During storms, emperor penguins huddle for warmth, taking turns at the center and on the perimeter of the group. While incubating eggs, up to 6000 male penguins have been observed clustering for shelter against the harsh Antarctic winter. Partially grown chicks gather in protective ‘creches’ (French for cribs); often surrounded by a colony of adults, these groupings ward off predators and cold.
In stormy times, humans also need supportive groups; we can’t survive alone. A church family allows us to take turns giving and receiving care. Amid social upheaval, injustice, illness, natural disaster and any loss or crisis, God invites us to gather for protection and warmth. In the church community, we support and strengthen one another and are empowered to go out again into the less-sheltered world.
God places each Christian in a local church with intention and purpose. What’s more, He has given every believer a spiritual gift with which to serve. If one member doesn’t use his or her gift, then the entire body suffers as a result. You are needed by the people in your church and you need them as well. This amazing entity known as the church is a blessing and you are part of it.
We’ve received some awesome testimonials from CTW family members and we thought you would all enjoy reading them too.
I found my cross in Oatman, AZ. What a find! I needed God’s reassurance that I was on the right path. There it was. Thank you Jesus.
Shirley – AZ
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I took a box full of those lovely crosses to our small local Food Pantry where I volunteer. We are not permitted to offer a cross to anyone directly but are allowed to leave the box in plain view so that all can take one or not. At the end of the day there was only ONE cross left. May God bless you and all you love with His greatest blessings. The minute I have more money I will order more crosses.
In His love, Geo – AZ
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I am lead to start a Pen Pals Mail – Childrens Ministry and I am going to use these inside the envelopes with the story/activity book. Easter theme is my next one and these will be perfect. I love them! Thank you!
Caley – MI
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We do cold calls for our church in our town as well as prayer requests in people’s homes. We would like to leave them something to remember us by.
Eldon – MO
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Thank you Shirley, Geo, Caley and Eldon for sharing your thoughts with us!
Here’s the family members who got our crosses in February:
Karen – WA
Dar – MN
Kay – MN for mission trip to Guatemala
Latter Rain Ministries – Kingman, AZ
Rejoice Lutheran Church – Clearwater, MN
Don – MN
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church – Bruno, MN
St. Francis Hospital Pastoral Care – Tulsa, OK
Russ – MN for Homeless and Wounded Warriors-MN
Bob – TX
Jason – MN
Immaculate Conception Council of Catholic Women – Columbia Heights, MN
Grace United Church – Lloydminster, Alberta, Canada
Chaplain Scott – AR
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church – New York Mills, MN
Linda – MN
Classy Jacs Guiding Light – Joplin, MO
Gethsemane Lutheran Church – Dassel, MN
Fayette Congregational Church – Fayette, MI
Charles – ND
A couple of reminders for you:
Daylight savings times sta
rts Sunday, March 10th! Remember to set your clocks ahead!!
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If you are thinking you would like crosses for the Lenten/ Easter season, please request them as soon as you ca
n. This is a busy time in our woodshop and we want to help everyone get their crosses in time to meet their needs. Thanks!
CROSS THE WORLD 