CROSSROADS FOOD PANTRY

We are now experiencing the surge of this second wave of Covid.   More & more people will be looking for help in feeding their families.

So, during this holiday time of “GIVING”, we are asking you to help us in making sure our shelves are stocked.

The REVERSE Advent Calendar is a fun way of doing this!!

It encourages us to “give” something (as opposed to “get” something) each day as a way to help those in need. 

Add one non-perishable food item to a box every day in December. 

After 24 days, you should have a box full of food just in time for Christmas. 

Then, on Christmas Eve, simply drop the box off at CROSSROADS Food Pantry. 

GIVING BACK TO JESUS HAS NEVER BEEN SO EASY AND SATISFYING!!

(Just click the image to enlarge!!)

A woman was obviously afraid of her flight to St. Paul.  As she sat waiting for takeoff, she looked across the aisle out the window at a beautiful sunset.  Then she turned her head to the left and looked out the window next to her seat, only to see a depressing scene of paramedics helping a baggage worker who had lost consciousness.

Just like our journey through life, there are scenes of sunshine as well as depressing scenes of challenge all around.  The destination doesn’t depend upon which scene we look at.  Our journey will still end with the joy of eternal life with Jesus.  But along the way we can either dwell on the gloomy picture.  Or we can focus on the things that bring joy and sunshine to our lives.

Especially in our relationships – such as within the family and the church – we can become either grateful or resentful, depending on our point of focus.  We all have annoying habits and faults.  And at the same time there is so much positive brought into our lives by these same persons.  Why not appreciate and dwell on the benefits instead of looking for the faults?

From our perspective there are storms and sunshine, good and bad times, happy and sad situations in each of our lives.  But from God’s perspective He has a loving plan being worked through it all for us.  We have reason to be grateful all the time!  Because of His undeserved love for us – His amazing grace seen in the saving work of Jesus – there is healing in the midst of sickness, forgiveness to light the burden of guilt, provision when finances seem at their worst, eternal life even when surrounded by death.  That’s why Paul, with the crucified and risen Christ as the center of his troubled and turbulent life, was empowered to say, “We know that all things work together for good to those that love Him.” (Romans 8:28)

During this time of Thanksgiving, with the continuing challenge of Covid, whatever the situation in our lives, we live our gratitude to God!  “We give thanks because His name is near!”  He has sent His Son to Bethlehem, the cross and through the grave in resurrection for each of us!  He is now so near to us in Baptism that He has become one in relationship with our lives.  He’s in control!  May we reflect our thanks for Him by carrying His strength and peace into our lives of relationship with each other and those around us in our worlds!  May we tell of His wondrous deeds!  A blessed Thanksgiving to you and yours!  Pastor Craig

So many things have changed over the last 6 months since the beginning of the COVID19 pandemic…………in our personal lives, in our church, and in our Food Pantry!!

·        Families experiencing “food insecurity” and are in need of the help of our Food Pantry have DOUBLED!’

·        The amount of  food availability from the Food Bank of NJ has decreased tremendously.

·        CROSSROADS purchased a Chest Freezer, and most recently, a stand -alone Refrigerator to be able to store FRESH & FROZEN foods……in bulk……WHEN they are available.

·        Due to our new “additions” (above), the layout of the Food Pantry has changed.

In order to keep both our Volunteers and our Clients safe during this time……….

·        A COVID19 Food Pantry Policy was developed, utilizing a lot of the same restrictions needed as when you enter church.

·        A MAXIMUM of 4 Volunteers are allowed in the Food Pantry area at one time……….1 in each designated room in order to Social Distance.

·        PREPACKED BOXES of food are distributed,……….

·        A CONTACT FREE PICK-UP is now utilized.  Clients stay in their vehicle and the groceries are placed directly into their trunk.  No One is allowed into the church building.

But, despite our challenges, WE HAVE BEEN BLESSED!

·        Monetary Donations received from the church and the community over the past Holiday season have kept us worry-free in providing for those in need.

·        Crossroads Food Pantry received a Grant of $2500 from ACME Supermarkets.

·        HELP A NEIGHBOR donated $200 worth of fresh meat products from Sussex Meat Packing.

·        WEST MILFORD SHOPRITE (and Alison) is holding Food Pantry Food Drives every Saturday this month of November……………CROSSROADS is one of the receipients !  Thank you, Alison!

And so…our MISSION goes on!                      Dot Flar

Dear Saints in Christ, I have had our nation, this election and our participation in it in my prayers these past few days.  I’m sure you have done the same as well!  I know we all are experiencing a bit of anxiety as the big day has drawn ever closer.  Well, tomorrow is the day.  I wanted to send a quick word of encouragement and hope!

Some days, it may feel like America has reached its breaking point.  We face a deeply divided nation.  And there are two very different potential paths ahead of us depending on who is elected tomorrow.  But no matter what happens, remember that we have great reason to be hopeful no matter what.  In Psalm 20:7, we’re reminded that our trust isn’t in chariots or horses—the things of this world.   Our faith isn’t in political parties.  Our confidence is not in presidents, but in a God who’s in control and loves each and every one of us!  And He knows exactly what is going to happen in the coming days, months, and years.  He has a loving plan and future carved out for each and every one of us.  And God is faithful!  No matter what the outcome, we have His Son and a loving message of forgiveness and hope in Jesus for everyone!

So make sure you vote your heart if you haven’t already!  But know in that same heart that God is lovingly in control and means for us not to judge others, but to love Him and our fellowman no matter what!  Together in His care, Pastor Craig