"We live in the messy middle of things" writes theologian Rita Nakashima Brock. I have remembered that statement many times in my life -- when things seem really messy. Right now I definitely feel like I am living in the messy middle of things and I know some of you are feeling the same way as you finish classes, take exams, and prepare for summer (and possibly life after graduation). What we are promised is that in the messy middle of our lives is grace -- a grace that strengthens, empowers, comforts, and guides us through the messiness of our lives. It's a grace we experience alone in prayer as well as in the company of others who are compassionate and caring. It is often called 'amazing' because it calls us out of our 'blindness' into seeing with the eyes of love. Grace does not solve our problems for us, but is continuously working in our lives through all our successes, failures, heartaches and joys to bring us into more wholeness. So whatever 'messiness' you are living in right now, remember that you are also living in the middle of a grace which is larger than any messiness! Paul's words help with this: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).
Here at The Crossing we are keeping you in prayer as you begin finals, and CONGRATULATE all graduates!
We hope you have a wonderful summer filled with relaxation, adventure, fun, learning, . . . . and grace!
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WORSHIP and PROGRAMMING
Vespers Worship and other programming will resume in the fall
Summer programming (campfire chats, . . . ) -- if you are interested in being put on the list to receive information about summer opportunities through The Crossing, please contact
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by May 11.
What if you could spend the summer discovering what it really means to love?
You know the kind of love that comes from serving side by side with someone who is nothing like you, cooking a meal for a homeless woman, negotiating how you share living space with people you don't even know. And maybe even confronting the challenges and triumphs life throws your way and then reconciling them with what you believe about God.
Certainly not a typical summer. And one you won't easily forget.
CHANGE YOUR LIFE. CHANGE THE WORLD.
In collaboration with the United Church of Christ, the Alliance of Baptists will launch the Summer Communities of Service program in the summer of 2010. The Summer Communities of Service program is a mission-learning opportunity that will place young adults, ages 19-30, in host congregations across the country. The young adults will live in intentional Christian community as they serve as volunteers four days a week in a hands-on capacity with a local ministry connected with a congregation, an existing domestic Alliance mission partner, or a community agency committed to social justice.
For more information or an application please visit:
Volunteer in Communityis a unique opportunity for women to grow spiritually and care for the earth at Holy Wisdom Monastery, in Madison, Wisconsin.
We invite single women to live with us, learn our spirituality, and work four hours a day in the gardens, orchards and prairie on the monastery grounds.
weekly 
We invite single women to live with us, learn our spirituality, and work four hours a day in the gardens, orchards and prairie on the monastery grounds. 
