CrossPoint Community News 06/06/2025

Expect the unexpected...

Thursday morning began as what Julie and I anticipated would be a calm, relaxed, productive day working comfortably from our home office. But life had a different script…

Without warning, a large boom sounds followed by a loss of power and internet. I was told that a large truck collided with a utility pole near our neighborhood, bringing it crashing down, along with our expectations for the day. In a moment, the comforts we rely on—electricity and internet connectivity—vanished. Instead of following our carefully laid plans, we found ourselves navigating through Plan B.

After five hours of determined effort by the hardworking crews from National Grid and Verizon, a new pole stands tall. While the power has returned, the internet remains down as I write this newsletter. Today’s unexpected twist required us to adapt swiftly and creatively, teaching us again the important lesson: always “expect the unexpected.”

Life often mirrors this experience—unplanned and unforeseen events regularly interrupt our carefully designed schedules. Our immediate reactions might include frustration or disappointment, but these interruptions can also remind us of deeper truths and opportunities. Scripture gives numerous examples of individuals navigating unexpected disruptions with grace and purpose.

Consider the Apostle Paul’s journey in Acts 16:6-10. Paul and his companions intended to travel to Asia, but God redirected them through an unexpected vision, sending them instead to Macedonia. This unforeseen shift was initially confusing and possibly frustrating. Yet, it opened the door to spreading the Gospel in Europe, significantly shaping the early Church.

Proverbs 16:9 wisely observes, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.” Similarly, James 4:13-15 reminds us of the humility required when making plans: “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city…’ Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.'”

Today’s incident is a simple yet meaningful reminder that our plans are ultimately subject to God’s sovereign will. While disruptions can initially seem inconvenient or challenging, they can also provide precious opportunities for growth, flexibility, and reliance on God’s guidance and provision.

As you face your own unexpected moments, may you remain flexible, faithful, and encouraged, knowing that God’s hand directs even the seemingly disruptive events. Expect the unexpected, trust His guidance, and be ready for the blessings that often come hidden within life’s unplanned interruptions.

This Week (June 6 ~ June 12, 2025)

1. Tonight, June 6, 2025, the Living Stones Friday Night Bible Study is meeting from 7:30-9:30 to study session 8 “The Ultimate Sign” (p 71-77) in our study guide “Bible Studies for Life, Spring 2025” Tim and Marina will be the discussion leaders. Please read John 20:1-18 as preparation for this session! Join in person in Room A-218 or online via the following link at 7:30 pm:

https://zoom.us/j/685376249?pwd=cWtyUk1pckJiRHJxZVZCSGdJZWw2UT09  
Meeting ID: 685 376 249   
Password: 840840   
Join by phone:  +1 929 436 2866 US (New York)

2. CrossPoint Community Sunday School meets this Sunday, June 8, in the Fellowship Room (A-202). We will start exploring the book “Church Unique” by Will Mancini. Minister Charles will lead the first introduction. We will use the following link for those who wish to join online this Sunday:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/491248585?pwd=RnpLcnpjQ01nTGZLSmhaZ3l4L3dKQT09
Meeting ID: 491 248 585 
Password: 403767 
Join by phone: +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)  

3. This Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 11:25 am, our CrossPoint Community Worship Service will start and Pastor Raymond Lee will be sharing Psalm 32:7 with us. Join us for worship at CBCGL main Sanctuary.

Text: Psalm 32:7
Title: You Are My Hiding Place.
Live stream via Youtube: https://www.cbcgl.org/live-stream/

4. Each Wednesday, such as this coming week (June 11) at 7:45 pm, you are invited to join our weekly prayer meeting. We will not grow in Christ without growing in our dependence on God through prayers. In June, we will be praying with a focus on seeking our spiritual uniqueness. The link is found below in the section on prayer.

https://zoom.us/j/758587937?pwd=aS9sZUdxcm1janNNM2I2aXJ6Smx2QT09
Meeting ID: 758 587 937
Password: 030086
Join by phone: +1 929 436 2866 US (New York)

 

Other Announcements:

1. Next Saturday, June 14, our church is hosting the annual community block party from 4:00-6:00 pm. There will be lots of food and bbq and a chance to meet our neighbors. Everyone is encouraged to come out and join the fun. You may sign up using the following link:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D45AAA828ABFDC16-57027384-2025 

2. In addition, our youth is holding a revival night of praise and prayer at the end of the block party called Ablaze! Preliminary activities start at 5:30pm but you can join any time. Everyone is welcome!!

3. Come to the Hobby Bunch for a fun and relaxing time! Bring supplies to do your own hobby or learn how to make air dry clay animals from Carmen! Date is Saturday June 21st at 1:30-4:30PM!