1. Attendance is higher than ever.

2. 10.10.10

3 churches cancelling church on a Sunday and going out into the community to serve.  We ancticipate something like 1500 people.  What a privilege to be a part of a church that puts a priority on things like this!

3. Most groups ever this Fall!

4. Most people in groups ever – this fall I believe!

Two years ago there were 300 people in groups…we’re more like 750-850 now!

5. Life-change that is happening

-         People are serving outside of ourselves:

  • The many groups that came to Second Saturday – serving our community and building trust that they might one day soon hear the gospel. We average something like 60 people regularly at a 2nd Saturday!
  • I think of the group that prepared over 1100 shoes to be sent to needy people
  • I think of the group that put backpacks together with school supplies for needy kids in our community.

-         People are ministering to each other.

  • I can think of countless examples of this…
  • I think of the group of guys who surrounded the man in a sickening custody battle…
  • I think of Penny Jones…  taken care of so well!
  • I think of former GG Leader who lost their business and experience love, practical help and grace from the people of this church.

-         People are growing in their knowledge of God

  • One of the funnest things about putting the brochure together is seeing the variety of topics and books that people are reading and learning!
  • I think of high school boys reading a book by John Ortberg!

-         People are being released from chains…

  • Burdens held for years are being let go.
  • I think of porn addicts are being released.
  • I think of over 2tons of weight being lost in the PRISM groups – okay I made that up – but many people being helped to healthy lives through it!

-         People are stepping out of their comfort zones

  • I think of the 30 first-time leaders or co-leaders this trimester.
  • I think of the new team leaders…
  • I think of the many many people brand new to Crossroads feeling like they’re part of the family.

6.  God is obviously working amongst us

This passages shows what happens when God shows up…  we’re seeing this today!
- Isaiah 61:1-4 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,  2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,  3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion– to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.  4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.

7.  There’s so much more to be done! And that’s exciting!