CrossRoads Connect Weekly
First Sunday of Advent
This Sunday, Pastor Dan Cochrane will kick off the Advent season by introducing our sermon series with a focus on the first name of Jesus: Wonderful Counselor, based on Isaiah 9:6. In this message, Pastor Dan will explore how Jesus guides us through life's challenges, providing us with direction, wisdom, and understanding as we navigate our decision-making. Together, we will reflect on the vital importance of seeking His counsel in our daily lives, setting the tone for our journey through Advent.
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 Central Alberta. Several of our local compassion partners will be with us this Sunday—come meet them, hear their stories, and learn how you can join in what God is doing right here in our own region.
Mission Team
Please continue to lift up our team of seven in Rwanda! The team consists of the team leaders: Richard Vander Leek and Heather Carson, along with members: Adam Minke, Bernie TenHove, Brent Carson, David Garwood, Esteban Frayjo. They will be in Rwanda until December 4th, partnering with our longtime friends at World Relief. Their activities will include meeting with pastors, home visits, community work alongside pastors and leaders, speaking at a rural church, visiting volunteers in Kigeme Refugee Camp, and much more. Pray that they will be a source of encouragement and a blessing in every space they enter. Please keep them in your prayers as they travel and explore the beautiful country of Rwanda.
Hope in the Holidays
Join us for an evening of music and encouragement as we come together to recognize the weight of grief, especially during the holiday season, when such burdens can feel even heavier. Hope in the Holidays is an evening filled with uplifting music, heartfelt storytelling, and a message of hope. Our special guest, Marlene Woolward, will share her personal journey of love, loss, and transformation, inspiring us with how faith helped her find resilience and hope on the other side.
You are invited to experience this meaningful evening with us, where community and support remind us that we are not alone in this journey. A dessert, coffee, and tea reception will follow the service.
Wednesday, December 3, at 7pm in the Sanctuary.
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.
Thrive Women's Group
Looking for connection, encouragement, and a little fun? Join us on December 10th from 9:30 to 11:00 AM in the Chapel for 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.
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.
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.
Click the link to learn more. Information cards can also be found at the Café.
Begins Tuesday, January 13th from 6:30pm-8:00pm
Shoebox Success
A big thank you to the congregation of CrossRoads Church for packing 1,295 Shoeboxes and for those who contributed by packing boxes online. Your efforts have blessed children and given them the opportunity to hear about Jesus!
A huge thanks also goes to everyone who helped pack the boxes into cartons and load the trailer. You all did an amazing job! Each box represents a Gospel opportunity!
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.
Current Serve Needs
We’re excited about all God is doing in and through our church family, and we’d love for you to be part of it! There are many ways to serve this season, and no matter your gifts or availability, there’s a place for you on the team.
Here are two key areas where we need your help:
- Pew Stocking Team:
If you love to serve behind the scenes or prefer a flexible schedule, this is a great fit! The Pew Stocking Team quietly but powerfully blesses our church by keeping pews stocked, organized, and ready for Sunday mornings.
To learn more, contact Mandy at: mandyp@crossroadschurch.ca. - Single Moms Ministry Support:
Help support our vibrant Single Moms Ministry by caring for children while their moms gather for learning, prayer, and community. This group meets once a month on Friday evenings — a small time commitment that makes a big difference!
For more details, contact Mary at: mkappleton@gmail.com.
Would you prayerfully consider where you could step in and serve? Your time and heart make a lasting difference.
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.
Amazing Resources, FREE!
Looking for a convenient resource for deeper growth and connection? Discover RightNow Media, available at no cost to anyone at CrossRoads. Access over 25,000 Biblically-rooted videos and resources. Whether you're seeking personal growth or fostering connections with fellow believers, this platform equips you with another way to explore, learn, and grow in your relationship with God. Incorporate RightNow Media into your daily routine to enrich your life right at your fingertips!
RightNow Media includes:
• Content available for all group types and topics
• Audio-only mode (like a podcast or audiobook)
• Video chat & text to watch and discuss with groups
• Visit online or mobile app with downloadable content to use offline
To sign up for your free account, fill out the form HERE and receive full access!
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 9 AM – 4 PM, serving your favorite drinks, snacks, and soup with a bun to fit your lunch break.
Please note these upcoming closures:
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Dec 7: Café closed (It’s Soup’s On)
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Dec 23: Closed
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Dec 28: Closed
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Dec 30: Closed
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Jan 4: Closed
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
