Saturday Services

CrossRoads Worship

"Stand at the crossroads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls." - Jeremiah 6:16a.

Our CrossRoads service is a "come as you are", participatory, image-driven, and connective worship experience.  “Come as you are” is both how we dress and where we are in our spiritual journey. 

We have pictures and videos, upbeat and varied music, a band (you should hear one of Bill’s guitar solos), dramatic readings and a relevant message that will lead you into a new encounter with God.  Our worship leader Kathy gets us going and Pastor Linda brings it home with the message. 

CrossRoads is part of St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church and follows the principles of the United Methodist Church.  Baptisms, Holy Communion and the reception of new members are a regular part of this service.  Find rest and rejuvenation for your soul on Saturdays at 5:00 PM.

How do people dress?

This is a "come as you are" service.  People dress in a wide range of styles -- from jeans or shorts to “business” casual style.  Most people are not "dressy."  Pastor Linda really likes wearing jeans.  We do not view worship as something we need to wear a suit or special clothes to in order to participate.  We are more interested in a heart desiring to worship.

Where do you meet?

We usually meet in the main sanctuary but occasionally meet in our "Fellowship Hall" for a coffee house style worship.  Aren’t sure whether to go to the sanctuary or Fellowship Hall?  Don’t worry.  Come at 5:00 pm on Saturday and we’ll make sure you get to the right spot.

What’s with the balloons?
We don't believe we have to be "normal"!  We like to "think outside of the box".  Whether it’s our own “not ready for prime time players” or video clips from favorite Christmas movies, we try to mix it up and keep it interesting.  Many of the things we do are light hearted but they always tie to a much deeper message.  The balloons?  What better way to celebrate a birthday (Christianity’s birthday in this case) than to bounce balloons and beach balls around the sanctuary as we sing. 

What if I haven't been to church much?

Come as you are.  Many of our folks started coming to church more recently as adults rather than as children.  Some of our people have come all of their life.  Some seem to know a lot about the Bible and faith.  Others are just beginning that interesting journey.  We want to be the kind of church where there's a comfort level to earnestly explore, ask questions, and discover new pieces about God throughout a lifetime.  None of us "have arrived."  Some can help others; some need the "basics" explained.  CrossRoads worship strives to explain things from a "real life" basis, including a basic understanding of what the Bible says and how that applies to life.

Mission … Possible

“Your assignment, Mr. Phelps, should you choose to accept it …”  Several times a year just after worship, we participate in a mission project.  From making sandwiches or preparing breakfast for those in need to assembling care packages for our college students preparing for finals, we roll up our sleeves, do a little work, and enjoy some Christian fellowship.  This is just one of many ways St. Matthew’s participates in mission projects.  Check out some of the other areas on our mission page to get a flavor of all the ways you can contribute.

Hungry?

It all started as cookies, veggies, and ice tea after worship to give people a chance to catch-up with each other.  Now you can practically have dinner after the service.  We usually take turns preparing a light meal, but everyone is welcome to add something yummy.  Do you need to bring anything?  Nope.  Actually, there is usually too much food.  We still socialize; just now it’s between bites.  So, please stay for a few minutes after service so we can get to know one another. Your taste buds will thank you.

Why 5:00 pm on Saturday nights?

Because 5:00 am on Saturday mornings seemed too early.

What else?

Well, you just have to come to a couple of services and see (did we mention CrossRoads is at 5:00 PM Saturday nights).  Because we try to keep it varied, you never quite know what to expect on any given night.  If you prefer a more traditional service, we have two of those on Sunday mornings and hope to see you there (8:30 AM and 11:15 AM).  However, if traditional service is not quite your thing or you just want to try something different, come to CrossRoads (we meet on Saturday nights at 5:00 PM in case you missed it).