From the Pastor's Desk
Take Up your Cross and Follow Jesus

John Ennis • Lead Pastor
August 27, 2026

2 Minute Read

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

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From this Tag: From the Pastor's Desk
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

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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

John Ennis

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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

Lead Pastor

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
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Lead Pastor

July 23, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
From the Pastor's Desk
As I have been reflecting on our time in Ruth, I’ve noticed a pattern I haven’t had a deep appreciation for until now: God multiplies generous acts. Not just in the “sowing and reaping" principles often at play on the pages of Scripture. But the “your generous act is actually going snowball with the faithful and generous acts of others.” Boaz showed compassion and generosity to his employees. Ruth showed compassion and generosity toward Naomi. The employees showed compassion and generosity to Ruth. Boaz shows generosity to Naomi through Ruth. God weaves all these small and often easily overlooked steps into a beautifully redemptive story that leads (spoiler warning) to the line of David and Jesus. I’ve been encouraged to consider to where I doubt the small but faithful step being stewarded by God to weave wholistic redemption. And consider where I can trust God’s invitation to act faithfully with compassion and generosity. Won’t you join me? Talk soon! David

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July 16, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
From the Pastor's Desk
This morning, Beth said something that struck me: “I had a really good conversation; I steered it toward the spiritual.” It got me thinking… Think about your neighbors, school friends, coworkers, cashiers, or the person you keep running into. We often talk about the weather, sports (go Argentina!), gas prices, and—if you dare—politics. Those conversations matter because they help build relationships. Who is someone in your life who has moved from acquaintance to friend—someone whose name you know, and who knows yours? Take a moment to pray for that person right now. Then consider that it may be no accident you continue to see them—perhaps it is God-ordained. The next time you converse, gently steer the conversation toward spiritual matters. It can be done by mentioning your church, or asking how you can pray for them, or sharing something your pastor or group leader once said. Then listen for their response and for how God may be leading you next. Let me know how it goes! “Be ready in season and out of season.” 2 Timothy 4:2 Love you all, -Pastor John

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June 8, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
From the Pastor's Desk
Years ago the elders asked a painful but important question: “Would this community miss us if we ceased to exist?” At the time, I believe the honest answer was, “No.” But over the years, by God’s grace, that began to change. Slowly, that “No” became a “Yes.” Today, I believe many people in our community—including an elementary school—would be deeply affected if we were no longer here. I was reminded of this when Donald was away for two weeks in early spring. By the eighth day, people were asking where he was. Cars stopped, windows rolled down, walkers paused, and children, teachers, and parents all asked the same question: “Where’s Donald?” I lost count of how many people noticed his absence. That question—“Would this community miss us if we ceased to exist?”—is not only a meaningful question for the church; it is also a meaningful question for each of us. Would your community—your neighbors, coworkers, classmates, and friends—miss the kindness, presence, and love of Christ in you if you were no longer there? Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world… In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13–16 -Pastor John

John Ennis

Lead Pastor