travis at: tstevens@hds.harvard.edu.

SUNDAYS @ THE CROSSING 1st Sunday: No Program -- The Crossing Leadership Crew gathers to pray and plan.

2nd Sunday: “The Nouwen Readers” -- Nov. 8 @ 6-8pm at Tealuxe (108 Newbury St., Boston) Meet downstairs at Tealuxe on Newbury St. to have tea and share conversation around the writings of Henri Nouwen -- a powerful spiritual writer. Second gathering: Henri Nouwen’s Reaching Out -- read up to chapter 2. CONTACT Bill at: bill.comer.jr@gmail.com

3rd Sundays: “Exploring Our Faith Through Art” -- Nov. 15 @ 6-8pm at The Cathedral

Engage artistic expressions and practices and explore the relationship between art and our faith. CONTACT Stephen at stephengire@mac.com.

4th Sundays: “Everyone Does Theology” -- Nov. 22 @ The Cathedral Come together for a seminar-style exploration of the great “mysteries” of our faith (Nov: Creation; Dec: The Incarnation). Practice doing theology in ways that engage and empower ALL of us. CONTACT Keith at: nelsonkr@gmail.com

justice and service opportunities
Here are just a few ways to link and serve. If you are engaged in justice and social action and want to invite others to partner with you, reply to this email and we’ll list the event or program, along with your contact info.

** 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 Justin at justin@diomassintern.org.

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

community notes

Connect with New Ministry Leaders

We've got an amazing new crew of ministry leaders making life happen here @ TheCrossing, and they can all use partners to join their teams. See where you might like to plug in this year:

** Marie Harkey: mharkey@gmail.com (to get creative around worship)
** Justin Harvey: justin@diomassintern.org (to share info about your justice work or learn about opportunities OR if you’re a newcomer)
** Penny Larson: penny@pennylarson.net (to suggest communities/groups we should reach out to)
** Jason Long: jlong@diomass.org (to join new fall small groups)
** Keith Nelson: nelsonkr@gmail.com (to learn about The Crossing’s Rule of Life & spiritual formation)
** Lispeth Nutt: lispethn@gmail.com (to help with web ministry)
** Rev. Steph Spellers: revsteph@gmail.com (to get pastoral support or just connect)

** Travis Stevens: tstevens@hds.harvard.edu (to be a greeter or help w/ post-worship hospitality)
** Jamie Urquhart: jlynnu@hotmail.com (to share favorite songs or offer musical talent)

** Kirsten Wesselhoeft: kirsten.m.w@gmail.com (to learn about the Rule or outreach)
** Julia Wilkinson: juliasierraw@gmail.com (to preach or lead spiritual practice)

** Michael Zahniser: michael@zahniser.net (to talk about starting a Crossing house or pre-worship prayer circle)

Making Music Together
Our new music director, Jamie Urquhart, wants to know the songs that most stir your heart. And if you like making music -- singing, playing an instrument, writing -- let her know that, too.CONTACT: Jamie at jlynnu@hotmail.com to share favorite titles or your musical talent.

Giving @ The Crossing – An Update
We're past halfway toward our annual giving goal of $20,000 in 2009, but it’s gonna take a generous three months to meet our goal. 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, an apartment sublet …)? Log onto our 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.

Blessings, peace and power!

Rev. Steph