Archive for the 'This Week at Cross Church' Category
This Week at Cross Church | A Historic Election and More
A Historic Election
Early yesterday morning, we watched history unfold before our eyes when we learned that our nation has elected Donald J. Trump to be our next president. In this undeniable and indescribable moment in American history, this is a time when leaders must rise from all across America and lead. More of my thoughts on this historic moment can be found in my article from yesterday.
Thankful for Fayetteville Campuses Over These Past Weeks
During the past several weeks, Dr. Nick Floyd and the entire staff team of our Fayetteville campuses have been engaged in a journey that has led them to make a three-year commitment to provide our greatest need in that city… a campus. Pastor Nick and the entire team have led well and I want to thank them. Additionally, we thank the lay leaders who have assisted them closely. Last Sunday, the church made their financial commitments with gifts that are over and above the first tenth of all God has given them. God is moving powerfully and this Sunday, we will announce their commitments to this significant experience. Again, thanks to our staff team, our lay leaders, and the hundreds of families who have made financial commitments to see this vision realized!
People Like Gayla Oldham Make This Ministry What it is Today
This week, we are celebrating the 15th anniversary of Gayla Oldham, my personal assistant, serving on our Ministry Staff team. Gayla has also worked an additional five years on our support staff team, having served Cross Church for a total of 20 years. She has paid a heavy price the past two years as I served as President of the Southern Baptist Convention. While we do not recognize every anniversary publicly, I want our entire church to know of her significance. Surprise Gayla (she has not seen this before now) with a brief email of gratitude for her service to this ministry at gaylao@crosschurch.com. Jeana and I love Gayla. She is a tremendous asset to our lives and this ministry. We are thankful for Tony, her husband, who gives up some time with his wife so she can serve the Lord and this church through her job. They are great churchmen and we are thankful for Gayla and her family.
Blessing Basket Ministry… We Need Your Involvement!
Cross Church has been distributing Blessing Baskets to families in need for 24 years. A Blessing Basket provides a holiday meal to families who may not be able to afford one. Those who receive a Blessing Basket also hear the Good News of Jesus and have a chance to respond to Him and even be baptized. In order for Blessing Baskets to be a success, we need our Cross Church Family to give, and hundreds of volunteers to assemble 3,000 Blessing Baskets and work during Distribution Day. Will you volunteer to help or contribute to Blessing Baskets to help families have a holiday meal?
Assembly Day: Saturday, November 19, 9:00 a.m., Pinnacle Hills campus
Distribution Day:
Pinnacle Hills Campus – Saturday, November 19 at 12:30 p.m. (English and Spanish)
Springdale Campus – Sunday, November 20 at 1:30 p.m. (English and Spanish)
Fayetteville Campus – Sunday, November 20 at 2:00 p.m. (English only)
Neosho Campus – Sunday, November 20 at 2:00 & 4:00 p.m. (English only)
Fayetteville East Campus – Sunday, November 20 at 4:00 p.m. (English only)
Blessing Baskets is always a special time in our church, and we would love for you to engage. Go here to find out more information and learn how to volunteer and give.
This Past Sunday, We Were with Dr. Johnny and Janet Hunt in Atlanta
Last Sunday, Jeana and I were with Dr. Johnny and Janet Hunt, helping celebrate their 30th anniversary serving the First Baptist Church of Woodstock, Georgia, and his 40th anniversary in ministry. I had the tremendous honor of preaching the keynote message. Dr. Hunt has preached here a few times, and I want you to know of my love and appreciation for Johnny, Janet, and their church. Their 15-minute video of Johnny’s life and legacy was terrific. What a glory to God! You can see it here. We are so grateful for the friendship of Johnny and Janet. What a superb Sunday morning for Dr. and Mrs. Hunt and the First Baptist Church of Woodstock, Georgia.
I Will See You Sunday!
Ronnie W. Floyd
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.
This Week at Cross Church | Time Change Sunday… the Good One!
This weekend, we will move our clocks back one hour on Saturday evening and gain an hour of sleep. Each of us should be in worship service on time on Sunday morning, ready to hear from the Lord. Bring someone with you. Pray for Sunday.
Vote on November 8 or Before
Each person who is registered to vote needs to vote on or before November 8. Do not minimize this election or be discouraged by the tone. Do not go to sleep or be deceived by others: This election is about issues that will ascend America or contribute toward our ongoing descent. If you are qualified to vote, not voting is absolutely wrong. To throw away your vote will place people and issues in places of power and influence that may believe nothing like you believe. Be wise. Your faith votes!
Just one example in the state of Arkansas is the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes. All of this may sound noble, but it is not. Larry Page, Executive Director of the Arkansas Faith and Ethics Council writes this about Issue 6 on legalizing medical marijuana: “Compassionate health care is smart health care. Issue Six is neither smart nor compassionate health care. It is simply reckless and irresponsible.” I agree. Again, be wise and do not be deceived.
It is Not About Benefitting the Church, but You and Your Family
Giving the first tenth and more of all God has entrusted to you is not about benefitting the church, but you and your family. Therefore, give at least the first tenth of all God gives to you through your local church. Additionally, giving beyond that first tenth is when generosity really occurs. It is so very important to do this weekly, faithfully, and consistently. Ask God to give you the faith to give in this manner. He will take care of you. If you can trust God to save you from hell, there should be no question in trusting Him for your financial future. Trust God in your life like never before.
1,000 Thank Yous and More!
Dear Cross Church Family, I love you and am so thankful for the privilege of serving as your pastor for these past thirty years. Almost two weeks ago, you encouraged our hearts greatly by celebrating with us. It was powerful. We are so very grateful. If you missed my article about it from last week, you can see it here. Again, thank you, Church. We love you. We champion our cause together: Reaching Northwest Arkansas, America, and the world for Jesus Christ.
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.