Cross Pointe Church Blog

Small Groups Launch This September

2011-08-29T07:00:00.000-07:00

From the time our Lord Jesus Christ left this earth to prepare a place for each of us, the church has been a community that has helped to shape solid marriages, sturdy families and strong relationships. Simply being part of our church will not automatically produce these things--but we know that being part of a local church can make those things much easier to realize. That’s why Cross Pointe is passionate about the concept of doing life together.

Groups are focused on Bible study, fellowship and equipping people to live as effective Christ-followers today. Groups are formed according to similar life stage, age, gender, or goals, and meet weekly or biweekly. At Cross Pointe, we offer weekly Life Class opportunities at the church on Sundays, and Home Groups to suit your schedule and geography.

Home Groups meet in homes off-campus. They're a convenient option for gathering with people near your home. Many Home Groups meet Sunday evenings, or at other days and times during the week. Current listing and interest form...

Life Classes are offered at the church. Many Life Classes meet during the traditional Sunday morning time, opposite our worship services at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. Other Life Classes are offered periodically at the church as topical or Bible book studies, ladies classes or special courses like Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University or our Missions Training. Current listing and interest form...

In Acts 2:42-47, we see that the first century church was centered on four things...

Teaching God’s Word
Community fellowship
Devoted prayer
Ministry to one another and the community

Though things have changed since then, we believe these foundational truths are as core to the function of the church today as they were 2,000 years ago. We still center our lives on the Word, we still desire to be in community with one another and we still gather together to experience God and to serve the community and the world in His name.
Whether you prefer to meet on Sunday or through the week, in the morning or evening, on campus or in someone’s home, we have something for you. Married or single, working or retired, have kids or not—there is a Home Group or Life Class opportunity awaiting you.

Fall Bible Classes for Women

2011-08-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

Women's Bible Classes offer you the opportunity to dig in to God's Word in a study that's applicable to your life. Cross Pointe Women invite you to be a part of a great Bible study, meeting September through November, 2011. Register now for a class, then join us for the Fall Kickoff and a great season of Bible study! Here's a class list and registration info...

Say Yes to the Dress Mission Project

2011-08-15T07:00:00.001-07:00

Every girl deserves to feel like God's little princess. Ladies, join us as we share His love in a tangible way by making adorable pillow case dresses for orphan girls in Ethiopia. Women from Cross Pointe that recently returned from Ethiopia on mission will be on hand to tell us about these precious little ones as we make the dresses.

Pillowcase dresses are super-easy to make... you don't have to be an experienced seamstress. If you don't want to sew, join us anyway as we fellowship and pray for these precious orphans.
We'll meet Sunday, August 21 immediately following Women's Ministry Kickoff at 6:00 p.m. Items you need to bring: Cute pillowcase(s), matching ribbon and thread, and sewing machine (if possible--we will have some extras). Sign up to participate and for childcare online...

Women's Ministry Fall Kickoff

2011-08-09T19:13:00.000-07:00

Our Women's Ministry is blessed with a tremendous group of leaders in Bible study, ministry and missions. This fall we're excited to launch a number of vital and impactful opportunities for women of all ages. If we were to try to squeeze into a webpage all that God is doing among our women--well, it would be too much to read.

Instead we'd like to invite you to our Women's Fall Kickoff, Sunday, August 21, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Lakeside Room at Cross Pointe. You'll have the opportunity to hear about all the great ways you can be involved in Women's Ministry, ask questions, meet old and new friend and so much more!

Our desire for the Women's Ministry is to see Cross Pointe's women serve, share and love one another and our community for Christ more than ever before! Plan to set aside this evening to learn how you can be involved in Cross Pointe Women. Visit our Women's Ministry area online and explore right now!

Apply Now for South Asia Mission, November 4-13

2011-06-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

Apply now for an amazing week of ministry in South Asia this November. The cost is $2,500 per person. A $250 non-refundable deposit is due with application to reserve your place. The team will have an information meeting on Sunday, July 10, at 12:30 p.m. in Room A108 for all those interested in being a part of the mission.

Apply now...

Toy Collection for Nicaraguan Orphans

2011-06-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

We are collecting toys for children at the Rolando Carazo Orphanage in Managua, Nicaragua. Our Pastor visited this orphanage in early May. We are in need of good quality, sturdy toys for newborns through age 4 (toddlers). Spanish-language toys and board-books are especially helpful. Our student ministry will be taking the toys with them when they depart for their mission in Nicaragua on July 7.

Drop off toys at locations in the church lobby and the Preschool area of the church.

Please avoid "disposable" toys like crayons and coloring books, or toys that are designed for just one child. The orphanage has about 50 children, birth through age 4, with few toys to play with. We are looking for sturdy toys that will last a year or more under daily play with the children.

Update on Japan and Tornado Relief

2011-06-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

Cross Pointe donated $22,500 to Japan disaster relief from their recent earthquake and subsequent tsunamis, as well as helping victims of the tornados and storms in Georgia and Alabama. The donation was made through Samaritan's Purse, which will ensure all funds go directly to the most vital needs of these victims. The funds include a portion of our Easter weekend offerings, which we pledged to disaster relief, as well as contributions made to a special offering for Tornado victims.

Additionally, Cross Pointe collected clothing and toiletry supplies for tornado victims on the weekend following the storms. Those collections were donated to the Northside Baptist Church in Cullman, Alabama--among the hard-hit areas in the region.

How Do You Plug-In to Missions? Three Words

2011-05-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

For most believers, the first question asked about missions is "How can I be involved?" There are three primary ways you can be involved in sharing your story through missions:

Pray
Pray for the nations, for those who need Christ, and for the missionaries (short- and long-term) who serve them worldwide. Pray for Cross Pointe's own missions efforts and teams as they travel and share the Gospel locally and globally. Most of all, pray that God will help you see the world as He sees it, so that you can respond with boldness to share your faith. Your prayer will be most effective as you learn about missions and the state of the planet:

> More about the 10/40 Window
> More about Unreached People Groups
> More about Megacities and Urban Ministry
> More about the State of the Planet

Give
Your faithful giving through the Cross Pointe budget and our Rise to the Occasion campaign enables us to fund many of our ongoing mission projects and partnerships. Funds also help to scholarship deserving individuals to offset a portion of the cost of their mission trip. And funds to the Cooperative Program of the Southern Baptist Convention support thousands of Baptist missionaries and efforts worldwide on behalf of Christ and the Gospel.

> More about Missions Giving

Go
Finally, by committing to a short-term mission project, a local mission endeavor, or following God's call for longer-term missions commitment, you can have a direct role in taking Christ to your neighbors and the nations.

> More about Mission Trips

The Big Move Is Sunday, June 12

2011-05-24T21:17:00.000-07:00

Our NextGen Ministries, preschool, children and students, will be promoting to their new grades/classes for the coming school year on Sunday, June 12. As part of "The Big Move", our CPKidz (Children's Ministry) will be moving to the Student Building for their Sunday morning activities. Here are locations and times:

First Links (Preschool) is offered for newborns through those entering kindergarten in the First Links area of the campus (Worship Center building, first floor) at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m.
Children entering grades 1-4 in the fall will meet in the Student Teaching Room, led by Greg Westmoreland, at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. There will be both a small group and large group time at each hour, including Bible study and praise and worship.
Those entering grades 5-6 in the fall will meet in the Student Worship Room at the 9:30 a.m. hour only. There will be a small group Bible study and a large group worship time. Josh Frazier and Jamie and April Barwick will lead this time.
Those entering grades 7-8 in the fall will also meet in the Student Worship Room at the 9:30 a.m. hour only. There will be a small group Bible study and large group worship time--students will "swap out" space with grades 5-6 during the hour. This will be a rich hour of bible study, fellowship and worship.
Those entering grades 9-12 will participate in Sunday morning service opportunities.

Why the Big Move?
Moving our Children's Ministry to our Student Building gives us room to grow without costly additional renovation to the older Administration Building. There's a much better space for children to worship, and some minor additions to empty space will provide us with excellent small group areas for all ages.
In addition, it brings all our NextGen Ministries, preschool through students, closer together physically--there's less walking on campus. For moms and dads who have to "cross the bridge" each Sunday to drop off and pick up children, this will be a much more convenient meeting place.

Impact Your World

2011-03-28T10:18:00.000-07:00

Impact Your World is an exciting equipping course to prepare you for cross cultural missions in the U.S. and globally. Through videos, live testimonies, teaching sessions, and fun exercises, this six-session course will cover the following topics:

Understanding worldview
Biblical basis of missions
Church planting movements and strategy
Preparing to cross cultures: culture shock
Helping and not hurting
Sharing the gospel in another culture

The next Impact Your World class will be taught Friday, April 1, 2011, from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, April 2, 2011, from 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The class will be held in the Theater (Administration Building, first floor). The cost is $18 per person. Meals on Friday evening and Saturday are included in the cost of this class. Everyone considering being part of Cross Pointe missions team should complete this training.

Register now online.

Responding to Disaster in Japan

2011-03-21T22:17:00.001-07:00

On Friday, March 11, a massive earthquake measuring 8.9 on the Richter Scale, struck northern Japan--the largest earthquake ever recorded in that country and the fifth-largest on record anywhere. The earthquake triggered a series of tsunami waves, some more than 20 feet high, that washed away entire towns and caused widespread devastation.

> ABCNews YouTube Video Recap of Japan Disaster.

What Can We Do?
The reaction at Cross Pointe Church, as is the case with believers worldwide, is "How can we pray, and what can we do?" We've included some helpful prayer resources at the bottom of this page.
A great way to respond right now is to give. You can contribute to Baptist Global Response (BGR). Baptist Global Repsonse is a separate relief agency that works with Southern Baptists to provide aid for disasters worldwide. You may be most familiar with their ongoing work providing aid and rebuilding teams in Haiti. Already BGR is on the ground in Japan providing a channel for our church and other Southern Baptist churches to participate in relief efforts.

> Give Through Baptist Global Response.
> Baptist Global Reponse Twitter Feed (Updates on Japan Recovery).
> Baptist Global Response on Facebook.

Following BGR's assessment and talks with Japanese government officials, they will mobilze any Baptist Disaster Relief teams necessary. We'll update this page with info should any U.S. teams and relief trips materialize.

Praying for Japan
In your prayer time today and in the coming days, please remember the following:

Pray for those who have lost loved ones in the Japan earthquake and tsunami.
Pray for Christian missionaries and workers in Japan.
Pray for relief workers in Japan and from other countries as they begin the difficult task of digging out victims and restoring infrastructure.
Pray for God to open opportunities to serve the Japanese people and share the gospel in the wake of this tragedy. Only between 1% and 6% of Japanese are believers. Just 30% of Japanese follow any religion, and of those, 75% are Buddhist.

> Joshua Project Profile on Japan.

A Great Story from Our Food Pantry

2011-03-15T22:31:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday, I arrived at the pantry an hour early to prepare and found two women and a child waiting at our doorstep. All three were Hispanic: an older woman, Floriana; a younger woman, Maria; and her 4-year-old son, Jesus. Our counselors quickly began to gather details and found out that these three people were completely homeless and spoke very little English. They had stayed one night with a stranger named Beatriz. Beatriz happened to be a woman we had helped several times at the pantry, so she brought them to our doorstep that morning.

One of our Spanish-speaking counselors, Nery Espinoza, began to gather more details of their situation and seek help. She contacted the Mexican Consulate and many other resources. After two hours of researching and making contacts, Nery was able to locate a facility in Gainesville that would provide shelter for these two women and the child for two weeks while they try to get work and find a permanent home. She also found a Hispanic Pastor who agreed to help them.

Beatriz came back to the pantry at our request that morning. We provided a gas card so she could drive Maria, Floriana and Jesus to Gainesville. We were able to send them away that day with food, additional resources, shelter and some hope.

--Mona Hoffman

This is just one of so many stories we receive each week from our Food Pantry ministry. We always are in need of food donations and volunteers!

To learn more, visit our website.

Finding Families for Georgia's Waiting Kids

2011-02-20T11:38:00.000-08:00

Join our One.27 Orphan Care Team at Victory World Church, Norcross, on February 26, for Focus on the Family’s Wait No More summit. The event will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. You'll hear more about the kids who are waiting (1,500 in Georgia), the process of adoption from foster care, and ways to support adoptive families. In addition, agency and county representatives will be on site to answer questions and help you get started. Let's lead the way in giving these children Christ-centered families.
For more information contact Jennifer Dove at zjdove522@gmail.com or visit Focus on the Family's Wait No More website.

Cross Pointe University March 2011 Session

2011-02-13T07:37:00.000-08:00

Women's Prayer Tea on Saturday, February 19

2011-01-31T08:00:00.000-08:00

Only God can change the hearts of Muslim women. Will you join Him through prayer? Muslim women have less access to the gospel than anyone else in the world.

Join us for an informative and prayerful time on Saturday, February 19, 2011, from 10:00 until 11:45 a.m. We're inviting you to come join us to enjoy tea together. Share what God is doing in your own lives--then venture to the edge of lostness as you pray for Muslim women. Our desire is to education women at Cross Pointe and in our community about the oppression of Muslim women, and provide specific ways that we can pray for them. Our guest speakers are K.K. Gilbert and Ruth Nolen, with Teresa Merritt hosting this time together.

> Click here for online RSVP.

Student Authentic Weekend Coming February 24-27

2011-01-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

Authentic Weekend is an annual event for students, grades 7-12, including worship and teaching, missions service projects and small group discipleship in area homes.

Authentic Weekend is February 24-27, 2011, and is held at Cross Pointe Church.

> Click here for online registration.

Parents, Provide a Scholarship!
Moms, dads and other adult leaders in our Student Ministry, you can help students to attend Authentic Weekend who might otherwise not be able to afford to do so. By providing a scholarship, you'll enable one or more students to be a part of this powerful weekend of teaching, worship and ministry involvement. Authentic Weekend is among the most impactful ministries for our Student Ministry each year. Won't you have a part in making it possible for students in need to attend?

Cross Pointe Partners with Beloved for Women's Retreat

2011-01-17T08:00:00.000-08:00

February 18-20, 2011
Our own Beloved worship group is hosting their fifth annual Women's Retreat on February 18-20 at the Marriott Atlanta Gwinnett Place. This weekend features fantastic music and speaking by Beloved, special guest speakers, door prizes, games, fun, fellowship and so much more! You've heard Kim, Denise and Amy at Cross Pointe's worship gatherings--you'll also want to experience their fantastic ministry to women through this retreat!

Let's Face It, Don't Fake It! Reveal the Real You
We'll be learning how to embrace and reveal the real person that God has fearfully and wonderfully made! Plus, all the fun, food and surprises abound at what you've come to expect from a Beloved retreat! Back by popular demand is our Friday night lip-sync contest, along with a new sensational Saturday night luau (dress in your tropical best!).

On Saturday there's free time to enjoy with your girlfriends. What a great weekend experience to relax, revive and renew. Cross Pointe women can register at the group rate of $125 per person (includes all events plus Saturday breakfast, luau dinner and snacks). For more information and online registration, click below--or register in person at the Guest Services Desk at Cross Pointe Church this weekend.

> Beloved Retreat Website

Note: Payment, cancellation and registration policies are detailed at the Beloved Retreat website. Cross Pointe is delighted to partner with Beloved for this excellent women's event--all payments for the retreat are through Beloved and you can contact them directly for additional information or if you have questions at 770.751.9018. For out-of-town guests, Beloved has discount room rates available at the Marriott--visit the website above for complete details.

Tasty Teaching for Winter 2011

2011-01-12T20:01:00.000-08:00

A person's character--who he is--determines the impact he or she has on others. The Bible unlocks nine key qualities of a Christ-follower that, if consistently exercised and seen by others, will influence them toward Christ and their own full potential in Him. In Galatians we see the Fruit of the Spirit--nine traits the Apostle Paul mentions that are part of the character of a Christ-follower.

No one can do anything about his heritage, but he can do something about his legacy. Beginning today, you can become the kind of person who makes a life-changing difference for others. In Christ, your life can be tasty--one that others see and crave because they see Jesus in you.

Don't miss the powerful message series Tasty, January 9 through March 6, 2011, as Pastor Merritt takes us through these biblical marks of Christ-like character. Tasty includes our worship and teaching time, as well as a companion study by our Life Groups and Home Groups.

> More information at the Cross Pointe website.

Student Authentic Weekend 2011

2010-12-27T07:00:00.000-08:00

Authentic Weekend is an annual event for students, grades 7-12, including worship and teaching, missions service projects and small group discipleship in area homes. Authentic Weekend is February 24-27, 2011, and is held at Cross Pointe Church.

Early Registration Now Available
Early registration is now available online at a discounted price of $49 per student. Register early and save. Click here to register.

Cross Pointe University January 2011 Session

2010-12-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

2011 Mission Trip Opportunities

2010-12-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

The following mission trips are currently planned for 2011. Click after a trip to fill out the Missions Interest Form, your first step in applying for a mission trip online. Mission trip signup is a process involving an application, payment for your trip, and required training sessions related to your specific mission. For security reasons, some destinations are not specifically listed--contact our Missions and Evangelism Office for more information.

February 19-25, Latin America. A vision trip focusing on mobilizing leaders and missionaries to unreached people groups in Latin America. Interest form...

March 12-20, North Africa and Middle East. A vision trip to make initial connects in a strategic urban center. Interest form...

April 2-9, New York City. A construction trip with the Metro New York Baptist Association building a multi-use facility. Interest form...

Middle School, Summer. A first-hand experience for Middle School students with cross-cultural missions. City location to be determined. Interest form...

Southeast Asia, Dates To Be Announced. Working with peoples in a populous nation in the 10/40 Window. Interest form...

Summer, New York City. Working with religious immigrant groups in neighborhoods including Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu populations. Interest form...

Summer, Ethiopia. Encouraging families and developing foster care and adoption ministries. Interest form...

June 18-25, Morgantown, West Virginia. A family-friendly construction team serving the Chestnut Mountain Ranch for Boys, a school and home for kids in crisis. Interest form...

July 9-13, Nicaragua. A cross-cultural mission trip for High School students, helping a new church start in Central America. Interest form...

Fall, North Africa and the Middle East. Business leaders will work to establish business and personal relationships in a strategic urban center. Interest form...

September 11-16, North Africa and the Middle East. Pastor Merritt will conduct leadership training and work with our team in a strategic urban center. Interest form...

October 22-29, Barbados. Our team will minister to an unreached people group on the island. Interest form...

Bittersweet Symphony for Christmas Eve

2010-12-08T07:57:00.000-08:00

"The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10-11

Cross Pointe's Christmas Eve services are an intimate time of worship and reflection--the perfect way to bring the holiday to life in your heart and for your family. This special time of worship features music of the season and a touching message for Christmas. It's our joy to welcome many guests and friends from throughout the greater Atlanta area to these services. This year our theme is "Bittersweet Symphony", as our music and message centers on the sweetness of Jesus' birth and the bitterness of His death on the cross.

Christmas Eve 2010, Friday, December 24
Cross Pointe offers two identical Christmas Eve services at 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. in our Worship Center. Families are invited to worship together. Child care for younger preschoolers, birth through age 3, will be available. More information...

Guide to Family Worship

2010-11-29T09:00:00.000-08:00

The idea of family worship is attractive--and a little intimidating. As a mom or dad you might be excited about bringing the concept of worship into your home and family. But how do you begin? Cross Pointe's free online guide will help you answer basic questions and begin a pattern of family worship.

Family worship as we know it is not directly commanded in the Bible, but the importance of discipling at home is prominent throughout the Scriptures. In the Old Testament, fathers are commanded "You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise" (Deuteronomy 6:6-7); and Psalm 78:5-7: "He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments." In the New Testament, fathers are given the command to bring their children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).

Clearly, the family is central in passing along our faith. Family worship in the Bible is rooted in the idea of responsibility. Parents--especially fathers--are primarily responsible for the spiritual instruction and vitality of their families. The task is great and weighty, but God's grace is greater and the eternal rewards are beyond anything this world can offer.

> Click here for Family Worship resources and the Family Worship Guide PDF download.

Follow Me Small Group Lessons

2010-11-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

"Come, follow Me", Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). How did Jesus teach His disciples? He had no classroom, no textbooks, no PowerPoint presentation, no mission statement or core values--none of the trappings of the modern church. Indeed Jesus' life was the lesson. He taught His disicples to share the Word, show the Word, teach the Word and serve the world, through His life by example.

This incredible teaching series looks at what it really means to be Jesus' disciple in our world today. This small group teaching series is available for Cross Point Life Groups and anyone else who would enjoy this relevant Bible study.

Click here for lesson downloads as Adobe PDF files or Microsoft Word (DOC) files by clicking on the individual icons. You can also download all eight lessons in both formats as a compressed archive (ZIP) file.

Abide Small Group Lessons

2010-11-15T09:00:00.000-08:00

Jesus has just concluded The Last Supper and begins to teach His disciples what a relationship with Him will look like following His death and resurrection. Contained in John 15 is an amazing illustration of the vine and branches--and an admonishment for Christ to "abide in Him".

As we look closely at this key chapter, we find that being a Christ-follower is not a "to do list for God," but rather a deep, intimate relationship with Him that changes our lives and bears fruit for His Kingdom. These small group lessons are available to Cross Pointe Life Groups and anyone else who'd like to enjoy this relevant Bible study.

Click here to access lesson downloads individually as Adobe PDF files or Microsoft Word (DOC) files by clicking on the individual icons. You can also download all eight lessons in both formats as a compressed archive (ZIP) file.

Global Missions at Cross Pointe

2010-11-10T13:18:00.000-08:00

Our new Global Missions section of the website is now live. There's tons of educational information and ways to be involved. Be sure to check out sections on "What is a people group?", "Reaching the New Megacities" and "State of Planet Earth."

> Visit Global Missions at Cross Pointe Church

Audio Messages Let You Pass on the Gospel

2010-11-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

We have hundreds of people downloading messages by Pastor Merritt from our website and via our podcast each week--not to mention the many thousands who watch messages through our sister ministry, Touching Lives. Ever wonder what you could do to pass along this great Bible teaching?

CDs of messages are available in our church Resource Center for purchase, and you can also download message audio files for free from the website. Think about how you can pass along these messages to your friends, neighbors, family and others you encounter each week. They can be an encouragement, a challenge and others will hear the gospel through your gift.

> Latest audio messages and download instructions

Countdown Underway for Butterfly Island/Playground Unveiling

2010-10-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

Nearly two years in the making, we will be unveiling our new First Links (Preschool) Butterfly Island facility and our new children's indoor playground on Sunday morning, November 7, beginning at 9:00 a.m. We've made special arrangements for all of our preschoolers and children who are attending both hours to have some time at the playground as well as our preschoolers to enjoy worship in the new Butterfly Island on this morning.

Moms and dads can check out the amazing new digs after the 11:00 a.m. worship hour.

Butterfly Island
Butterfly Island is the name of our First Links (Preschool) Worship Time, which will now be held in this fabulous new space. Our older preschoolers--ages 3-5--will enjoy a weekly trip to the Island for musical praise, great lessons from the Bible and lots of their favorite friends and characters to learn from. This engaging programming helps us teach our little ones foundational concepts from the Bible they'll need as they grow.

Indoor Playground
Adjacent to the Butterfly Island room is a fantastic new indoor playground, complete with seating area and coffee cafe for moms and dads to enjoy while the kids climb, slide, crawl and jiggle their way through the state-of-the-art space. Because the church campus was formerly a factory, an outdoor playground was not on the drawing board. Thankfully God provided us with a perfect space and this indoor playground will not only be fun, but also safe from the elements.

But Wait, There's More!
Additional restrooms have been added near this space for men, women and children. There's also a new Family Restroom available for moms and dads to help their little ones when necessary. Water fountains and additional storage complete this stellar renovation. A new outside entrance to the Indoor Playground has also been added, complete with handicap access.

How'd We Do It?
In these tremendously lean economic days and with our current church budget shortfall, we want everyone to know that this project began nearly two years ago, and was generously provided for by grant funds outside of our budget funds. We have been frugal with our dollars while at the same time moving forward to provide much needed children's recreation and teaching space and additional restroom facilities on the First Links floor.

A Very Special Day
November 7 is Commitment Day for our Rise to the Occasion emphasis. We will be having two services at special times--9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., along with a brunch in the lobby for all adults between the two services. The Grand Unveiling is a part of this tremendous day of celebration.

> More information and countdown clock

Rise to the Occasion Prayer and Devotional Emphasis

2010-10-18T09:17:00.000-07:00

During our Rise to the Occasion emphasis this fall, we are journeying together through Scripture with a prayer and devotional guide. The Guide is written by members and staff of Cross Pointe. You can download the Prayer Guide below in PDF format, or use the calendar to click and read each day's devotional online.

> Download Prayer and Devotional Guide

As we draw near to our Commitment Day on November 7, our Prayer Team is seeking individuals who will commit to bathe the final and full 24-hours leading up to our 9:00 a.m. service on that day in continuous prayer. We are asking individuals to sign up for a 30-minute block, sometime between 9:00 a.m. on Saturday and 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, to pray for Rise to the Occasion, for our worship and message on that day, for our church and for our ministries and missions now and in the coming years.

> Sign up for 24 Hours of Prayer

Operation Christmas Child

2010-10-11T09:15:00.000-07:00

Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations worldside through gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God's love. Our Kidz K'nextion Ministry is coordinating the collection of shoe boxes for the holidays. You can fill a box with small toys and other gifts that can open hurting hearts to God's love.

Download the instructional brochure below, then collect the items and bring your shoe box to the Kidz K'nextion area on the Cross Pointe campus by November 7.

> Details and Instructions

Rise to the Occasion

2010-10-04T09:12:00.000-07:00

God often brings the combination of challenge and opportunity. Throughout the Bible we see people overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds as they obey God and then experience success in His mission as a result. David overcame Goliath and became a great leader for God. Nehemiah rebuilt God's temple. Paul looked past imprisonment to write some of the foundational letters of the New Testament. Each of these people rose to the occasion--and God used their initiative to accomplish great things.

This fall, our chuch embarks on a campaign of ministry expansion locally and globally called "Rise to the Occasion". The emphasis includes a message series, daily prayer and devotional guide, informative events and an exciting commitment day.

> More Information

Most Excellent Way

2010-09-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

Most Excellent way is a co-ed Bible-based support meeting that ministers to those in bondage to or recovering addiction to alcohol, drugs, pornography or other life dominating sins. We have an additional meeting for family members and friends that live with loved ones that are in bondage to addiction.

Our meetings are confidential--we are here to help. Most Excellent Way meets Thursday nights in Room A108 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. For more information contact George Cutulle at 404.731.0246.

More details online...

The Disciples' 25

2010-09-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

What is your plan for discipling a friend or family member that you or someone else has led to Christ? If you're going to be an effective disciple-maker, what should you be teaching to fellow believers that are new to the faith? The Disciples' 25 is a simple plan for discipling another person. We've posted online 25 key biblical principles you can help a new believer learn and apply to their life.

This isn't by any means the only beginners' disciple-making process available, and though not exhaustive, it is a great place to start. Each of the Disciples 25 is listed online with four teaching and application steps:

A truth to teach,
Scripture to help you teach that truth,
How a new Christian can apply that truth in their lives; and
Activities you can do with a new Christ-follower to help model that truth for them.

Remember that the goal of disciple-making is not just to teach a biblical truth. This is important, but it's just the beginning. As you teach a biblical truth, you want to show the foundation for that truth in Scripture(s). Then, you want to train your disciple to put that truth into practice in his or her life. Finally, you want your disciple to learn from you how to turn around and teach that same truth in someone else’s life by modeling the truth. This is what disciple-making is all about!

Click here to access and download The Disciples' 25.

Touching Lives Golf Tournament October 6

2010-09-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, October 6
Join us for one of the most beautiful 18-holes in our state as Touching Lives Annual Golf Tournament takes on the Legacy Course and Lake Lanier Islands Resort. A complimentary breakfast and lunch, along with tournament prizes, is a part of this great day of fellowship and ministry support. Shotgun start format is at 9:30 a.m.

About Touching Lives
Touching Lives is an international media ministry. The broadcast, featuring messages by Pastor James Merrit, is aired in all fifty states, where over 90% of the country can hear God’s message of hope, and the need for salvation each week. Touching Lives is also seen in 122 countries, on virtually every continent. These messages and life-changing spiritual materials are also shared around the globe via the world-wide web at www.touchinglives.org.

Though Touching Lives features Cross Pointe's Senior Pastor, this ministry operates separately from the church with its own ministry budget and support. Cross Pointe works hand-in-hand with Touching Lives, using the relationship as a resource to share the gospel and as a partner in ministry across Atlanta and around the world.

Touching Lives' Gold Tournament proceeds are used to help us expand their reach even further than they currently do. With an estimated viewing audience of over a half-million each week, this ministry has just begun to scratch the surface on what we can accomplish for the Kingdom of God with additional revenue generated by this tournament. Your participation in this event will help shore up our financial base to allow us to expand as God leads. Simply put, we cannot do it without you!

> Golf Tournament Information and Registration

Text and Tweet Night Coming September 26

2010-09-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

Ever had a question or two about God's Word, the Christian life, theology or Bible history that you wanted answered--if only you knew who to ask or how to ask it? Join us Sunday night, September 26, for Text and Tweet Night at Cross Pointe. We'll meet at 6:00 p.m. in the Student Worship Room for this time in God's Word, answering your questions in real time.

Here's how it works--you will be able to text your questions using your phone, or "tweet" them using your Twitter account on a smart phone, or email them using your phone's email. We'll receive questions live, on stage, and our Pastor's Panel will answer them from God's Word. In this way, your questions can be attached to you or completely anonymous. We'll all hear the answers together and grow in our knowledge and application of the Bible.

Pastor Merritt, our own Mitch Christensen and others will be a part of the panel. The topic for the evening will be "practical theology"--any questions you have from your study of God's Word that you'd like answered. What does it mean to abide in Christ? Where was Jesus' spirit while His body lay in the tomb? Is the Bible really without error? What will happen in the end times? These questions and many more could be answered at Text and Tweet Night!

Ask Your Questions Right Now!
We're already gathering questions for Text and Tweet Night to get us started. You can submit your question(s) right now in any of the following ways:

Text your question (SMS) to 678.835.7741. This is a Google Voice number set up just to receive Text and Tweet Night questions, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Email your question to textandtweetnight@gmail.com. This is an email address set up just to receive Text and Tweet Night questions, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Send a Twitter "tweet" to twitter.com/textandtweet. This is an Twitter account set up just to receive Text and Tweet Night questions, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

This Teaching Series Is Really "It"!

2010-09-01T23:19:00.000-07:00

God's will is the great "it" of the Christian life. Where you can you find it? How do you know it? Is it real and is there a specific will of God for you? For many believers, life seems just a little aimless as we search, seek and sometimes just wait for God's specific instructions of what exactly to do with our talents, skills and abilities. Join us as we open God's Word to study the intriguing topic of God's will--how we can find it, know it, understand it and live it. Together we'll learn how God reveals His will and how we can follow it every day.

Join Pastor Merritt for "It", Sundays, September 12, 19, 26 and October 3, 2010. Services are Sundays at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. at the Cross Pointe campus.

Click for details...

Simply Love September 25

2010-08-25T20:09:00.000-07:00

Simply Love is a churchwide opportunity for the Cross Pointe family to display the love of Christ as we serve others in our community. A couple of times each year we will invite the entire Cross Pointe family to focus on serving others. We do this because serving others is a core value of Cross Pointe Church. It is who we are in Jesus Christ, and Simply Love will give us opportunity to focus one of the most important commands Jesus gives His disciples: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Join Pastor Merritt and the Cross Pointe staff on Saturday, September 25, 2010 as we serve our community. Ministry opportunities will range from light construction to helping under-aged girls who were enslaved in the illegal sex industry in the Atlanta metro. Individuals, families, and Life Groups can work individually or together.

Mark your calendar now and beginning on September 6 plan to register to be part of one of the Simply Love ministry teams. Most ministry efforts will begin at 8:30 and end around noon. Childcare will be available.

Second Annual Lake Day September 11, 2010

2010-08-16T19:53:00.000-07:00

Each September our entire faith family gathers at Lake Lanier Island Resort for a day at the lake. Included in this time together is a great lunch, fun and friends at Lake Lanier's Chattahoochee Rapids Water Park, and a special service of baptism in the lake.

Second Annual Lake Day September 11, 2010
Be sure to mark your calendar for Saturday, September 11, 2010, for our next Cross Pointe Lake Day! We'll enjoy fun and friendships from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Your ticket includes parking, lunch, along with admission to the water park. Our lunch is a hot dog, hamburger, chips and drink provided by the Lake Lanier Island Resort. Additional beverages will be available for purchase during the day in the water park.

Tickets
Tickets are $12.00 each online, or $11.00 each at the church (the extra $1.00 online covers the electronic processing cost). Each Lake Day ticket includes admission to the water park, lunch and parking. (For comparison--the regular priced adult ticket for the water park alone is $27.81 with tax and children's tickets are $19.42 with tax--without lunch or parking--so our Lake Day event is a tremendous value for every member of the family!)

Affordable for Families. There is a $44.00 max (4 purchased tickets) for families--if you have a larger family, purchase only 4 tickets--and please note in the "special instructions" box on your online ticket order that you have more than 2 children in your party. For children ages 2 and under, admission is free.

> To purchase your tickets electronically, click here.

You can also purchase tickets at the church on Sundays at the lobby kiosk. Remember, purchasing tickets in person saves you $1 a ticket.

Note to Lake Lanier Season Pass holders. Please note that Lake Lanier's 2010 season ends on September 6, 2010. Our Lake Day event is after the season closes. The waterpark is opening especially and privately for our group--you'll need to purchase a ticket for entry.

Get One, Give One
Lake Day is a great opportunity to connect with friends and neighbors. As you purchase your own tickets, consider also purchasing tickets for friends, acquantences, co-workers, or others you can invite to join you at the water park. You can also purchase tickets for those who might not otherwise be able to afford to come--you can pay for "gift tickets" at the church and we'll distribute them for you to those in need.

Life Teaching Series

2010-08-10T12:53:00.000-07:00

The central message of the Christian faith is that Jesus saves. He saves us into a relationship with Him. He saves us from an eternity apart from Him. He saves us to a life of purpose through Him. Salvation isn't about praying a prayer, checking a box or completing a 3-step program. It's far deeper--and it's far simpler.

Join Pastor James Merritt for a three-part series entitled "Life". We will open God's Word together to look at three important questions we have about salvation... How do we get it?, how do we know it's real? and how do we keep it? This series will help you understand salvation in Christ, and what it means for your life now, and the life to come. It's a great series to enjoy with your friends and neighbors who may be not attend a church anywhere.

"Life" will be featured August 15, 22 and 29, 2010, in our 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. Sunday services. Don't miss it!

Prayer Gathering September 12

2010-08-02T18:41:00.000-07:00

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6

The purpose of the Prayer Gathering at Cross Pointe is simple: pray. Join us as we meet as a faith family to pray for one another, for the needs of our church ministries and congregation, the greater community and Christ's mission in our world. There is no agenda or purpose for this time other than an hour of prayer. A staff member provides guidance as we walk through Scripture and pray together in large and small groups, as well as individually. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Next Prayer Gathering Sunday, September 12, 2010
Join us for our next Prayer Gathering on Sunday, September 12, 2010, at 5:00 p.m. in the Student Worship Room on the Cross Pointe campus. Registration is not required. Child care is available by reservation--contact the Preschool Office at 678.812.4500 to make child care reservations.

Worship Arts Introduction Event August 22

2010-07-26T21:18:00.000-07:00

Worship is not a spectator sport. In fact we are not an audience watching worship, but participants together in worship for an Audience of One. Each of us is a worship participant, and a worship leader. And we are prayerfully seeking additional individuals to lead in worship through Cross Pointe's Worship Arts Ministries. Will you join us in putting your talents, gifts and abilities to use as we present our weekly offering of praise to our God, an Audience of One?

Worship Arts Introduction Sunday, August 22
On Sunday, August 22, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. we invite you to join us for a Worship Arts Introduction. Everyone is invited--vocalists, instrumentalists, those who would like to participate in event choirs, technical arts volunteers for sound, lighting, video and staging, drama actors, writers and directors--if you have a creative, musical or technical talent, we want you to participate in our Worship Arts Ministry! There are also opportunities for students, and for adult leaders in our student, children's and preschool ministries in the area of Worship Arts.

The Introduction is a three-hour workshop where you'll learn about our Worship Arts Ministry, where we believe God is leading us, and how you can participate. This event is for those who would like to be involved in Worship Arts, as well as all of those already participating. It will be held in the Student Building. We're looking forward to adding your brush stroke to the artistic works we present to God each week through our worship services and ministries.

Registration and Details
Click here for more info and to register.

LYNTYS Teaching Life-Changing Disciple-Making Principles

2010-07-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

Jesus never started a program of evangelism. He made disciples and trained His disciples to make disciples. He taught them and modeled before them a life of loving the Father and loving His nieghbors. LYNTYS is an acroynym for "Love Your Neighbor, Tell Your Stury". This is a life-changing approach to leading your family, friends and neighbors to become disciples of Jesus Christ.

LYNTYS is not typical "evangelism training"--if you've ever been a part of a "three step" program to share the Gospel, or felt intimidated by the prospect of telling others about Christ, you'll find LYNTYS to be something different, real and do-able. It's about building honest, meaningful and vital relationships with your neighbors. In this context, sharing your faith is not a pressured presentation or awkward obligation. It's a natural part of a growing relationship--and it mirrors the early church in the New Testament.

Join us this fall for our upcoming LYNTYS sessions, Wednesday nights at 7:00 p.m. beginning August 11, or Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. beginning August 15. The course is six weeks long and taught by Troy Bush, Pastor of Missions and Evangelism.

More information and registration...

Summer Cookouts Connect Cross Pointers with Neighbors

2010-07-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

Kick back, relax, slow down and enjoy time with your friends and neighbors...
This summer we're encouraging Cross Pointe families to host a neighborhood cookout with your friends who do not normally attend church. Of course you may want to invite a few Cross Pointe friends--but let this be an opportunity for both your family and your Cross Pointe friends to connect with people and introduce them to our church.

Host a Cookout August 28 or 29... We are prayerfully asking fifty Cross Pointe Families to host a cookout on the weekend of August 28 or 29, 2010. Hosts are committing to provide their home for a cookout, and coordinate food and activities through their own family and friends for that day.

We request each participating household willing to host a Cookout to register, so that we can coordinate Cookout locations throughout the area. Once you register, we'll provide additional information to you within a few days. The deadline to register is Sunday, August 8.

Click here for more information or to register as a host home...

Career Connect July 14 Meeting

2010-07-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

The purpose of Career Connect monthly interactive meetings is five-fold:

Equip and encourage our members and neighbors in their searches for a new career or job
By using the CCN’s six steps to you job search. Help identify your God given talents and calling to assist in your job search
Provide a forum for subject matter experts to interact and address strategic and tactical issues, challenges and methods to employ
Communicate job opportunities that may come in from church members and other sources
Pray for the seekers and ask God to help govern appropriate activities and responses to the job and career search process.

If you think our June session was a home run, you will find our July 14 session to be a two run homer. Rhe July 14 session will be held in the Administration Building Theater on the first floor from 6:45 to 9:00 p.m. Our guests are:

Alice Smith has a Masters of Science and MBA and is the owner of Alice Smith Coaching. She has a wide range of management and leadership experience at nationally renowned health care providers. As she honed her “mentor coach approach” to management at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta over the last decade, her team developed two nationally recognized programs for preventing childhood obesity that won “Innovation in Prevention” awards from the US Secretary of Health and Human Services. Her team members thrived individually, too, with eighty percent receiving system-wide recognition awards in the 5,000 plus employee organization.

Mark Cole, a member of Cross Pointe and who has been Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Consumer Credit Counseling Service Atlanta since late 2000 will be our second discussion leader for the evening. Mr. Cole previously was president of Personal Debt Solutions of Phoenix, Arizona. He also served as chief operating officer for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling in Silver Springs, Maryland and, prior to that, was president of CCCS in Fort Worth, Texas. He has done consulting work for some of the nation’s largest creditors and credit counseling institutions. He serves on the Board of Community Friendship and is a member of the Advisory Board of TechBridge. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the BBB of Metropolitan Atlanta. The discussion topics he will touch on are:

What types of credit counseling is available
Is a “debt management plan” something you should explore?
What housing counseling resources might be appropriate for you life circumstance
What is CCCS and what are the communities this organization serves.

Please plan to attend, participate, and network but most of all learn some new insights of searching and finding the right career for you.

More about Career Connect at Cross Pointe...

Orphan Care Ministry Launching at Cross Pointe

2010-07-05T08:14:00.000-07:00

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27

Believing care for orphans is one of the purest forms of religion, Cross Pointe is preparing to begin an orphan care ministry. Aspects of this ministry will include prayer, support of orphanages, foster care and adoption and other areas of service and ministry as the Lord leads. We are prayerfully seeking individuals to be involved in and lead out in orphan care through our church in the coming weeks and months.

Click here for more information.

Centri-Kid Camp 2010 Photos

2010-06-28T11:16:00.001-07:00

Pics from our recent Centri-Kid Camp, July 21-25, 2010.

Click here to view these pictures larger

In Everything By Prayer...

2010-06-22T16:47:00.000-07:00

"Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer."
Psalm 4:1

Prayer is simply Christ-followers talking to and listening for God. Prayer is the means by which we bring our requests and needs to God. It is also one of the means by which God gives us instruction. Every believer's spiritual life and spiritual development will in many ways be a reflection of his or her prayer life.

Cross Pointe's new Prayer area online preceeds a greater emphasis on prayer churchwide, including upcoming Prayer Gatherings, prayer guides and online prayer groups. Visit our site today to learn more about prayer and how you can participate in our churchwide prayer effort.

> Visit Cross Pointe Prayer online

New Recommended Reading from Pastor Merritt

2010-06-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

The Pastor has just added a host of selections to his recommended reading list online. These books are among the many the Pastor uses to study and prepare for his teaching each week, as well as well written, structured and theologically sound resources helpful to anyone who is a student of God's Word. The Pastor's Library online contains links for each resource so you can purchase directly online if you so desire.

> Click to visit the Pastor's Library.

New Bible Study Resources

2010-06-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

Check out Cross Pointe's new online resources for Bible study and reading, Scripture memorization and online study.

> Click to visit Cross Pointe's Bible study resources now.

Women's Summer Bible Study

2010-06-02T22:08:00.000-07:00

"The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down." Proverbs 14:1

Wednesdays in July, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

This class will answer the question, "How can we be a wise woman, building our house and not tearing it down?" We will intently study what the Bible has to say about marriage, and how we can practically apply biblical truth to this most intimate relationship in life.

This class is for every woman. For the single woman, this class will better equip you for your future mate. For the woman who has been married for any number of years, there will be new insights and give you the opportunity to share your experience during table discussion. Join us for this half- lecture, half-small group discussion formatted study as we explore God's Word together. Teacher: Deanna Davis

Registration and Child Care
The cost is $4.00 per person for course materials. You can register and make child care reservations online. Child care is available to those who register before June 30.

> More information and online registration...

Mighty 90 Summer Emphasis

2010-05-25T10:22:00.000-07:00

Mighty 90 is a three-month emphasis at Cross Pointe Church focusing on faithful stewardship. The principle is simple: we give faithfullly, God multiplies exponentially, and the Kingdom of God grows effectively. Your stewardship through the local church should be in obedience to God's Word. But it doesn't stop there.

God uses our obedience for His purposes and plan. As we give, ministry is accomplished and lives are changed. Right now through Cross Pointe Church, hundreds of families in need are being fed each month, children are receiving clothing and shoes, the Gospel is being shared locally in our own communities, and with the international communities both in Atlanta and around the world.

Right now through Cross Pointe, preschoolers and children are learning Scripture and the stories of the Bible. Students are applying God's Word in their lives at church and at school. Single adults are influences for Christ in their families, social circles and workplaces. Marriages are being built. Relationships that are floundering are receiving help and godly counsel. Connections are being made with organizations internationally to take the Word of God to the four corners of the earth. Events like Family Fun Day, our Easter services and upcoming message series are drawing individuals toward Christ who have no previous connection to His body, the church.

All of these ministries are made possible by your continued giving. As hundreds give faithfully week by week, our individual gifts are multiplied and make all of these activities in Jesus' name possible. Continue to explore this Mighty 90 website, tell us your story of faithful stewardship, and commit in your own household to be a faithful steward this summer during our Mighty 90 emphasis.

Read the Bible Daily

2010-05-20T11:55:00.000-07:00

There's no better way to understand God and His plan for all of creation and your life and family than to dig into His Word every day. Through the Bible we discover not only the great story of salvation and restoration in Christ, but the practical ways to live a life of trust and faith in God. If you're not in the Word, you'll never experience the most that the Christian life has to offer!

Join the Cross Pointe Faith Family in reading the Bible through in one year. Subscribe below and we'll send you a monthly Bible reading calendar via email. Each day the calendar gives you four passages of Scripture to read:

An Old Testament chapter
A New Testament chapter
A selection from the Psalms or Proverbs

In this way, your Bible readings will stay fresh as you look at a variety of passages each day and each week. You'll connect the Old and New Testaments, and find expressions of praise in the Psalms and great wisdom in the Proverbs. Please, join us and dig in to the Word this year!

> Click here to sign up

Return to Eden

2010-05-11T20:32:00.000-07:00

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1

In Genesis 1-2 we see God's amazing story of creation, climaxing with Adam and Eve living in God's presenece in the perfect Garden of Eden. The Bible also tells us, despite man being kicked out of the garden because of sin, that we are to tend and care for God's creation. In fact, as we study the world God made us, we find God's handprints thoughout, and an incredible means for us to share the Gospel as we understand and care for our planet.

Join Pastor Merritt and Jonathan Merritt for a two-part series entitled "Return to Eden". We'll open God's Word to examine our place and response to creation according to Scripture. We will by-pass myths and alarmist rhetoric and talk frankly and honestly about what it means to be a Christ-follower and "tend to creation." And we'll talk about practical things we can do in our daily lives that are not only smart living, but godly living.

Don't miss "Return to Eden", June 20 and 27, 2010 at Cross Pointe Church.

> Click for more information.

Peru Missions 2010

2010-05-04T11:31:00.000-07:00

God has opened some amazing doors for us to work again this year with the Bejar’s Ministry in the Lima Peru area. We are planning three trips this year to work in the following ministry areas:

English Classes
Light Construction
Church Planting
Medical Clinics
Business Training

Planned Peru Mission Trips

June 26-July 3, 2010. Our Pastor will be joining us on this trip, where we will focus on Personal Evangelism, English Classes, Business Training, Pastor Training, and light construction. This would also be a great entry level trip for anyone.
October 2010 (Specific Dates To Be Determined). This trip will focus on English classes, light construction, business training, and medical clinics.

Cost and Arrangements
The total cost for a Peru trip is estimated at $1,500 per person, including airfare, ground transportation, lodging, insurance and food. For details and to get involved, contact Renee Song at 678.802.7261 or by email. To begin the registration process for these mission opportunities, click to fill out a Missions Interest Form.

Getting to the Pointe

2010-04-26T17:44:00.000-07:00

Membership at Cross Pointe is an intentional process designed to move you from simply attending church to becoming fully involved in all aspects of our mission--to Love God, Serve Others, and Share Your Story. These deliberate steps will help you understand your commitment as a member of Cross Pointe and our commitment to you as a church family.

Our Membership process begins with Starting Pointe. Here you can get acquainted with Cross Pointe and what makes us unique. We will share with you our purpose and our goals for anyone seeking to be a part of a church that focuses on others. This is also a great time for you to determine what the next step should be in your relationship with God, think about your direction in life and get moving in your spiritual journey. Join our Pastor and staff as we walk you through the membership process.

Our next Starting Pointe class is Sunday, May 16, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Click for more information and registration.

Family Fun Day at Suwanee Park Photos

2010-04-19T15:24:00.000-07:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

Family Fun Day April 17, 2010

2010-04-13T23:22:00.000-07:00

Family Fun Day is a free event for the whole family filled with fun and games, free prizes and plenty of time to hang out, enjoy life and make friends. Our next Family Fun Day will be:
Saturday, April 17, 2010
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Suwanee Park
Suwanee, Georgia

> Directions and Details

Giant Inflatable Attractions
Family Fun Day features more than a dozen giant inflatable attractions. Kids can test their skills in the supremely silly obstacle course, take a dive off the giant 30-foot-high slide, or trade inflated blows with friends in the wobby boxing ring. Younger children can take a bounce in the giant moon walk. Best of all--there's no cost for any of our Family Fun Day activities.

Games, Music and More
Get your face painted, or play a fun game with friends. On the Park Stage, enjoy music and more. Or just relax with friends and enjoy the sunshine. Family Fun Day is has lots in store for families of all shapes and sizes.

Got the Munchies?
Food vendors will be available at the park during Family Fun Day. Grab a burger or a chicken sandwich, some friends and some soft drinks and enjoy lunch--or just satisfy the munches with an ice-cold snack. Food vendors charge individually--it's the only optional cost associated with Family Fun Day.

Great Prize Giveaways
Register to win one of several great prizes being given away the afternoon of Family Fun Day. There are great toys and gifts provided by local merchants that you can win. All prize registration is on-site at the Family Fun Day event (there is no online prize registration offered).

Mission Trip Interest Meetings April 18

2010-04-06T12:12:00.000-07:00

Interest meetings for our summer mission trips to Peru and Alaska will be held on Sunday, April 18, following the 11:00 a.m. worship service.

The Peru Trip will be June 26 - July 3, working with Benjar's Ministry in Lima. Dr. Merritt will be a part of this trip, focusing on personal evangelism, English classes, business and pastor training and light construction. This is a great entry-level trip for anyone. The cost is $1,500 per person. The April 18 interest meeting for this trip will be held in Room A110. More info...

The Alaska Trips are scheduled for July 18-26 and July 25 - August 2. The July 2 team still needs 4-5 people and will be doing light construction (experience helpful but not required). The July 25 team will be doing local service projects, Bible study and Christian education for ages 8-16. This trip is more evangelical in nature. The April 18 interest meeting for these trips will be held in the Theater. More info...

Cross Pointe University Spring Session

2010-03-30T08:25:00.000-07:00

Looking for a topical study from God's Word that you can apply to life every day? Cross Pointe University (CPU) is a great entry point into Bible study. CPU classes meet on Wednesday mornings and evenings, and typically run for 8 to 10 weeks each season. More like a "college course" than an ongoing small group, CPU classes let you engage in a book or topical study in an interactive setting for a set number of weeks. When you're class concludes, choose another for the next term, or switch over to a Life Group or Home Group--or do both. It's your choice.

CPU classes are divided into three areas of study that mirror or church mission statement:
Loving God. Learn more about God and His Word through these in-depth Bible studies. Explore issues of salvation, doctrine and faith.
Serving Others. Discover your spiritual gifts and find a place of service in the church through these CPU courses that focus on developing skills to serve others.
Sharing Your Story. Take your faith beyond the walls of the church into your world as you learn to confidentily and consistently share the story of Christ and His impact in your life through these practical CPU courses.

Our spring 2010 CPU session begins April 14 and runs through May 26. Online registration is now available. Click for class listing and online registration.

Parent~Child Dedication

2010-03-23T22:21:00.000-07:00

Twice a year the First Links Preschool Ministry offers the opportunity for parents and families to engage in a special time of dedication. Parenting can be one of the most rewarding and adventurous times in life as well as one of the most overwhelming times. It is our desire to help encourage and equip you to be Godly parents through this journey. By being a part of this dedication you are committing to do your best to model Christ in your home. You are saying you will raise your child in a way that leads him to God so ultimately they will understand their need for salvation. Our next Parent~Child Dedication will be April 25, 2010. More info...

FX Family Worship

2010-03-16T21:19:00.000-07:00

FX is a new Cross Pointe Church experience for moms, dads and children to worship together at church. Held periodically, FX lets parents model worship participation to their children, and creates a setting where parents and kids can praise God and study His Word together with other families and friends.

FX will be offered for kids, grades 1-5, and their parents on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010, at 9:30 a.m. in the Student Worship Room. There are no adult Life Groups meeting on Easter Sunday, so parents are free to schedule this time of worship with their children.

The Warrior Series for Easter

2010-03-11T23:36:00.000-08:00

This Easter, Cross Pointe Church presents "The Warrior", a three-part series focusing on a picture of Christ from Genesis to Revelation. March 28, April 4 and April 11 we will look at Christ foretold, Christ in battle and Christ returning to earth--three amazing moments that together encompass God's amazing plan of redemption.

We've set up a "movie trailer" video and website, www.thewarriorhascome.org, to help promote the series and are asking our members to prayerfully seek friends, relatives, neighbors and associates to invite to these services.

The look of "The Warrior" uses Asian themes to suggest Jesus triumphant return as King in Revelation. The snake in the logo is in reference to Genesis 3, where the promise of Christ is first mentioned as God outlines the consequences of man's fall into sin, and promises a redeemer that will "strike the heel" of the serpent. The series itself will be not only filled with symbolism, but media and music that will support the teaching of God's Word by Pastor Merritt.

Begin praying now for your unchurched friends and invite them to this excellent teaching series.

Helping Haiti

2010-01-13T19:17:00.000-08:00

On January 12, 2010 a 7.0+ earthquake struck the small and poor island nation of Haiti. With thousands dead and hundreds of thousands more without basic necessities of life, this is a great opportunity for Christians to show Christ through our humanitarian aid and prayer.

Cross Pointe Church has set up a web page for these purposes, partnering with Baptist Global Response to provide aid, as well as information about the country so that you can pray more effectively.

Donate through Baptist Global Response

Pray for Haiti

Upside Down Video

2010-01-01T08:55:00.000-08:00

We've had many requests to pass along a video we shared on Christmas Eve 2009 at Cross Pointe Church. The piece was called "Upside Down". Here's the video and link to the YouTube version:

Happy New Year 2010!

2010-01-01T08:52:00.000-08:00

Let this be the year you read the Bible through! Click here for a choice of great read-the-bible-through reading plans.

The Big Give "Gift for Jesus" on December 13

2009-12-12T19:51:00.000-08:00

Give a gift to Jesus through our "Big Give" offering on December 13. We will be distributing funds to local and global causes to help the hurting and spread the Gospel. There is no greater gift you can give this season than to Christ and on behalf of Christ to those in need.

Baptists in the Twenty-First Century

2009-12-11T07:26:00.000-08:00

Here's a podcast interview with Pastor Merritt from October 2008 discussing the future of Southern Baptists. Great thoughts on getting our denomination back to a core focus on the Gospel and our fundamental mission of reaching people for Christ.

Apollo Genesis Reading for Christmas

2009-12-08T11:33:00.000-08:00

Let's go back to Christmas 1968 to hear the Apollo 8 astronauts reading Genesis 1 as the circled around the moon for the first time. We used a video containing the Apollo transmission in our worship services on Sunday, December 6, 2009:

Memorizing Scripture

2009-11-08T08:53:00.000-08:00

Memorizing God's Word is a great way to not only learn more about Christ and the Christian faith, but to live it out every day. The verses you memorize are among the first you will recall in given everyday circumstances and situations. Psalm 119 is most known as being the longest chapter in the Bible--but did you know that Psalm 119 is a brilliant and concise chapter on the power, importance and central role of God's Word?

Cross Pointe recently began a weekly scripture memory email to encourage you to know more of God's Word and make "hiding it in your heart" a regular habit. Click here to learn more and sign up.

Thanks for Serving!

2009-10-31T16:38:00.000-07:00

Each week it takes literally hundreds of volunteers to facilitate worship, ministry, Bible study, care and logistics at Cross Pointe Church. To our many volunteers--thank you so much for your service. There's no better way to plug in to our church than through service. Click here to learn more about ways you can serve at Cross Pointe and to sign up for more information on our various avenues of volunteerism. Below you can see some pictures of some of our many, many wonderful volunteers...

Click here to view these pictures larger

Expanding Angels for the Holidays

2009-10-26T18:29:00.000-07:00

This year at Cross Pointe we're very much aware of more challenging economic conditions and needs within our own faith family and greater community. We're expanding our Angel Tree project for the holidays, and are now accepting nominations for deserving families that our members believe can be served by providing for them during the Christmas season. To learn more and to turn in a nomination, visit us online at http://www.crosspointechurch.com/news/events/page_angeltree.htm.

Friend Day 2009 Photos

2009-10-18T21:15:00.000-07:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

An Amazing Time!

2009-10-13T20:30:00.000-07:00

We live in an amazing time. This thought has been repeated in the media recently. Despite all the challenges in the United States with the economy and other problems, this is an absolutely incredible age in which to live. We have the ability to contact anyone anywhere anytime--cell phones, the internet, mobile internet. Information is everywhere. Social networking--we're connecting with old friends and making new ones at a staggering pace. For believers there has never been easier and more ready access to Bible study materials, ministry opportunities, and places and people to serve.

Why is the North American church sitting largely on the sidelines? If we have been waiting for some reason for a time when the church is really needed--certainly it's today! If we have been waiting for a time when we could easily connect with people--certainly it's today! If we have been waiting for an age where we can learn and apply the Word on our own--certainly it's today!

Some may wish God had saved Paul the Apostle or another "big name" in the faith for today. How come there is no Martin Luther for the internet age? Where is the Martin Luther King Jr. of 2009? Perhaps, just perhaps, we are those people. Perhaps God has saved today for us. Let's seize it!

Reading the Bible Through

2009-10-11T05:39:00.000-07:00

There are tons of excellent online resources to help you read the Bible through in a year. As a new believer, or as a seasoned follower of Christ, this is a great goal to help you not only learn the Word, but apply it daily. The Bible in a Year website will let you set up your preferred version and track, and then email you your daily readings, which makes it simple to get started.

Bible Study Online

2009-10-08T20:12:00.000-07:00

Is Bible study online helpful? There's something to be said for the simplicity and intimacy of the printed page. However, the tools available online for those studying God's Word are amazing. Every version of Scripture, footnoted, cross-referenced, in parallel or however else you would like to view it or digest it--Bible study online can be a deeply enriching experience.

A great tool for online study is Blue Letter Bible, though there are many similar tools. You may also check out You Version, which has a social networking feature, and even an iPhone app. Got any other favorite places for good Bible knowledge? Just drop us a comment.

Invited Your Friend for Friend Day, October 18, Yet?

2009-10-05T19:58:00.000-07:00

Who is your friend? Friend Day at Cross Pointe is coming October 18 with great worship and Bible study plus a massive barbecue lunch on the grounds at the church. The concept is simple: just invite a bring a friend. Have you invited your friend yet?

Dr. Merritt will be teaching from the book of James with a message entitled, "Live Like You Were Dyin'". Barbecue lunch follows the second service and is $5 per person, $20 family max--of course, guests eat free. This is a great day to bring a blanket, hang out in the parking lot and "tailgate" for lunch. Indoor seating will also be available.

Catch the spirit, seize the day and be sure to bring a friend with you to Friend Day, Sunday, October 18.

The Challenges of Marriage

2009-10-02T17:17:00.000-07:00

In our own church, as well as in congregations across North America, there is great distress affecting many marriages and homes. Cross Pointe's ministry staff leaders have been praying for and ministering to many couples who are facing crossroads in their relationships. The financial downturn and external factors have amplified the stress many marriages are facing. Frankly, because many couples don't seek the help of their church in martital difficulty, we often don't hear of a need until divorce, separation or another crisis is imminent. But it doesn't have to be that way.

Dr. Merritt will be confronting the issues of marriage from a biblical perspective in an upcoming sermon series he is planning for next year. Our staff wants couples to know that Cross Pointe is a church that cares about you and your marriage, and we earnestly desire to help you weather storms in your relationships as your brothers and sisters in Christ. If you are having struggles in your marriage, please know that you don't have to "go it alone". Our staff is available for spiritual counsel and advice, and we can refer to you to excellent biblical and professional counseling if you need it. Don't give up--instead, "look up" to Jesus Christ, for whom no problem is too big and no circumstance too difficult.

For more information or to contact a ministry staff member, call the Church Office at 678.812.4500 or email contactus@crosspointechurch.com.

Solo Moms Ministry at Cross Pointe

2009-10-01T23:13:00.000-07:00

Cross Pointe ministers to solo moms in our community. This ministry includes some amazing Bible study and support groups meeting weekly. We understand the special and challenging role of solo moms and want to care for and minister to this great group of women. For more info about the Solo Moms ministry, visit our church website, or contact the Church Office at 678.812.4500.

Friend Day Coming October 18

2009-09-30T21:20:00.000-07:00

Join us for Friend Day on Sunday, October 18, 2009 at Cross Pointe Church. Dr. Merritt will be bringing a message entitled "Live Like You Were Dyin'" from the book of James. A churchwide barbecue lunch follows the 11:00 a.m. service on the grounds. Bring your lawnchairs and "talegate" at the church, meet new people and enjoy some food and friends.

Flooding in Philippines

2009-09-30T21:18:00.000-07:00

September 29, 2009--In Manila, millions of residents now live in a world of mud. Torrential rain over the weekend triggered the worst flooding the Philippines' capital has seen in over four decades, submerging more than 80% of the city, killing at least 246 people and displacing hundreds of thousands more. By Tuesday, the water had receded in many places, but it left behind ruined homes and swept-away neighborhoods, and according to health officials, it disabled the majority of Manila's medical facilities. Debris, sewage and abandoned vehicles that were tossed around by gushing currents now litter the notoriously polluted capital; aid workers warn of water-borne diseases. The government has placed the area around Manila under a "state of public calamity."

You can help directly through Baptist Global Response at the following link:
http://www.baptistglobalresponse.com/new/details.php?id=85

Welcome to Cross Pointe Church

2009-09-29T18:18:00.000-07:00

Cross Pointe Church in Duluth, Georgia, has started this blog to keep our members and guests up to date on all our ministry happenings and opportunities. You can subscribe to the feed to get all the information straight to your in-box as it happens. Feel free to leave your comments and suggestions.