CrossRoads Connect Weekly
Second Sunday of Advent
This Sunday, Julie Cavanaugh will focus on "Mighty God," drawing from Isaiah 9:6 to emphasize the omnipotence of Christ. In her message, she will remind us that God is both our protector and sustainer, instilling confidence in His power over our lives. Additionally, Julie will lead us in Communion, encouraging us to reflect on the profound significance of Christ's sacrifice and the transformative power of His resurrection as we gather in worship.
Everyone is welcome to worship in person this Sunday at 9am, 11am, or 6pm, or join the livestream at one of the morning services. Join us online by visiting the livestream page, or find more info at crossroadschurch.ca/sunday.
Compassion Campaign
During the Advent season, we pause to highlight our local and global compassion partners. Each Christmas Eve, we receive a special offering to support the work being done in Haiti, Uganda, Rwanda, and right here in our own city and region. In the same way God gave His Son to us, we give our gifts to others. We call it Compassion.
This year's theme is "Blessed to be a Blessing". Through Scripture, we recognize that every blessing God gives us is meant to flow through us. When we share what God has given us—our resources, our prayers, our time—we become part of something much bigger than ourselves. Together, we are living out God’s call in Genesis 12:2-3 that began with Abraham: “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing ... and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
This week, our focus is on Uganda with International Needs. International Needs Uganda empowers vulnerable children through education and character development. CrossRoads partners with Buikwe Senior Secondary School to support quality education and opportunities for spiritual growth.
Lunch & Learn with Rev. Justus Miwanda:
This Sunday, we are pleased to welcome Rev. Justus Miwanda, who has faithfully served as the Executive Director of INUG for over 20 years. Join us in the Chapel at 12:30pm for a Soup’s On lunch as Justus shares encouraging stories and highlights what Jesus is doing in Uganda.
Food, Fellowship & Brunch
Soup's On is a wonderful opportunity to get connected with new people; whether they are new to CrossRoads Church, or just new to you. So spread the word, invite friends, family, or strangers: maybe invite someone new you met during the service! This month's meal is brunch: with waffles, sausage, bacon and fruit. After the 6pm service join us for treats instead of brunch. The Café will be closed during the morning and afternoon, and will open after the 6pm service. Pay online or in person.
Cost is $5/person (ages 5 & under free).
Family of 4 or more (if over age of 5) is capped at $20.
No registration for 6pm service - Just drop by!
Sunday, December 7, after each service in the Café/Gym.
Prayer for the Nations
International Needs Uganda equips vulnerable children through education and character development. Through our partnership with Buikwe Senior Secondary School, CrossRoads continues to support quality learning and opportunities for spiritual growth.
Prayer Points:
- Give thanks for the completion of the four-classroom block in 2024 and the impact it’s having on senior high students.
- Pray for the new Executive Director, Dr. Gerald Naluwairo—asking God to grant wisdom, grace, and strength as he steps into leadership.
- Pray for the Global Compassion Committee as they discern the feasibility of developing a computer lab at Buikwe Senior Secondary School.
This Sunday, we are grateful to welcome Rev. Justus Miwanda, longtime Executive Director of INUG, who will join us in the Chapel at 12:30pm for a Soup’s On lunch and share updates on what God is doing in Uganda.
Thrive Women's Group
Looking for connection, encouragement, and a little fun? You are invited to join Thrive Women's Group! Whether you're juggling toddlers, navigating an empty nest, or anywhere in between, women of every age and stage are welcome.
Thrive is a safe space to see, hear, and know others—where you can enjoy a morning of community, support, and fellowship.
This month’s activity:
Invite a friend and join us as we paint custom wood-cut ornaments!
Cost: $5 cash per ornament
Open to women of all ages and stages — no sign-up required.
Come celebrate this special time of year with delicious food, free coffee, tea, and complimentary childcare.
Wednesday, December 10, 9:30-11:00am, in the Chapel.
Sweets and Songs
An evening of Christmas carols, delicious desserts, and wonderful fellowship as we celebrate the birth of Jesus together! Come sing, rejoice, & share in the joy of the season as we honor the arrival of our Saviour. Let’s uplift the Lord Jesus Christ by singing some good Christmas classics. Invite your friends & family to engage in the Christmas spirit with you! Hot drinks provided. Bring a treat to share!
Wednesday, December 17, 7pm in the Chapel.
Help & Hope This Season
Wondering how you will navigate the weeks surrounding Christmas? Are you feeling overwhelmed by the holidays, knowing that many traditions have changed and that past joyful memories may feel distant?
Our Surviving the Holidays seminar is especially designed for those grieving the loss of a loved one. You’ll learn:
- How to cope with the range of emotions during the holiday season
- How to adapt traditions and embrace new ways of celebrating
- How to adapt traditions and embrace new ways of celebrating
- How to adapt traditions and embrace new ways of celebrating
- Ways to find hope and peace for the coming year
Thursday, December 18 from 7:00 - 9:00pm, in Room 108 or 207. Participant guide available in class for $5 (cash only please).
Tree of Remembrance
We invite you to visit our Tree of Remembrance, a cherished space dedicated to acknowledging grief and honoring your loved ones who have passed away. Here, you can take a moment to stop, surrender your heartache, and place your sorrow in His loving hands.
This tree serves as a safe haven for prayer and reflection, allowing you to remember those who hold a special place in your heart. You are encouraged to fill out a Tribute Card and place it on the tree in memory of your loved one.
The Tree of Remembrance is located in northeast corner of the Foyer.
Donate Bottles for Missions
We are grateful to have the opportunity to collect bottle donations for use by our Missions department. Your donations provide funds to support a variety of needs for local & global outreach. The collection trailer will be parked on the east side (right) of the main entrance and will be open for your donations between 8:30am and 7pm the second Sunday of every month.
Next Date: Sunday, December 14.
Marriage Weekend
Save the date! This weekend is a special and unique time away for you and your spouse to dedicate 48 hours to focus on your relationship. Join a team of married couples as they present on various topics, God's biblical principles, and their real-life experiences. The weekend includes time together at a beautiful retreat center dedicated to learning techniques for a healthy marriage. Use this time with your spouse to explore and strengthen your marriage.
January 23-25, 2026 at Sanctum Retreat Center near Caroline. Cost of $350 per couple.
Growth For All Ages & Stages
All NEXT groups run on Tuesday evenings from 6:30pm-8:00pm, with an option to purchase light dinner from the Café. (soup, salads, sandwiches). Come anytime! Please note that Alpha starts at 6pm.
Begins Tuesday, January 13 from 6:30pm-8:00pm
Special Connections
Seeking a community of people who walk similar paths in life? Join this group and gather monthly for a time of fun activities and fellowship with others who have special needs, or if you’re a family member or a dedicated worker. Come ready to enjoy yourself and make meaningful connections with others! Join us once a month, from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm, on third Sunday of the month. Sign up is not required, just drop by! Please contact Pastor Dave at davem@crossroadschurch.ca with any questions.
Sunday December 21st at 3pm in Room 109. Caregivers are invited to meet at the same time in Room 104.
Celebrate the New Year
Hot Drinks, Treats, & Soup!
Looking for a cozy spot to catch up with friends or simply enjoy a warm drink? The Café has you covered with specialty hot and cold drinks, fresh baked treats, and delicious soup! Want to take the flavors of Soup’s On home? We sell 750ml containers of leftover frozen soup for $7.50 each.
Updated Café Hours
After the final NEXT Tuesday of 2025, the Café will be open on Tuesdays from 9am– 4pm, serving your favorite drinks, snacks, and soup with a bun to fit your lunch break.
Please note these upcoming closures: Dec 7: Café closed (It’s Soup’s On), 23, 28, 30, and January 4.
Note: Closed Sundays when Soups On Sundays event is scheduled.
Supporting CrossRoads
To give to the ministry at CrossRoads and those we support, we encourage you to choose either of these options:
ONLINE BANKING: please contact finance@crossroadschurch.ca for your payee account number.
E-TRANSFER: please use giving@crossroadschurch.ca as the recipient. In the notes section of the e-transfer, specify where you would like the giving designated to: General, Missions or Building. If no designation is made, it will be allocated to the General Fund. To receive a year-end donation receipt, please also include your address in the notes section.
If You're New, Welcome!
If you have recently moved to Central Alberta or are newer to CrossRoads, we would love to get to know you! We can help you plug in, find friendship and connect in the CrossRoads community. Our Pastor of Discipleship & Community Life, Denise Snyder, would love to connect with you - email her at: denises@crossroadschurch.ca and tell her a little about yourself and your family.
You can also visit crossroadschurch.ca/welcome for a quick intro, or text 'welcome' to 1-833-313-1305 to start a conversation. So glad to have you with us!
Know What's Happening
Stay connected to the stories and day-to-day happenings at CrossRoads in these simple ways:
WEBSITE - crossroadschurch.ca
WEEKLY TEXT UPDATES
Text: Updates to 1-833-460-1788 to subscribe (standard message rates apply).
WEEKLY EMAIL
Sign up here: Yes, send me email!
How Can We Pray For You?
Following each service, prayer team members are ready to pray with you. If you join us in person, prayer is available in the Sanctuary. If you're watching online, let us know your prayer request by sharing it here. Someone will then follow-up with you to pray together.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." - Philippians 4:6
Support Our Community Partners
Serving Opportunity
Join us at CrossRoads Church for the annual Community Christmas Dinner, hosted by Hope Mission. This is a meaningful opportunity to serve our community by offering a warm meal and sharing holiday hope. If you’d like to sign up to serve, please contact Dani at dani.villanueva@hopemission.com or call 403-550-8781. Thank you for your support and compassion!
Thursday, December 11, 4:30pm. Dinner will be served at 5:00pm.
