Which one of these do you know the most about: Black Friday or Advent?

Last Sunday I offered to send to our group a short article they could use to send to friends about what the Advent season is about and to introduce our church plant. Use is if you like.

Which one of these do you know the most about: Black Friday or Advent?

My guess is that you know more about Black Friday. Let me tell you something you do not know about this upcoming Friday. It occurs on the Friday after Thanksgiving, and it's one of the major shopping days of the year in the United States, falling anywhere between the 23^rd and 29^th of November. While it's not recognized as an official US holiday, many employees have the day off – except those working in retail, of course! In the 1960's, police in Philadelphia griped about the congested streets, clogged with motorists and pedestrians, calling it “Black Friday.” It also has a financial connotation. “Black” refers to stores moving from the “red” to the “black,” back when accounting records were kept by hand, and red ink indicated a loss, and black a profit.

My personal goal is to never have to go shopping on Black Friday – but I am a guy. But what about Advent? I am a pastor and a church planter. The name of the new church is Advent. Let me tell you a little about what Advent means because this Sunday is the first of four Sundays called the Sundays of Advent.

"Advent" comes from the Latin word adventus, which means "visit" or "coming" or "arrival." The four week season of Advent is a time to get ready for the two "visits" of Christ: His first coming through the Incarnation, and His second coming as the reigning Lord. It's a time of waiting, hoping, and getting in touch with our need for a Savior. It's a season of preparation for Christmas, much as Lent is a season of preparation for Easter.

In Advent we look back to the experience of Israelites as they yearned for God to forgive their sin and restore their nation. We put ourselves in their shoes as they hoped for the coming of the Messiah. Thus we ready our hearts to celebrate the good news of Christmas.

No doubt you will see one of the many versions of the classic story, Christmas Carol. This story reminds me of the power of being forced to reflect on the past, present and future. Scrooge is remembered for his coldness but ultimately for the reverse direction he took when confronted with the future as well as misspent past. Tiny Tim has a future because Scrooge looked to the past and repented! I want to be like Scrooge – someone who is willing to repent and also live in light of a hopeful future – that is what Advent is all about. Look back, look forward and have hope because there really is a Savior!

So as you look at your budget before you leave for “Black Friday”, look at you soul during the next four weeks of Advent and see if you have the hope that only the Lord Jesus Christ can give! And if you would like to find out more about that hope and joy you are invited to be a part of the new church we are calling Advent – a joyful, preparing people that are learning how to party!

Until the Trump,

Ken Cross
Church Planter

I know where you can send your holiday giving!

Very 'interesting article! Ken

Holiday Giving

According to new study results soon to be released from Harris Interactive^®, more than three out of four U.S. adults would prefer to receive a meaningful gift this holiday season that would help someone else instead of a traditional gift like clothing or electronics. The study was commissioned by World Vision^® among 1,001 adults from October 29 to November 1.

The new survey on charitable giving also concluded that nearly half of U.S. adults (49%) would be more likely to give a "charitable gift" as a holiday present this year. "That finding reveals our charitable culture at work," said Justin Greeves, senior vice president of public affairs and policy research at Harris Interactive.

Additionally, the study showed that, this year, around six out of ten adults (57%) said they will spend less money on holiday presents and almost three out of four (74%) plan to increase their charitable giving once the economy improves. [ChristianPost.com]

As many of you know I am a church planter in Charlotte, NC. Our goal is to have our first public worship service on Palm Sunday, almost 5 months away and there is so much to be done. One vital element of this is the need to raise $50,000 for start up cost (sound equipment, chairs, nursery equipment...). If you would like to give one time gifts to this effort you can send checks made out to Advent Church to our treasurer:

Ben Coulter

4008 Cedar Point Ave

Matthews NC 28104

Want to give some money?

This is from my enrolled Tax agent's newsletter she sends out quarterly. If you need a charity to donate to I know a church plant in Charlotte that is in need! A great incentive to avoid taxes and advance the Kingdom at the same time!

CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTIONS FROM IRA'S - Extended through December 31, 2009

For the past two years an IRA owner, age 70 1/2 or over has been allowed to directly transfer, tax-free, up to $100,000 per year to an eligible charity.

Trustee to Charity Transfer Required:

To qualify, the funds must be contributed directly by the IRA trustee to the charity. Amounts so transferred are not taxable and no deduction is available for the donation to charity.

Transfers Are Part of Required Minimum Distribution:

Transferred amounts are counted in determining whether the owner has met the IRA's required minimum distribution rules (RMD). Since the RMD's have been waived for 2009, you may think there is no point in taking advantage of this tax break.

However, there may be other reasons to withdraw from an IRA account this year:

* You may need the money and still want to keep up with the regular charitable donations. Donating the IRA would free up other funds set aside for charity.

* You may want to lower the taxable portion of your portfolio for your heirs. Since the IRA produces income in respect of a decedent at the death of the account owner, leaving stock and other property, rather than the IRA, may result in less tax to the beneficiary.

* You may want to get rid of IRA's that are not doing well.

Taxpayers who don't itemize deductions get full benefit of the contribution, since the IRA withdrawal will not be included in taxable income. Of course, they still get to take the full standard deduction.

Since the IRA distribution made to a charity is not included in the taxpayer's taxable income, the many phase outs related to adjusted gross income are minimized. For example, the taxpayer be able to avoid:

* A phase-out of itemized deductions,

* A 50% charitable contribution base limitation, or

* An increase in the amount of social security benefits that are taxable.

He Knows Where I Dwell

It has been a while since I posted on this blog due to moving to the Steele Creek area of Charlotte. Sorry. I hope some have not given up on me as a blogger. Let me know if you still read these things!
Today, the “Cross Happening” is that God reminded me that “He Knows.” I have been living mostly in Steele Creek. Lynn and the kids are still at REVILO until school is out. I have been busy getting the house ready for them (many visits to Lowe’s and many visits from workmen from Peidmont Natural Gas, Time Warner, Invisible Fence, …) and trying to reach out to my neighbors and lay the ground work for a new church.
It has been lonely when I stop to rest. Solitude is good, but I am not use to it.
Here is the passage God used to encourage me today. Rev. 2:12-13
“And to the angel of the church in Pergammum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword, I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is.’”
There is much here but what ministered to me was – even though I am new to the city and very few people know or care that I am here to start a church from scratch – God knows where I dwell.
How is this for honesty: Even though there are over 200 people praying for this church plant and for me, even though I heard a great sermon on not worrying from Lee Shellnutt last Sunday from the Sermon on the Mount, even though I know that God must build his church – I get anxious that this church plant will not go well. That I will not see the new conversions that I am praying for, that no one will want to gather together to reach out to the lost, that I will mess it up.
God told me today – I KNOW WHERE YOU DWELL. God knows. God knows where Satan is at work. He knows that a 52 year old sinner is now is Steele Creek. I can rest, breathe and simply be faithful to His calling on my life.
Another honesty statement: It is really easy to know He knows and still get anxious. Pray that my focus will be more and more on God and less and less of what I think other people will think of me. He is the one with the two-edged sword – it is best to please Him first – don’t you think?

Prayer Support Team for Advent Church Plant in Steele Creek, NC

I have fallen behind on my goal of keeping this blog up to day - due to traveling & laziness. 

Below is all the Prayer Warrior Update for the Advent Church plant. I have a goal of having at least 250 or more families and individuals praying for this adventure of faith. If you would like to pray - read on! If you would like regular updates e-mail me at pastorkencross@gmail.com

For those of you who are new to the "Prayer Support Team" for Advent Church and Ken Cross, Church planter. The previous prayer requests and many answers to prayer are below and dated. The most recent communication is always on the top and bold. I ask you to take time to pray as you open this e-mail and read it. I certainly would like you to pray more regularly if you can. My goal is to keep you up to date with an update at least once a month and sometimes more often.

If you would like to be taken off this list just let me know.

Tuesday, St. Patrick's Day, 2009

Just a quick praise - I believe due to your intercessory prayers.

As you know one of the big hurdles to starting a church is that I presently live almost and hour and a half from the target area - the Steele Creek area of Charlotte. My Oversight Commission (pastors and elders from the Charlotte area that are very supporting of me, the new church and willingly volunteer to provide wise oversight), has encouraged, prayed and with me set a deadline of being "on the field" of early this summer.

God has answered that prayer. My home in Southern Pines is to close on April 27th and just yesterday Lynn and I signed a contract on a home in Steele Creek. We are to close on April 29th! Thank you for praying! This is big.

One other praise - the Prayer Support Team continues to grow. I am sending this to 151 families or individuals!

Also, I am schedule to start another "Your Questions Evangelistic Bible Study" this Thursday night.

Remember to pray for me as I preach to the dear folks of Harbor Church near Lake Norman this Lord's Day!

THANK YOU!


Friday, March 6, 2009

Dear Prayer Warriors,

Here is the title for this update: Great Time to Start a Church, Terrible Time to Raise Funds for a Church Plant

On the morning radio news today the new stat was that 8.1% of the potential working indivduals of our country are unemployed. The last time America was near 10% was in 1982 right after the Carter years. And it seems to be getting worse. In Charlotte there is 12% unemployment and 20 minutes down the road in York Co. SC, very near the target area (Steele Creek, NC) there is 17% unemployment. This means people are under pressure financially and every other way. An old comedian one said that most marriages do not fail due to incompatibility but the first two syllables of the word! When individuals and families are in distress -or when there is any other major transition like divorce, moving, new child ... people are more willing to hear the good news of the gospel. A great time to start a church. But for the same reasons "income and the fear of this economy" tend to hinder my fund raising efforts. So pray please as you read this update and reflect on these things!

Prayer concerns:
I am still searching for health insurance. It will run out on May 1, 2009.
Praise: the Prayer Support Team you have joined is growing. My goal is 200+ families or individuals. Presently you are one of 117!
Fund Raising Goal $225,000 over four years. Many churches are struggling and/or have already made commitments for this year. Pray that many will be able to joint the team next year and their four year commitments will allow for a gradual reduction of support in the future. My Oversight Commission seems to be very please with my progress in this area but as you can imagine it seem so very slow to me. But there is growth. Presently there is $138,897 either pledged or has come in support.
Lynn, my wife, is due to have her thyroids take out in the next 2 months because they found pre-cancerous cells.
My house in Southern Pines is moving toward a closing date of April 27th. We have made offers on two homes in Steele Creek but have not come to an agreement of a price yet. The sellers are very proud of these homes and have not heard we are in a buyers market!
I will be preaching at Harbor PCA near Lake Norman March 22nd and there is a possibility that they might be able to support us! I will also be presenting the Church Plant to Uptown Church which is already supporting Advent on April 26th.
Lynn is leading a woman's Bible study for Westminster Church in Albemarle and enjoying teaching the Beatitudes. I am thoroughly enjoying leading the "Your Questions BS" in Charlotte. We got "snowed out" last weekend.
Next month I will begin a series of "Cottage meeting" to meet with individuals interested in hearing about this ministry with a view of prayer and financial support.
Next week, Lynn, Rebekah and I are traveling to Sioux City, Iowa to watch our Covenant College freshman daughter Margaret play in the NAIA National Championship tournament. Margaret began the year playing very little off the bench and the last 8 games she has started. They are also on a 8 game winning streak. A proud Dad says there is a correlation! She is excited but next week is also her spring break and if we did not go we would not be able to see her. And who knows if she will ever get to the "Big Dance" again.
Would you also pray for the individuals and churches that are faithfully support this ministry. They would not want to be listed but they mean so much.

Thank you do much for praying today!

February 23, 2009

This last weekend I had the great delight to be the Missions Conference Speaker for Northgate PCA in Albany, GA. I pastored there from 1988-1993. It was wonderful to catch up with old friends, see how everyone has aged ... it was a flood of memories. The folks were so affirming - great for my soul.

Many more that have joined the Prayer Support Team! Thank you.

Of special significance was spending time with one of my best prayer warriors, Evelyn Brooks. She has been praying for me everyday since about 1989. I believe that so many of the victories in my life, and ministry and much of my sanctification is due to her prayers. She does not have e-mail so she is the only one I will be mailing prayer requests!

In just a few minutes I will leave my brothers house for a 2 day conference in Atlanta on church planting. Pray that God will use this for my good and the good of the future Advent Church!

Thank you.

*****************************
Dear Prayer Support Team,

February 18, 2009 UPDATE

In Philippians 1:3-6, the church planter/Apostle Paul writes, "I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Paul, who accomplished so much, recognized and expressed his appreciation for the generous partnership of the Philippians that made it possible. I want to say the same thing to you. Thank you.

If you are new to the "Prayer Support Team" for Advent (Mission) Church, below are previous updates that can catch you up. It is exciting to keep this sort of journal of requests and answers to your prayers. So be sure to thank the Lord for what has already happened.

One prayer request - pray for us to arrange insurance for our family in due season! We especially need to join a group that will allow Lynn's pre-existing conditions.

Here is another story - Last Sunday night we started another "Your Questions Bible Study" in the home of Matthew and Jen. It went very well, even though their friends could not come for the first meeting. Monday night we had dinner with Ben and Jessica who were also at the study and they stayed much later than I had the previous evening. Matthew and Jen shared with them that God is using this time to open doors for their relationship with God that they have never walked though before. That night might have also been the first time they ever prayed out-loud in a group. Do you remember when you did that? Keep praying for them and their friends!

We are trying to coordinate a second "Your Questions BS" with Kevin & Michelle. Right now Michelle's Dad has been seriously ill with a stroke and has postponed it. Pray for healing for Michelle's Father and the right timing for the outreach Bible Study.

We are to close on our home in Southern Pines April 27th. Yesterday, we made an offer on a home in Steele Creek and hopefully we will close on April 29th.

Tomorrow (2/19) I leave to preach at a Missions Conference at Northgate Presbyterian in Albany, GA. I pastored this church for 5 years (1988 - 1993). I will be staying with a dear prayer partner who does not have e-mail but has prayed for me everyday since I left GA. It will be great to see her. I had the privilege to know her husband and bury this dear man, other Roy, many years ago. I will remain in GA a number of days after the conference for two other conferences on church planting and leadership near Atlanta and then return the next Friday.

Requests/Praises:
1. Pray for a Prayer Support Team of at least 200 - presently there are 94 families or individuals.
2. Praise the Lord for a great worship time with Church of the Redeemer in Monroe (2/1). This week I also received an invitation from their Missions Prayer Team to meet with them as they pray for missions.
3. Fund Raising is continuing. My goal has been $225,000 over a four year period. God is answering prayer as He prompts churches and individuals to invest in the Kingdom by supporting this mission church. Presently, we have 1 presbytery supporting us more than they have ever supported a church planter, 5 churches with 8 in process and others still to contact, and 14 individuals with many more in process. All of this totals to $138,497 either pledge or already given. If you would like to be a part of this "over and above your tithe to your local church" investment in the Kingdom - even if it is $5 a month, please let me know and I will get you the information!
4. Pray for the scheduling of the "cottage meetings" with potential "Financial Support Team" members in the near future.
5. ALWAYS PRAY FOR MY WALK WITH THE LORD!
6. House buying and selling and eventual moving!
7. Pray for my daughters at home especially. Karen who will be attending her fourth school in her high school career next fall as a senior. Rebekah will be in the 8th and the new kid again.
8. Lynn and I are more than ready to be in Steele Creek - pray for patience.
9. Pray for the next person to come to Christ through the ministry of Advent Church.

I have been reading the Charlotte Observer every weekday and it is so obvious that the city and the country is struggling. There is financial crisis with job loses ... a hard time to raise money but a great time to share the gospel. Remember that when God brings people into your life!
Remember to stop and pray now!

THANK YOU

*************************************************************

Jan. 26, 2009 Update

- God is so good. A couple in the "Your Questions Bible Study", Matthew and Jennifer, last night said they will host another 6 week study in their home and invite friends they have who they know need the Lord. I am so excited. I am praying that this will cause a snowball effect and another evangelistic study will spring from this with a new couple ....

- I will be going to speak at a missions conference in GA the weekend of Feb. 21.

- The elders of NorthCross cannot support the church plant until the new fiscal year begins in June. But is so many other ways their pastors and elders are so very supportive.

- Since the last update numerous individual supporters had given and 2 churches have made commitments to invest in this gospel work. One for 3 years and the other only makes one year commitments at a time. Presently I am just shy of $130,000 toward a goal of $225,000.

- Tomorrow, Lynn and I will sign a offer to purchase our home in Southern Pines. We were in the "give and take" process for a while, with me mostly giving. This is a major praise! We are to close April 27th. Lynn is ready to pick out a now house last week. Pray that the closing really does happen! And I am praying that the buyers market will be kind to me like it was for the buyers of my home!

- Next Sunday, Feb. 1, I will be preaching a "Missions Sunday" and a supporting - Church of the Redeemer in Monroe, NC.

- Instead of filling the mailboxes of churches in the PCA with my propaganda I have been sending e-mails to pastors of churches in GA that have websites. I read their websites praying for them and trying to determine if they would be willing to invest in a church plant in Charlotte. I have been so encouraged by the response - not promised to support at this point - mostly because they are supporting the church plants of they are mothering or one close to them. It encourages me for the Kingdom! I will try to finish up Ga and then start on SC. I have numerous reference letters, a few of them I send with this e-mail.

- Obviously there are some requests/praises you can glean from these updates. Here are a few more.
1. My walk with the Lord to grow stronger (Always pray for that, the more I grow the more I need to grow!)
2. Lynn will begin a Ladies Bible Study on the Beatitudes at a local ARP Church we have been attending and that support Advent. It will start next Wednesday.
3. For a prayer team of 200+. Right now you are one of 84
4. While typing this, I just got an e-mail inviting me to preach at Harbor Church, near Lake Norman to present the work in SS too!
5. At date to be determined, Uptown Church wants me to present the mission church and they are desirous of challenging families and individuals that live in the Steele Creek to join this gospel effort. This is a very gospel thing to do especially as they are about to mother their third Charlotte area church in the near future as I understand it.
6. After meeting with the pastor of the closest PCA church to the Steele Creek area, Harrison Spitler of Grace Church wants me to share the visions on a Sunday morning in June and the elders will come forward to encourage the pray if God is calling them to help with this mission church. At the same time they are in the midst of buying their first piece of land!
7. Pray that we will reach or financial goals ASAP!
8. Pray against the attacks of Satan. They are happening. I will not go into detail.
9. Pray for the next person to come to Christ through the ministry of Advent Church.

THANK YOU

Jan. 6, 2009
The preaching went very well. I preached on Luke 9:1-6 when Jesus sent the disciples on a training mission to prove that He could provide when he was not present especially in the area of sharing the Kingdom truths. One very time sensitive opportunity for evangelism that I challenged them with was to gather their friends that do now know Jesus together in their homes for a 6 week Bible Study in which I give them 3x5 cards to ask anything about the Bible, Jesus, eternal life, Christianity ... and the studies that I will teach will answer those questions. That is what I am presently doing with Ben & Jessica Coulter - they are the couple that have joined Advent Mission Church.

Emma was baptized during the first official worship service of Advent. My oversight commission (elders & pastors for Charlotte PCA churches) allowed us to have this service so they would not have to wait so long until our second worship service - hopefully in September of 2009. We had about 25-30 folks attend and my son Oliver lead worship. It was great. Thank you for praying.


Now some new requests:

- I just heard from a church in Georgia that wants me to be at their mission conference and we are working out the dates. Pray. I will also try to meet with other churches in SW GA once the dates are firm.

- I am speaking at 2 Charlotte area churches soon. Church of the Redeemer in Monroe Feb. 1 and at Harbor Church in Mooresville (Date to be determined very soon.

- I will be meeting with the NorthCross PCA elders on Jan 15th to discuss possible support. I have preached for them in the past. They are in Cornelius.

- There should be a number of cottage meetings in the Moore County area in the next 3 months. Date have not been firmed up yet. About 6 families are hosting and inviting interested people to those meetings and I will share more of the mission and totally what is going on with my family and ministry.

- Today I met with the MNA Committee (Mission to North America) - which called me to this church planting ministry in Charlotte. They were very encouraging and affirmed me in the direction I am going. I am thankful for these wise men. One of the elders from a church told me that their church might be supporting Advent and they will be deciding tomorrow night - especially pray about that please.

- I am working on a major fund raising letter/mailing to churches and individuals that I do not know as well. I have gathered some reference letters of recommendation. Pray for favor. Many of these churches were church plants in the past 20 years and know what it entails to start a church from scratch. Pray that they will be willing to invest in this portion of the Kingdom!

- Praise - Pledged support is now over $110,000. My goal is $225,00 over 4 years!
- Praise - you are one of 60 families/individuals that is getting this e-mail. My goal is that the Prayer Support team will grow to over 200!

Dec. 27th, 2008

Thank you for be on my prayer team - I really depend upon you and your prayers. I sincerely believe that God answers prayers and if you are prompted to pray for me in Jesus name -- then those prayers are prompted by God and He will answer! I have always believed that you have not because you ask not! So will you ask God to:
- use me as I preach at Westminster ARP Church in the morning at 10:30 am
- I will be challenging the dear folks of this church to realize they are in the harvest field and give them a very interesting opportunity to reach out = more about that in a later update.
- Tomorrow at 3:00 PM Advent Presbyterian will have a special worship service in Stallings, NC to hear the preached Word and celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism - our first. Pray for Emma and her parents Ben & Jessica Coulter. Picture below. They are the first members of the Advent PCA core group. So I will be preaching twice - 2 different sermons. I need prayer!


Nov. 3, 2008

Dear Friends,

I am developing a prayer team for the Advent mission that I have the privilege to start as a church planter. You are either a long time prayer partner, a pastor of a supporting church, a supporter or on my oversight commission. If you do not desire to pray for this mission please let me know.

I am really excited and what you to be praying for a number of things! I will mention just a few.
- Sunday the 16th I will be leading an evangelistic BS at Ben Coulter's home for 4 or 5 couples that all are unbelievers and work at Wachovia. They know Ben but do not know one another. I am calling this "Your Questions Bible Study". On Sunday we will have some time to know one another and introduce the BS. I will also share a profile of God's grace in my life. The topics the next 5 weeks will be their questions about Jesus, the Bible, Christianity .... My specific request is that all of the will be there on Sunday, that over time God will save them and that we can have 1 or 2 other similar studies that these couples will host!

- Pray for my house to sell - I have lowered the price $30,000 already. The 2 things that must happen before we can move to Steele Creek is to sell the house and raise sufficient support.

- Pray for a "Cottage meeting" at Rich and Anne Smith's home on Wednesday the 19th as we discuss gathering more prayer and financial supporters.

- Prayer specifically for the 5 PCA churches that are praying about supporting this mission church for the next 3 or 4 years.

- And since you know me - pray for me and my walk with the Lord!

There is much more but I promised you just a few!

If you haven't checked out my blog - www.crossrevilo.blogspot.com

End of Year Appeals

I am starting to get the letters from seminaries & ministries asking for year end gifts - the first trickle of what I am sure will be a flood in the next few weeks approaching Jan. 1st.

The first one was pretty boring: 

It is a fact that the current economic crisis is the number one topic of conversation in the country today. Many of you have inquired with concern about how this financial ''tsunami'' is affecting Reformed Theological Seminary.

We are all concerned about the continuing deterioration of our economy. No organization, RTS included, is immune to the effects of the plummeting equity markets, tightening credit markets, rising unemployment, consumer uncertainty, and lack of confidence. 
In response, RTS has become more committed, determined, and disciplined...

The one I like the best was from Covenant College written by a professional journalist (Joel Belz of WORLD Magazine fame.) It started well and ended with a straight forward ap

peal to invest in the lives of students. Read this:

Yes, you've probably already got it figured out. Before you finish reading this letter I'm going to ask you for a year end gift to Covenant College this Christmas. I realize you'll probably be inclined to answer either of two ways:

1. You'll think how perilous the economy is, and what terrible shape the world finds itself in, and you'll decide that this  just isn't a good time for such a gift. Or,

2. You'll think how perilous the economy is, and what terrible shape the world finds itself in, and you'll decide that there couldn't possible be a better time for such a gift!

That got me thinking - "I am in the fund raising mode, should I ask for year end gifts to the church planting ministry? Will I miss out on a great opportunity?" I have heard that ministries like Focus on the Family get 80% or some such high figure for their operating budget in December and then coast until the Summer/Fall and struggle until the next December. 

I am praying for a support team that will be willing to support the planting of Advent Presbyterian over a four year period. By faith we are planning on a Fall of 2009 first worship. Until we have regular worship services the expenses continue. 

If you would like to give to a ministry - do it after you have tithed to your local church. If you would like to support the planting of a church that will in term support missions and other ministries in the future - pray about it.

Just today I found out a missionary family started supporting this ministry. What an encouragement that is for my heart. They are the second missionary family on my support team.

My goal is to raise $225,000 for the four years. That is not what it will cost but it  will supplement, especially in the beginning, until worshippers start tithing to Advent as their local church. As of today I have pledged just over $97,000. So I am not quite halfway.

By the way if you would like to be on my prayer team - email me at pastorkencross@gmail.com

If you think God would have you invest either with a year end gift or to pledge over whatever period here is how you do it:

There are four ways to give to the Advent Presbyterian Church Plant
partnering with MNA for cash

 management services:


1. You can make your donations by mail.

Mission to North America
1700 N. Brown Road Suite 101
Lawrenceville, GA 30043-8143

• Please make your checks payable to MNA
• In the memo line of your check specify Ken Cross (we prefer the name rather than an account number)
• 100% of your contribution goes directly to this project! There are no fees charged by MNA for these services.


2. You can make your donations online by credit card.

• Go to www.pca-mna.org
• Click the “Support MNA” tab (2nd from the right)
• Choose “Donate Now”
(Link: https://processor.pcanet.org/mna/donationsII/donation.cfm)
• From the ‘church planters’ drop down menu, select “Cross, Ken – Steele Creek (Charlotte), NC”
• Create a user account by entering your donor information, name, address, email address.


3. You can make your regular donations automatically via electronic funds transfer from your bank, or by a recurring credit card charge.

Please contact Michael Hutcheson at (678) 825-1223 or mhutcheson@pcanet.org.


4. You can donate stock by contacting Charles W. Schwab:

Stock Company: Charles Schwab & Associates
Main phone number: 1-800-435-4000
Account number: 16360225
DTC Code: 0164 Code 40

(DTC stands for Depository Trust Co., which is part of the Federal Reserve System of the Central Securities Exchange)

After each gift is received, a receipt will be sent to the donor.

If you have read this far you get a special prize - but you have to make a comment on this blog to receive it! Just put the word, "Joyful" in your comment - don't mention the prize or people will just read the comments and be clued in! 

O come, divine Messiah!

I found words to an old Advent Hymn. I like that the words , especially the first two verses and refrain, point both to the first and second Advents (comings of Christ). We await the second, we rejoice in the first! The second is just as sure and the first.

So make sure that this Advent season you meditate on what it means to "wait well!"

O Come Divine Messiah

Lyrics by Pellegrin, Abbé Simon-Joseph

1. O come, divine Messiah! 
The world in silence waits the day 
When hope shall sing its triumph, 
And sadness flee away. 
 
Refrain: 
Dear Savior haste; 
Come, come to earth, 
Dispel the night and show Thy face, 
And bid us hail the dawn of grace. 
O come, divine Messiah! 
The world in silence waits the day 
When hope shall sing its triumph, 
And sadness flee away. 
 
2. O Christ, whom nations sigh for, 
Whom priest and prophet long foretold, 
Come break the captive fetters; 
Redeem the long‐lost fold. 
 
Refrain 
 
3. You come in peace and meekness, 
And lowly will Thy cradle be; 
All clothed in human weakness 
We shall Thy Godhead see. 


Even so, Lord Jesus come! Have a great day of worship today!

I found a recording of it on You Tube of a church choir singing but they only sing the first two verses. Here is another recording that is more professionally done but the pictures that they show only point to the first Advent. I would love to see this hymn redone by Indelible Grace musicians or maybe you have that talent!

Free Advent Songs - and they are really good!

I just downloaded Advent songs!  You can get them for free or pay what you want. 

Here’s a description of the album from Sojourn’s website:
“The emphasis here is on the already/ not-yet tension of Advent, the season of waiting and anticipation before Christmas. Advent comes to us in the darkest season of the year — a season when the nights are long, the days are cold, and we look with anticipation for the return of the warmth in the spring. The songs have both a dark sense of anticipation and glimpses of light dawning in the face of the Christ child.
“As we celebrate this season, we celebrate that our Messiah has come, and we look with longing to the day when he comes again. As St. John says, ‘Amen! Come Lord Jesus.’”

O Holy Night

Our family started last night having Advent worship at 7 PM. We intend to do this every night not matter who is here or what is going on. In preparation, I have been researching on the internet Advent songs, worship material ... Did I tell you we are using the video projector and and the computer which makes it fun and interactive.

In my research I found the following information about one of my favorite hymns: 

The Story Behind O Holy Night

O Holy Night was written by Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure in 1847. The music was written by Adolphe Charles Adams.

Placide was known for his poetry, and the lyrics to hte song are certainly poetry. He was approached by his parish priest to write something for the Christmas Mass, and this is what he came up with. He used the Gospel of Luke as his guide, and imagined what witnessing the birth of Jesus was like. He titled it "Cantique de Noel," which has become known in English as "O Holy Night."

The song was performed three weeks after the music and lyrics were finalized at a Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.

It spread across the church and France very fast, and was performed in many Catholic services. Later, when Placide left the church, and it was discovered that Adams was a Jew, the heads of the French Catholic Church decreed it "unsuitable" for a Catholic Mass. However, it continued to be popular and sung throughout France.

Legend has it that on Christmas Eve 1871, in the midst of fierce fighting between the armies of Germany and France, during the Franco-Prussian War, a French soldier suddenly jumped out of his muddy trench. Both sides stared at the seemingly crazed man. Boldly standing with no weapon in his hand or at his side, he lifted his eyes to the heavens and sang, "Minuit, Chretiens, c'est l'heure solennelle ou L'Homme Dieu descendit jusqu'a nous," the beginning of "Cantique de Noel." After completing all three verses, a German infantryman climbed out his hiding place and answered with, "Vom Himmel noch, da komm' ich her. Ich bring' euch gute neue Mar, Der guten Mar bring' ich so viel, Davon ich sing'n und sagen will," the beginning of Martin Luther's robust "From Heaven Above to Earth I Come." The story goes that the fighting stopped for the next twenty-four hours while the men on both sides observed a temporary peace in honor of Christmas day. Perhaps this story had a part in the French church once again embracing "Cantique de Noel" in holiday services.

John Sullivan Dwight introduced O Holy Night to America. But he was an old man when on Christmas Eve, 1906, Reginald Fessenden broadcast a man's voice over the airwaves. What he broadcast was the story of the birth of Christ from the Gospel of Luke. Following his reading, he picked up his violin and played O Holy Night - which became the first song ever sent through airwaves.

Now it is a song recognized the world over and sung by many people. It is difficult, musically, because of the range a voice needs to cover all the notes that drop low, and go up to the high A. It can be difficult to play accompaniment for the song because of all the triplets in the music. But it is wonderful when done well, and has been sung for many Christmas Masses and celebrations around the world.

Here are the lyrics - notice especially the last verse. And here is a video of someone who knows the King singing about Him!

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary soul rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here came the wise men from Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials born to be our Friend!
He knows our need—to our weakness is no stranger.
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His Gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His Name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy Name!
Christ is the Lord! O praise His name forever!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!

Update on Advent Pres Mission Church

Plans are moving forward. Today I met with a group of men (elders) from different churches that have agreed to be my "Oversight Commission." They were most helpful and encouraging. It is great for my soul to meet with men that have a passion for the Kingdom moving forward. Most of these men have known me for quite a while.

Here are a few things that happened and were decided:

• A year one budget was set (July 08-June 09).
• The men were encourage by the fund raising efforts so far and prayed for God to continue to work in that process.
• We set a goal to move to Steele Creek after school is out!
• There was prayer for my house to sell soon.
• I presented to the men a powerpoint (really Keynote - MAC guy don't you know!) presentation that I am using in my fund raising efforts.
• Reported that my prayer team has 78 members so far - if you are reading this would you like to join the team? You must pray and I will give you updates on a regular basis. Comment on this blog or send me an e-mail.
• The men prayed especially for Karen who will be transitioning to a new school in Charlotte for her senior year.
• The men gave wisdom about a baptism that need to be preformed next month.

I don't know if this is interesting to you but it definitely is a "Cross Happening!"

Early this morning (2 AM) Margaret arrive home from College. Oliver, Katie and Mi

chael will arrive tomorrow. [Oliver went today to meet the parents of his girlfriend Callie! Can't wait to hear how that went - I asked Callie if her Dad (Parker) was going to be cleaning his guns when Oliver arrived and she said his Dad actually had mentioned that! - I love the guy already!

If I do not post again until Thanksgiving - have a great day.

I encourage you to do a study of giving thanks in the New Testament and you will find that the Lord Jesus gave thanks all the time - a good pattern for us!

The following verses give us reason to continually give thanks!

1 Corinthians 15:56-58 NIV

56The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the la

w. 57But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

 58Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

MNA SEAL of APPROVAL

You have heard of the "seal of approval" - I think the most famous one is Pillsbury. This week I met with the elected Mission the North America (MNA) committee of my denomination, the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). How is that for alphabet soup! This approval is basically saying that they whole-heartedly encourage anyone and everyone to get behind this church planting effort.

It actually was a great experience to speak before the whole staff, committee and guest about my walk as a pastor/church planter/believer. Men from all over the country interviewed, approved and laid hands on me as they prayed for my soul, fund raising, and the future of Advent Presbyterian. It is so encouraging knowing that these men have promised to pray for this adventure of faith! 

Pledge Card

Someone wanted me to post this here for those interested.

STATEMENT OF PLEDGE TO SUPPORT -   Advent Presbyterian Church Plant MINISTRY OF KEN CROSS – Steele Creek (Charlotte), NC Yes, I (we) would like to express my (our) intent to pledge  support to Advent Presbyterian Church Plant and to MNA by: o PRAYER:  I (we) would like to pray for the development  of this ministry and for the hearts of people to be  touched by the Gospel.            o Daily     o Weekly         o  FINANCIAL TAX DEDUCTIBLE GIFTS:  One Time Gift of $__________________    Ongoing pledge of  $___________  per _______________ for ________years           (M)onth, (Q)uarter, (Y)ear   1, 2 ,3 or 4    Pledge date range:   Start___________ Month/Year       End ______________ Month/Year          o Receive Church Planter prayer letters.   (Please DO NOT check if you are currently  receiving the prayer letter)        o Agree that funds may be advanced to the  church planter based on the above pledge with  my (our) understandingthat as I (we) continue  to give in fulfillment of my (our) pledge, I (we) are  replenishing to MNA the funds MNA has  advanced to Ken Cross.   NAME_____________________________________ (Title, Mr., Mrs., Ms.)        (First)      (Last Name)   ADDRESS_________________________________ __________________________________________   CITY____________________________________  STATE____________________ ZIP___________   TELEPHONE_____________________________ EMAIL___________________________   SIGNATURE____________________________________ DATE ________________   Please make checks payable and mail to:             Mission to North America                                            1700 N. Brown Rd, Suite 101 Lawrenceville, GA  30043                                             oI would like information on electronic funds giving. This contribution will be made with the understanding  that Mission to North America has complete discretion  and control over the use of all donated funds, to assure  their use for the intended exempt purposes.