A Message from our Ministry Center Coordinator
As we wrap up the final quarter of 2024, I’m filled with gratitude and excitement for all we’ve accomplished at the Crossroads Ministry Center. This has been a season of growth, connection, and preparation for greater impact in our community.
This quarter, we hosted two family events that created meaningful opportunities for local fostering, adoptive, and kinship families to network and build lasting connections. These events have become essential for fostering relationships and offering support to families in need.
We’ve also opened our doors for an array of community gatherings, including an Open House during the Shelby Christmas Parade, the Blessings & Bows Christmas Assistance distribution, events tailored for fostering families, and even a Shelby Rotary meeting. Each occasion has highlighted our mission to serve as a resource and beacon of hope for Shelby families while sharing the Gospel.
The preparation of the facility—from decorating to equipping it for service—has been a labor of love. I’m deeply thankful for everyone who has contributed to this mission, from volunteers to donors, and for the warm embrace we’ve received from the Shelby community.
As we look to 2025, I’m excited to see how God will continue using this space and our efforts to transform Shelby and beyond. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey.
Blessings,
-Matt Stacy
Ministry Coordinator
New Volunteers!
A warm welcome to our newest team members who have joined us in various roles. Your passion and energy are invaluable as we continue to grow and serve.
Justin Brown | Delores Dean | Jada Hockman | Emily Jackson | Charlie Manges | Dorinda Spagnola | Jacob Vance | Alison Stephenson
Ministry Spotlight
This quarter marked the official launch of Family Foundations, a ministry designed to provide practical support, encouragement, and connection to fostering, adoptive, and kinship families in our community. With its mission rooted in the core values of Knowing Christ, Growing Together, and Going Boldly, Family Foundations equips volunteers and partners to create lasting impact for families navigating the unique challenges of caregiving.
Since its inception, the ministry has already brought together five active care teams, added ten families to our roster, made significant contributions through the Blessings & Bows Christmas Assistance program, and hosted family-centered events that foster support and belonging. The launch also included training sessions for new volunteers and the formation of engagement teams to help with deliveries and upkeep of the Caregiver Closet, ensuring families receive resources efficiently.
Family Foundations is more than a ministry—it’s a bridge between community resources, church support, and the families who need them most. As the ministry grows, we’re thrilled to see how God will use this initiative to transform lives and demonstrate His love in practical ways.
Events
This quarter, Crossroads Ministry Center (CMC) has been bustling with events that celebrate families, foster community, and share the love of Christ. Here’s a snapshot of what we’ve accomplished:
Blessings & Bows Christmas Assistance Distribution: Families in need received Christmas gifts and essentials in a joyful, organized environment, ensuring that the season’s blessings reached those who needed them most.
Thanksgiving/Christmas Family Celebrations: These events focused on creating spaces for fostering families to connect, share experiences, and feel supported by the community and church. We decorated a Thanksgiving tree with leaves filled with encouragement from participants, giving thanks for various aspects of being in a family. In another, we celebrated Christmas, centering the season around hope for the future.
Each of these events has been a step toward building stronger relationships within our community and demonstrating the Gospel’s transformative power in action. We look forward to seeing how these seeds will grow in the months ahead!
Measuring Our Impact
The significance of what we do can’t always be found in the numbers, but they still offer their side of the story. Our impact is not hidden or hard to find; we’re proud of that. Take a quick look at what we’ve accomplished in three short months.
Here’s a quick look at our impact this quarter:
- Families Supported: 4 foster and adoptive families received material support, guidance, and connection through Family Foundations.
- Volunteer Involvement: Over 20 volunteers engaged in resource delivery, event coordination, and care support for our family-centered ministries providing around 60 Hours of service.
- Community Outreach: 100+ people engaged through our ministry programs at the Ministry Center, such as open house, Christmas assistance, and support.
Each statistic represents a story of growth, resilience, and transformation made possible by our volunteers, supporters, and leadership at CMC.
As We Look Ahead to 2025
We are thrilled to step into 2025 with a renewed focus on serving our community through exciting new initiatives. As we look to the new year, we’
Volunteer Recruitment and Training: We’ll aim to strengthen our volunteers by staffing each of our 5 teams with at least 8 dedicated individuals, ensuring they are well-equipped to serve.
Pillars of Family Foundations Vision: We plan to launch programs for every pillar of our Family Foundations vision, supporting families holistically in various ways.
Monthly Family Events and Support Groups: To continue developing a network of fostering, adoptive, and kinship families, we will host monthly events and, eventually, offer support groups.
Woodshop Mentorship Program: We are exploring the addition of a woodshop, providing valuable mentorship and skill-building opportunities for youth and adults.
Summer in the Park Devotional Series: This summer, we will launch an 8-10-week devotional series, fostering spiritual growth and deeper community connections.
Supporting Small Groups: During the next season of Community Groups, we will open our space to groups led by our staff at the Ministry Center.
Increasing Campus Involvement and Use of Space: The ministry Center is a space accessible to those who attend Crossroads church as well. We know the Holy Spirit is moving among them to make disciples, start a group, plan 1-1s and mentoring, evangelize, and even organize their own events. We aim to see that Campuses know that our space is available and to approve events and gatherings organized by our Campus friends and attendees.
Get Involved
At the Crossroads Ministry Center (CMC), we are passionate about creating spaces that transform lives and communities. Whether you’re looking to serve, grow, or build meaningful relationships, there are countless ways to get involved in our mission to serve the Shelby community and beyond. Here’s how you can be a part of what’s happening:
1. Join a CMC Team: CMC thrives because of the incredible people who dedicate their time and talents. Volunteers are essential in helping us achieve our vision of community engagement and gospel transformation. Whether you’re interested in assisting with events, supporting our Family Foundations ministry, or helping with administrative tasks, your contribution matters. Reach out to our Ministry Coordinator to learn more about how you can make a difference.
2. Support Events and Gatherings: Our events are a great way to engage with the community and make lasting connections. Attend our seasonal events, fundraisers, or community service days, where you can meet others, share stories, and help foster an atmosphere of support and encouragement. Keep an eye on our event calendar for upcoming opportunities!
3. Attend or Lead a Devotional or Workshop: CMC is a hub for spiritual growth. If you have a heart for teaching or leading devotionals, consider leading a session for a small group or organizing a workshop on topics that support the growth and well-being of families, individuals, or volunteers. These gatherings are essential in helping us stay grounded in our mission and strengthen the community spiritually.
4. Donate: Your generosity enables us to provide the resources necessary to run programs and events that directly impact families in need. Donations of supplies, goods, and funds all contribute to sustaining the programs at CMC, whether it’s for a local family in crisis, a youth mentorship initiative, or ongoing support for foster families.
5. Spread the Word: Help us reach more people in need by sharing about CMC and our programs. Whether you talk to a neighbor, share posts on social media, or tell your church, you’re helping us build a larger network of support. Awareness is a powerful tool for extending our reach and deepening our impact.
Whatever your gifts or passions, there is a place for you at CMC. We invite you to come alongside us in our efforts to serve Shelby and surrounding areas by contributing to the vision of gospel transformation and community-building. Reach out today to find out how you can get involved!
Thank You
Your prayers, volunteer efforts, and contributions impact the lives of families in Shelby and beyond. Whether you’ve attended an event, volunteered with our teams, or followed along with our updates, we are thankful for your role in our ministry. Together, we are creating a community of hope and transformation.
Looking ahead, we are excited about the initiatives planned for 2025 and the opportunity to grow and serve alongside you in the coming months. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey with us!
With gratitude, The Crossroads Ministry Center Team