Friday, December 30, 2011

Special New Year's Weekend at The Crossing

Christmas is now past. In fact, I hope your Christmas was spectacular. No, not because you received some incredible present or gift, but because you were able to celebrate Jesus. Our 6 Christmas services were amazing. God moved. People were touched. The name of Jesus was made famous.

Christmas is over which means we are just days away from another New Year. I must confess, I'm not all that into the drop of the ball or the reverie of a late night/early morning party. However, I am giving great thought to some important questions like, "How will I be different at the end of 2012?" Or "Where in my life do I need to yield more of me to become more like Him(Jesus)?"

I don't desire to repeat another year…all over again, as the same person I am today. Yet unfortunately some folks do. They won't be another year wiser personally, or richer relationally or spiritually more mature. I am sure you're wanting to be different 365 from now. Here's how…

There are all kinds of reasons why it would be easy to blow off church at The Crossing the weekend of December 31/January 1, but don't do it! To start the new year, I have a special New Year's message just for you (it's for me, too). The times are Saturday, December 31 at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday morning at 9:15 & 11:15 a.m. Come before going out on New Year's Eve or bring your coffee and I'll see you in the morning, either way, stop by. I guarantee you, you'll be glad you did.

Happy New Year,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Christmas Services at The Crossing

Why wrap gifts and presents? I mean, really. Nobody cares about the wrapping. Almost immediately it goes in the trash. I don't get it.

And before you go off on me, thinking I'm some sort of Scrooge or Grinch, I'm not, I love Christmas. I love to give to gifts. It is so fun to give. I've just always struggled with the wrapping paper. I just as soon give my gifts in the paper bag or the plastic bag from the department store. It's what's inside that counts, right?

However, there IS one gift given that I am so glad came in special wrapping. This particular gift is Jesus. He was wrapped in skin. It sounds a bit weird to say it that way, but it is true. Because He came in human form, He can relate to us. "Wow," is about all I can say…and "thank you, Lord!"

This coming, Thursday, Friday, Saturday…we will be celebrating God's gift to humanity. I'm looking forward to seeing you at one of our Christmas services.

Merry Christmas,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

Wouldn't it be awesome if some of that cold white stuff made it's way to Orange County? Some of you might think so, while others wouldn't be all that thrilled. However there is something we CAN get excited over, the arrival of Jesus. Yet with Black Friday and Cyber Monday, many get more amped in preparing for the killer deals, instead of planning for the advent of the SAVIOR of the world.

At The Crossing we are taking the entire month of December to ready ourselves spiritually, personally, and relationally for Christmas! I promise you it IS going to be a great month. We kick things off this weekend, December 3 & 4. DO NOT miss out! I GUARANTEE you, you'll be encouraged. I PROMISE you, you'll be refreshed. I ASSURE you, you'll be energized.

At The Crossing, we are seeking to recapture a bit of the startling and astounding GOOD NEWS proclaimed that very first Christmas. So I urge you, set aside each weekend during this often chaotic and hectic month to celebrate Jesus with us at The Crossing. I am praying BIG prayers that you will meet Jesus in new and fresh ways over the next 30 days.

Making Jesus Famous,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing