"The Crossing has opened up so many opportunities for me as a student, and I'm grateful that I decided to walk into one of the Vespers services several years ago. The people I've met and the trips I've been on through the Crossing have helped me explore and develop a passion for service, faith, and environmental awareness. The Crossing helps to make a big university feel welcoming. This semester I am co-leading a spring break trip to Biloxi, Mississippi through the Back Bay Mission. We will be doing housing restoration work for Hurricane Katrina victims. The trip will be affordable, rewarding, and fun! We still need participants so email me if you are interested or have any questions: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it "

"I have found The Crossing to be the perfect place for me to grow in my faith as a student at UW-Madison. Since the first week I arrived on campus as a freshmen, I have felt at home at The Crossing. The wonderful people I've met and the great experiences we've shared together have been amazing. It is hard to imagine who I'd be today if I had not traveled to Florida with Habitat for Humanity and to Costa Rica with Quest in 2006. I feel truly blessed for the memories I have and I look forward to creating more as a member of the worship team and a co-leader of the January Florida Blitzbuild as well as Co-Leader for the Quest trip to Biloxi, Mississippi in spring 2008!" This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

"When it comes to The Crossing, it is more than just attending. The Crossing is about participating and learning and experiencing in a comfortable, welcoming and accepting environment. The Crossing has been a major part of my college experience here at UW. I've met so many new, wonderful people and done things that I wouldn't have been able to do otherwise. Students are blessed to have such an amazing place of worship right on campus."

"I came to the crossing as a freshman looking for a loving community. The crossing has allowed me this opportunity by creating an opening, love-based atmosphere for all who come. I really appreciate the fact that the students, the ministers karla and doug, and the other staff members of the Crossing invite everyone with open arms and without questions. I am part of the worship team, also, which has allowed me to make new friends and have great spiritual conversation! The Crossing is definitely a place where one can obtain refreshment, peace, and a better understanding of who God is."

"My first experience with the Crossing was when I was walking home down University Ave one day. I saw a sign advertising a trip to Northern Ireland, a destination that I had been contemplating. I applied and was accepted, and next thing I knew I was helping to plan a trip that would teach me more in two weeks than I thought was possible in a lifetime. Since the first Northern Ireland trip, I have been attending services at the Crossing, and I truly feel that this is a wonderful spiritual home for students. As I begin my graduate studies, I am delighted to be co-leading the 2008 trip to Northern Ireland with Emily. I can't wait to get back there to strengthen the concept of forgiveness!  For more information about Quest Northern Ireland 2008, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

"In March 2007, I had the privilege of joining some of my fellow UW students on a trip that would change most of our lives. That experience was the Quest trip to Costa Rica. Since that trip, I have found a new determination to use my God given talents to help others. That determination has led me to co-lead Quest Northern Ireland 2007-2008. I am very excited to be a part of this journey! If you are interested in learning more about this Quest experience, please contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ."

My faith is a large part of my life and it is wonderful to have found so many great people at the crossing with whom I can share my faith through conversation, social activities, volunteering, and worship.  I've only been a part of the community for a short time and already I've met lots of amazing people and look forward to all of the outings and activities which I participate in.  I've taken on a leadership role in the sustainability dinners because I think that sustainability is an important issue which needs to be dealt with and I think that a key part of the process is gathering and talking with others about the issues and possible actions I can take.  I also love to eat and the meals are always delicious!  Stop by, with or without a dish to pass, and see what it's all about (if you decide to come regularly we can hook you up with other people to share cooking responsibilities so you don't have to make something every week), or email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it !

"I came to the Crossing as a freshman looking for a welcoming spiritual community that performed service projects for our city and world, and I found just what I was looking for. Now as a sophomore, I'm involved as the Crossing Treasurer and as a member of the Worship Team. Sunday night vespers services at the Crossing allows me a time of reflection, worship, quiet peace, and fellowship amid an otherwise busy and sometimes stressful university life. I've also enjoyed participating in local service projects that have a meaningful impact on our community. The lasting friendships and welcoming atmosphere of the Crossing have been an important part of my life here in Madison." This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

2007