Crosstown Connection: March 12 - 25

Good Friday Worship Service

April 3

6:30-7:30pm

Scripture - Reflection - Music

Easter Sunday Morning

April 5

Youth Breakfast 8:30-9:30am

Empty Tomb Hunt 9:15am

Worship 10am

A Word from Pastor Paul


A Senior Saint Among Us - Did you know one of our congregants is 100 years old? This week I had the delight of visiting with Phyllis Herman. When I entered her apartment, Phyllis was working on a crossword puzzle. She still uses Metro Mobility to go out and get her hair done.

Phyllis was born in 1925, the 3rd of 4 children. Her parents attended Elim Covenant (her father was Sunday

school Superintendent). During my visit with her, Phyllis recalled kids Bible school

and singing “Onward Christian Soldiers.” Singing was, and is, one of her joys. Phyllis sang in the choir, in trios, at weddings and funerals. I asked her what one of her favorite songs is, and without hesitation she said, “Day by Day”. And we sang several verses of it together - the first time I have done a duet with a centenarian! And, reflect on the words of that song, “Day by day, and with each passing moment,

strength I find to meet my trials here. Trusting in my Father’s wise bestow meant, I’ve no cause for worry or for fear. He whose hearts is kind beyond all measure, gives unto each day what He deems best, lovingly its part of pain and pleasure,

mingling toil with peace and rest.” Phyllis at the age of 19, met her husband to be in January 1945…. 4 months later they were married. Phyllis had 2 sons. Money was tight, so Phyllis sewed her kids clothes. Today she has one son still living, 6 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. Phyllis has been a widow for 23 years. When I asked what her favorite scripture is, she replied, “I can do all things through

Christ who strengthens me.” Phyllis would welcome some tech help to set up the Crosstown app on her iPad so she can view the livestream of the Sunday services. (let me or Pastor Polly know if you want to do this for Phyllis).

As I left our visit I commented to Phyllis, “you are an example to me of staying alert, cheerful and trusting the Lord in old age.” - Pastor Paul

Jovanny Inestroza shares about God's movement in Men's Ministry:

There are some new things happening in men's ministry, & in my life. I feel God has opened doors for me to be able to share the Gospel with people I never thought would be open to listen to someone like me. I feel the least prepared & the least educated person in the room, but when it comes time to share the Gospel, I have no problems doing it. For that I’m very thankful. I also thank God for the Grow Group I lead on Friday nights. 8 men gather in a Richfield living room, & we are having honest reflection & discussion about our prayer lives.

3 Prayer Requests for Men's Ministry:

  1. Pray that God will grow the men’s ministry - spiritually & numerically.
  2. Pray that men are able to minister to others in our church.
  3. Pray for the men's ministry leaders - to be spiritually & physically available to help others grow with Jesus.

Inviting Crosstown Men & their Friends

James 1:2 says, "Consider it pure joy, whenever you face various trials." But how do we best do that?  You're invited to a special interview by Tony Gillen of guest speaker Jovanny Inestroza. Jovanny will share insights that God has given him....to suffer well in trials and to win the battle.


Join us for an EPIC BREAKFAST as we discuss & share insights on: 

Keys to Winning The Battle Through Suffering Well

Saturday, April 11 - 8:30-10:30am

Special thanks & update from Properties Ministry Team:

Lead - Bob Weides

Thank you Crosstown members for your financial generosity in addressing the cost of the replacement of the 60 year old sump pump. We are hopeful to have our new pump installed by the end of the month, through Hayes Mechanical. Please continue to pray that our building is safe & functional as we press on in God's mission in our neighborhood.

Have you been attending Crosstown and feel like this is your home church? You are invited to attend our CORE CLASS - March 15 & 22, after worship, 11:30-1pm. Lunch provided. RSVP is essential.

Fraudulent Message Alert!



Good Morning Crosstown Family - We want to alert you that many have received a fraudulent text message or email, on behalf of Pastor Paul. This is a scam, and we want to alert you that Pastor Paul will not reach out to anyone asking for any favors or for you to purchase anything on behalf of him. Please disregard these text messages, and know that our team is looking to get to the root of this scam.  

 

Pastoring the Neighborhood

Nokomis East Food Distribution

March 11's Impact


  • 90 households (304 people)
  • 2,653 #’s of food
  • 26 volunteers (totaling 69 hrs) 

Next distribution days:

March 25 & April 8

 

Financial Update YTD:

January 31, 2026



Total Income: $21,495

Expenses: $27,927

Shortfall: $(6,432)

Did you miss the Congregational Meeting on January 25th?

Copies of Crosstown's Annual Report are still available!

 

Upcoming Events:


March 14 - Youth Event - CanCan Wonderland - 11-3:30

March 17 - Zoom Prayer - 9-10:30am

March 18 - Together in the Bible - 9:30-11 (Zoom option)

March 18 - Wednesday Night Discipleship

March 25 - Nokomis East Food Distribution - 2-4

 

Staff & Leadership at Crosstown

Ministry Teams & Leaders

Children's Ministry -Wayne Berfeldt


Finance Ministry

-Bill Weller


Life & Mission

-Katie Berfeldt


Properties Ministry

-Bob Weides


Worship Ministry

-Brandon Polhemus


Youth Ministry

-Nancy Olson

Staff at Crosstown


Paul Murphy, Lead Interim Pastor

pastorpaul@crosstowncovenant.org


Polly Inestroza,

Pastor of Family Ministry

polly@crosstowncovenant.org

Cell: 773-607-9781


Worship Ministry

worship@crosstowncovenant.org


Youth Ministry

youth@crosstowncovenant.org


General Office Questions

office@crosstowncovenant.org

Leadership Team

Heather Polhemus(Chair)

Wayne Berfeldt

Kathy McGillivray

Bonnie Overcott

Bob Weides

Bill Weller

Crosstown's Mission: to INVITE & EQUIP all people into a

life-changing, ever-growing relationship with Jesus Christ.