Serve and Go
SERVING THE LOCAL CHURCH
"Filling our community with the Presence of Christ"...is central to our mission. We are called to gather as his people, but then to GO into all the world. (Matthew 28:18-20) For us this begins by organizing our ministry "closer to where people do life."
LETTER FROM PAUL WHITMIRE AT CROSS AND CROWN REGARDING NEEDS OF THE HOMELESS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
October 6, 2020
"Dear Partners in Missions,
Since March we have all heard the term, "these are unprecedented times" over and over.
For most of us, this is accurate. But for many others, it is just one more hurdle in an already traumatic time in their lives. At Cross and Crown and the Christian Service Center, we have seen an increase in the homeless population; many that were balancing the gap between home and homeless have made the downward spiral. We see more single-parent families living in cars and more homeless camping because of over-flowing shelters. The temporary employment opportunities such as the Oklahoma State Fair, clean-up crews after concerts or basketball games, and others, have vanished because of closures. At this point, even the minimum wage positions have waiting lists.
This offers us a new and pressing opportunity: we need your help to provide food and warmth in the quickly approaching winter season. We are seeking brown bag lunches and warm winter apparel to give to this rapidly growing population in our underserved community. Below is a list of our current needs:
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Pop-top canned goods including canned meats, vegetables, and fruit.
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Juices and bottled water
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Sweets
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Winter clothing including size Large and Extra Large coats, gloves, socks, scarves, hats and denim jeans.
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Sleeping bags and tents
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Plastic grocery sacks, backpacks, other bags with handles.
We will be gathering these items during the month of October and begin regular distribution in November. We plan to serve any that can drive or walk to our locations, but will also be taking our vans to several familiar gathering spots under interstate bridges and camps.
"Unprecedented times," yes, but also a time for us to "love our neighbor" and to "go" where there is need...
God bless you,
Paul Whitmire
Get Involved with Youth
The Springs Youth Ministry is dedicated to using the model of Intergenerational Youth Ministry, believing that our youth and families benefit from interaction and relationships with Christians in all life stages. We believe your life experiences are valuable and essential for the spiritual growth and maturity of our teens. YOU have something to offer! Contact Leah Redling, our Youth and Families Director to see where you can plug in. Contact Leah lredling@thesprings.cc
Get Involved in Children's Ministry
While we believe that parents are the primary spiritual leaders and nurturers of their child’s faith, the community has a valuable role to play where Christian discipleship is modeled, mistakes are corrected, and grace is given. Regardless of age or life stage, each individual possesses unique spiritual gifts to build up the church. Volunteers are vital to Children’s Ministry at The Springs. Contact Kelly Osborne to see how you can get involved. Contact Kelly kosborne@thesprings.cc
Join Local Missions and Partnerships
Cross & Crown WhizKids Lilyfield Friendspeak
Serve Around the World
Where do YOU want to GO? Contact Celeste Dvorak celeste.dvorak@oc.edu
