From the Pastor's Desk
Stay Awake!

John Ennis • Lead Pastor
October 29, 2026

2 Minute Read
I witnessed a horrifying scene this morning: a two-year-old child running toward a busy road. I was too far away to help, but fortunately, another driver stopped their car in time to intercept the child. We called the police because we did not know who the child’s parents were. Eventually, a confused parent who had been asleep arrived and claimed their child. The parent thanked us, but I was not sure they understood the gravity of the situation. It’s easy to pass judgment, but haven’t we all been guilty of being asleep—not only as parents, but also as spouses, employees, students, etc? The same question applies to our spiritual lives.
Jesus warns us to stay awake!
Why else would he warn us if we were not prone to spiritual sleepiness? In Mark 13:36-37, he says: “If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’ ”
How do you know if you’re spiritually asleep? There is a long list of signs, but I think we understand spiritual slumber best when we understand what it means to be spiritually awake. Being awake means approaching Christ with a posture of obedience through daily prayer, reading God’s Word, and sharing our faith. It means expecting and watching for His return and staying alert to the devil’s schemes. It also means recognizing our tendency toward complacency and combating it with daily, holy surrender. In the words of Jesus in Luke 9:23: “…If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
So it’s time to wake up church! Ephesians 5:14 “…Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
Thanks for taking the time to read. Love you all! —PJ
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October 29, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
From the Pastor's Desk
I witnessed a horrifying scene this morning: a two-year-old child running toward a busy road. I was too far away to help, but fortunately, another driver stopped their car in time to intercept the child. We called the police because we did not know who the child’s parents were. Eventually, a confused parent who had been asleep arrived and claimed their child. The parent thanked us, but I was not sure they understood the gravity of the situation. It’s easy to pass judgment, but haven’t we all been guilty of being asleep—not only as parents, but also as spouses, employees, students, etc? The same question applies to our spiritual lives. Jesus warns us to stay awake! Why else would he warn us if we were not prone to spiritual sleepiness? In Mark 13:36-37, he says: “If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’ ” How do you know if you’re spiritually asleep? There is a long list of signs, but I think we understand spiritual slumber best when we understand what it means to be spiritually awake. Being awake means approaching Christ with a posture of obedience through daily prayer, reading God’s Word, and sharing our faith. It means expecting and watching for His return and staying alert to the devil’s schemes. It also means recognizing our tendency toward complacency and combating it with daily, holy surrender. In the words of Jesus in Luke 9:23: “…If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” So it’s time to wake up church! Ephesians 5:14 “…Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Thanks for taking the time to read. Love you all! —PJ

John Ennis

Lead Pastor

October 23, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
From the Pastor's Desk
Last night something really beautiful happened: A church, a national office and an elementary school celebrated the countries and cultures that make up our big, wide world. There were 250+ people in attendance, but it was the small relational moments that sealed the beauty of the event. For lot of people, it was a night of free treats, food and fun. For some though, deeper relationships were forged, new perceptions of Christians and church were cultivated, and a few even want to learn more about Jesus. Grateful for partnerships that seek the wellbeing of our community. The National Office team came to serve with us, and serve well! And grateful for you! Thank you for praying for this event, supporting it through your candy donations and volunteer hours, and taking time to invest in the school and our neighbors. Pray with me that this continues to fan the flame of Gospel advance in Reynoldsburg. Talk soon! -David

John Ennis

Lead Pastor

October 8, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
From the Pastor's Desk
Attending school in the early 1970s was markedly different from the experience of students today. For example, we (Gen X) regularly participated in nuclear-attack drills. The concern expressed by the adults around us often made such an event seem inevitable. I remember crouching beneath my desk in the knee-head position and wondering how it could possibly protect me. Every generation appears to face a new threat portrayed as catastrophic, yet life continues. Remember the warnings about depleted oil reserves, overpopulation, global warming, Y2K, and now AI. Each generation has had reasons to regard such concerns as potential extinction-level events. This does not mean that we should dismiss legitimate risks or fail to take appropriate action. However, misplaced fear can lead to faithless living. We must be careful not to fear the wrong thing (everything except God), but instead to fear God alone. Our future rests with the sovereign God who remains fully in control. He knows our end; therefore, let us look to Him with confidence. We can trust the hope of 1 Thessalonians 3:13: May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones. Love you all, -PJ

John Ennis

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October 1, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
From the Pastor's Desk
This Sunday Pastor John starts our next sermon series through Luke's Gospel account. I have been pondering on these first words in Luke, and am praying for us as we walk this book of Scripture together: "With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught." Lord- where we still lack faith, help us to know with certainty the truth of Your Word. Amen See you Sunday! Pastor David

David Long

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September 17, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
From the Pastor's Desk
Are you a selfish person? Have you honestly reflected on that question recently? We've been unpacking parts of our vision and purpose as a church family, and this Sunday we tackle "Love God, Love Others, Live to Serve." That's our way of applying the greatest commands found in scripture "Love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength" and "Love your neighbor as yourself." It seems Jesus places a high emphasis on service to others, an external reaction to the overflow of love received within the family of God. To know God and love God leads to the knowing and loving of others. The promise in Luke 9:24 says if we seek self, we will lose everything. But if we seek beyond ourselves, there's a full life to be found. Luke 9:24 - For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. Serving is actually a really difficult thing for me. Putting others ahead of myself has asked more of me than I thought (funny, since I did grow up reading Luke 9:24...) But I can honestly say I've experienced a fullness of life living for the sake of others I couldn't have imagined. I'm still very selfish. But I'm still following Jesus further in and love what I'm finding. Look forward to leaning into a life of service with you. And talk soon! -David

David Long

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September 10, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
From the Pastor's Desk
Go love God, love others, and live to serve. We say it every Sunday as we close the service—but how do we live it out? This invitation calls us to walk intentionally with the Lord and reflects Jesus’ words: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23). For me, Men’s Group is one practical example. I value Men’s Group because it helps me love God, love others, and live to serve—not only during our hour together, but also in my family, neighborhood, community and workplace. Through prayer, encouragement, and the support of men who have my back, that one hour shapes the rest of my week. So, go and live it out: love God, love others, and serve. -John

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September 3, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
From the Pastor's Desk
Proverbs 29:18 opens with "Where there is no vision, the people perish." I think about that verse often during significant moments- things like wedding ceremonies or new jobs starting or big transitions. Those moments have always struck me as revealing- you can tell where there has been discernment and wisdom present in the decision-making, and when there hasn't. We don't have any big transitions this month at Cross Walk, but we are intentionally taking time to discern and get wisdom together as we explore what God is surfacing for our church family together. So, each Sunday we're unpacking our key, repeated phrases - the things we use to describe who we are and what we are doing - and leaning in to what they reveal about where we are now and where we see God moving us. The last part of Proverbs 29:18 says - "But blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction." God has gifted us His Word - both in the person of Jesus and in Scripture - that we may have wisdom. Looking forward to sharing space to heed that wisdom and cast vision in September! Talk soon, David

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August 27, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
From the Pastor's Desk
It is hard to believe that we are already approaching the beginning of our fall ministry season. Subtle changes in the leaves, weather, and rhythms around us remind us that a new season is near. As you prepare for it, take a moment to reflect on where you were in your walk with the Lord this time last year. In what ways have you grown through His grace? How are you becoming more like Him, and what spiritual fruit reflects His work in your life? Then consider where you hope to be a year from now. Is there anything you need to surrender? Are there habits you would like to release or replace? How might you make more intentional time with your Savior? Prayerfully consider what you would like the Lord to do in and through you over the next twelve months. We are grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside you in this journey. Over the past year, we have studied James and Psalm 139, and we are currently concluding our time in Ruth. In the coming season, we look forward to exploring the Gospel of Luke together. September offers a meaningful opportunity to deepen our engagement with God and strengthen our relationships with one another. As we enter this season, may we prayerfully receive Jesus’ invitation in Luke 9:23–24: 23 Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. Love you all, PJ

John Ennis

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August 20, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
From the Pastor's Desk
Hey there! There are some seasons where time together really makes a difference. Shared space and shared experience serves as an anchor for what lies in the road ahead. For Cross Walk, that season is September. In September we'll be sharing the vision and opportunities we see God placing before Cross Walk in the year and years ahead. We have new ministry opportunities opening, new shared rhythms God has laid on our heart, and new invitations. We'll be sharing more in the weeks ahead, but my ask of you today is this: As best as you can, would you prioritize Sunday Mornings in the month of September? We want to share the space and the experiences with as much of the family as we can, so we are anchored for the road ahead. Grace and peace to you, and talk soon! Pastor David

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August 13, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
From the Pastor's Desk
If you’re reading this, congratulations—your power is back on! Many of us lost electricity during Tuesday’s storm, including the church. I have a confession: even though I knew the power was out, I kept walking into rooms and flipping the light switch. I would laugh at myself, only to do it again in the next room. Be honest—did you do the same? Perhaps it was muscle memory, habit, or simply taking everyday conveniences for granted. Whatever the reason, it was a welcome moment when the lights finally announced that power had been restored. That experience made me reflect: as a follower of Christ, how often am I going through the motions without spiritual power—relying on my own strength instead of depending on the Holy Spirit? Sometimes we simply keep flipping the human switch without pausing to seek God. Ephesians 5 offers practical guidance for living in daily dependence on Him: Ephesians 5:18–21 “Be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” So, before you flip the switch, pause and make sure the power is on. Love you all, -Pastor John

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August 6, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
From the Pastor's Desk
Dear Church Family, As we head back into Ruth this Sunday, we're turning a corner on the story- what was a tragedy is becoming a love story. What was heartbreaking is becoming redemptive. Over the next few weeks, start thinking about the ways, both big and small, that God has been redeeming you. What stories can you share? What moments do you treasure as you see the hand of God on your life? More to come, talk soon! David

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July 30, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
From the Pastor's Desk
Thank you so much to everyone who helped sponsor a backpack for the GR4S Campaign! As of today, we have ALL 110 BACKPACKS FUNDED! Praise the Lord! I’m truly looking forward to GR4S Sunday! What a blessing it is to help 110 students begin the school year with backpacks and supplies. Church family, let’s come ready to warmly welcome, love, and care for our community. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 5: 13 “You are the salt of the earth…” 14 “You are the light of the world…” 15 “…put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.” 16 “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Let’s shine brightly and be the salt of the earth this Sunday. Please make a special effort to welcome and connect with anyone you don’t know. Come early, grab a cup of coffee, meet someone new, and invite them to join you. Make room where you sit, introduce yourself, and warmly invite our guests to come back next week. CWC, we’ve got this, RIGHT!!! I can’t wait to see you all on Sunday! -Love you all, John

John Ennis

Lead Pastor