Crossroads: A New Beginning is a congregational discernment process designed to help congregations discover their future!
The Congregational Church of West Medford, United Church of Christ has entered into this time of discernment–and invites all who are interested in the life, mission, ministry and future of our beloved church to participate.
This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. –Jeremiah 6:16
The Implementation Plan: Mark Your Calendars!!
It is time! Our team of facilitators has been meeting through the summer and we are very excited to present the implementation plan for our Crossroads Process! As you know, Crossroads is designed to enable our congregation to make a decision that will allow the church to reach sustainable levels for our future witness.
Everyone is welcome to this imperative and meaningful conversation about the future of our congregation—whether ‘member’ or friend, whether you have been here 50 years or 50 days, if you have an interest in the Congregational Church of West Medford’s mission and ministry—you are urged to participate. Based on your availability, you will be assigned to a small group (8 –10 people) to allow for effective and thoughtful dialogue.
We are planning an “All-Church Kickoff Picnic” and Crossroad Session I will be an “All-Church” event. The remaining five sessions will be done in small group “House Meetings” which are being offered either Sunday after worship or Monday evening. You will receive a doodle poll, via email whereby you are asked to let us know which of these times works for you.
We are changing the model for our Sunday worship for the duration of Crossroads. It will be a 30-40 minute Intergenerational Worship Service. We will have a light coffee hour for those who are not participating in Crossroads on Sunday. Following worship, the Crossroads small groups will leave the church to go to House meetings while children will remain at the church to participate in a children’s program offered concurrently with the Sunday Crossroads Sessions (and led by professional child care providers).
We welcome and encourage teens from Confirmation age and above to participate in Crossroads at the discretion of their parents/guardians.
Here are the details that you need to know for now. We ask that you mark your calendars and respond to the requests for feedback immediately.
The Schedule
Crossroads Kick-off: Saturday, August 24 (3:00 pm—7:00 pm)
All-Church Picnic at the Parsonage (all ages are welcome)
We will serve Blue Ribbon Barbeque for the main meal and invite you to bring: Appetizers, Drinks or Dessert! Help needed to get tables and chairs to the parsonage.
Sept. 8—Homecoming Sunday
Worship (10:00 am-10:40 am)
Homecoming “Picnic” — Fellowship Hall (CE and Potluck meal)
Crossroads Session 1 —11:00 am —1:00 pm, All-Church in Fellowship Hall
Sessions 2 through Session 6—House Meetings (locations to be determined)
Crossroads Session 2: Sunday, Sept. 15/Monday, Sept. 16
Crossroads Session 3: Sunday, Sept. 22/Monday, Sept. 23
Crossroads Session 4: Sunday, Sept. 29/Monday, Sept. 30
Crossroads Session 5: Sunday, Oct. 06/Monday, Oct. 07
Crossroads Session 6: Sunday, Oct. 20/Monday, Oct. 21
Sunday Schedule
Sunday Intergenerational Worship (10:00 am—10:30 am)
Children’s Program at the church (10:45 am—1:15 pm)
Sunday Crossroads Session Offsite (11:00 am—1:00 pm)
Monday Crossroad Session (7:00 pm—9:00 pm)
Offsite location to be determined
Monday Session members will determine if meal to be included
What we need from you for now:
Volunteers for hosting the Sunday and Monday house meetings (these could take place at the same location or rotate depending on availability)
Respond to doodle poll (via email) or call the church office with your RSVP for the All Church Picnic and your RSVP for participating in Crossroads and your preferred availability for the house meetings (Sunday or Monday).
Any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the church office, Rev. Wendy, Paul Roberts or one of the facilitators (Stephanie Miller, Jenna Nackel, Julie Roberts, Kathy Williams, Karen Barca McCune, and Charlotte Wilensky).