Crossroads News The Official Journal of

Crossroads Christian Fellowship NSW Inc.

Inside this issue

Mudgee’s 20th Birthday ............. 1

Chairman’s Chat & Kenthurst................................... 2

Bankstown & Queensland………...3

Mudgee Cont’d .......................... 4

Dubbo & Tasmania..................... 5

Macarthur & Newcastle ............. 6

Shoalhaven & Parramatta............7

Disneyland advert ..................... 8

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Crossroads Christian Fellowship NSW Inc.

A Ministry advocating for and

involving people with Disabilities

Established 1961

ABN 90 070 601 357

Items for Autumn Newsletter

to Editor by 6th March, 2014

Summer 2013 Volume 52, Issue 4

The Stables at Mudgee was the venue for this 20th Birthday celebration

on November 23rd where around sixty members, past members and

friends, gathered for a great night of food, entertainment and

reminiscing. Beth Dodd from Nowra Crossroads was our guest speaker

and inspired us to carry on the Gospel message of offering salvation to

all and sharing the love of Jesus. She suggested that we seek to involve

the other churches in our town to be more welcoming to people with

disabilities. (We already have members from other churches playing an

active part in our group but would like more churches to be willing to

host a meeting!)

Vera Langshaw, wife of the late Bill Langshaw, spoke of our beginnings.

Together with Judy Blackman, and the help of Mudgee Uniting Church

we started monthly fellowship meetings on a Sunday evening followed by

a simple worship service, and also organised an outing or activity most

months. It was amazing to hear our treasurer Sharon Impson listing for

us the places we have gone and the things we have done.

Vera also spoke of the special drop-off centre we ran for several

years. Once a week, people with disabilities were cared for, fed and

entertained by a wonderful group of loving volunteers and great

memories were revived of some of those people.

Continued page 4

Mudgee Crossroads Celebrates their 20th Birthday

This colour edition of Crossroads News has been generously sponsored by

Snap Castle Hill. 9680 1858

email: castlehill@snap.com.au

mailto:castlehil@snap.com.au

2

From the Chairman Another year almost past and if you are anything like me you will be amazed at how fast

2013 seemed to slip by!

It started well for me with a Crossroads holiday to Hong Kong where we went to the

Peak of the Island, visited Disneyland, experienced many markets including Stanley and

the Peoples markets, enjoyed Chinese food and in all, had a fun filled time. Then, those

of us who went to Dubbo later in the year enjoyed immensely the interaction with

Crossroads Dubbo held at the Baptist Church. The sponsor church conducting the

program was the Uniting and we appreciated the effort and contribution made by a

wonderful group of people on the night. Naturally, we went and did all of the things tourists do when they

visit these towns!

The year will finish with a group of forty-eight flying out to Wellington, New Zealand on Boxing Day and

we are looking forward to that.

As we approach the festive season most of us will be caught up someway with gift giving, eating large

meals and wishing others a ‘Happy Christmas’. Having recently been in the Philippines with my wife

Jeanette and a team of six others (at the time the Typhoon came through), my thoughts about gift giving

have changed somewhat as I witnessed the extreme poverty of many people in a country where rapid

change is taking place. However, as I reflect upon the meaning of Christmas it would seem to me that the

One who came into the world to save us also calls us to remember the needs of those who are suffering

most!

Unfortunately, Christmas is not always a happy time for many because they have no family to celebrate

with. Can I urge each one who reads these words to be aware that if you are not already a part of the

family of God that you are the one Jesus came into the world for and that He wants to change your life

from hopelessness to one of GREAT HOPE? And if it is your blessing to know Him as your Saviour and

Lord that you especially remember to bless those who are far less fortunate than you?

Just in closing, many are aware we shall be conducting another holiday to Disneyland Anaheim this

coming June. We quickly reached our maximum number back in September so decided we would take an

extra twenty people who might like to come. If you are someone who wanted to be part of this exciting

holiday – and don’t mind the thought of a 17 hour plane ride there and back, then it’s not too late to make a

booking! See the advertisement somewhere else in the paper for details.

In the meantime, I wish you all a safe and happy Christmas season with the hope that the Saviour who

came as a babe is now your Saviour and redeemer because you have surrendered your life to His Lordship!

Len Kingston

A few weeks ago we entertained

friends at a sing along.

While singing the First Noel we

had Crossroads members acting

out the song with a Nativity

play.

Best wishes to all for a happy

and holy time this Christmas.

From Maureen and all at

Annangrove/ Kenthurst

Crossroads

Kenthurst News

3

night because the combined

Crossroads Christmas party at

Smeaton Grange was coming

up.

On the day of the party, two bus

loads of the Bankstown City

Crossroaders left Padstow on

their way to our annual get

together with Hal and his City

Crossroaders. Being early, we

had a sing-song of Christmas

Carols, a welcome from Sue,

followed by lunch, which was

enjoyed by all. It was great to

meet-up with some old friends

again. A good day had by all.

Our final activity for the year

was our own Christmas Dinner

held, once again, in the Hall of

the Mount St Joseph Milperra

girl’s school. It was a fantastic

night.

Cyril McColough

From The Editor

Christmas is not far away. As I am writing this, I am

preparing to attend my second

carols night in a row. I have

been very busy and have been

wondering where I would find

the time to finish this edition of

Crossroads News.

I’m so glad that I have found

the time as I have read about

all that the branches have been

doing and looked at all the

great photos that I received.

Take time to slow down and

read all the News and hear

about all the blessings that God

has showered upon the

Crossroads groups in 2013.

Of course don’t forget to marvel

at the colour photos of our first

colour edition that we hope to

produce each summer.

We are very grateful to Snap

Printing at Castle Hill who

have generously offered to

sponsor this colour printing.

If you need any printing done,

give them a call—their details

are on the front page.

Most importantly, find the time

to slow down and think about

God’s amazing gift to us—that

he sent his Son Jesus on that

first Christmas so that we can

be forgiven and received as

members of God’s family. Stop

and thank him for this great

gift and take all opportunities

to tell others this great news.

To all friends and members of

Crossroads—Merry Christmas!

Lesley

BANKSTOWN BULLETIN On the 19th October, a group of

about 34 Bankstown City

Crossroaders and friends set out

in a large coach driven by Merv,

our friendly bus driver. Our

original destination was

somewhere over the mountains

but as there were fierce bush

fires raging in that area and

most of the roads were closed

the plan was altered for a trip

down the South Coast. The

weather was fine and the trip

not too exhausting so we

stopped at Kiama for morning

tea and then on to Berry for

lunch. After a great day we all

arrived back at Padstow by

about 5:30 pm.

John, and his team from St

Marks, ran our November Hall

Night for us that included some

fun games. There was also a

buzz of excitement during the

This photo is from our family & members BBQ in August.

From Janet and the team at Crossroads QLD we would like to wish you

and your families a joyous and safe Christmas.

Lauren

Greetings from Queensland

Paul with Santa and Libby singing

Carols Karaoke

4

Gradually the local service providers

took over this role in a bigger way and

so we relinquished this task. The rest of the evening was very

energetic and happy with music

provided by Peter Lindfield and his

friend, Jason, on guitars, and Andrea

on the keyboard. The building started

rocking to the Birdie Dance, the

Hokey Pokey and the Conga Line and

in between we had some country

spirituals and popular classics.

There was a lot of catching up and

chatter, and we are looking forward to

most of us still being here to celebrate

another 20 years.

Andrea Sauerbier,

Continued from page 1

Mudgee Crossroads Celebrates their 20th Birthday

Dancing the Conga

(above and to left)

Listening intently to the official speeches

Mudgee branch President Judy speaks

5

News From Dubbo

We have enjoyed a really good

year at Crossroads in Dubbo.

One big highlight was the visit

of Len Kingston and some

Sydney Crossroaders in

September. It was a surprise for

some to realise that Crossroads

exists outside of Dubbo.

At our final get together for

The finished product

All Branches in Tasmania

express their grateful thanks to

the Organisers, Helpers and

Carers who willingly give their

time to “Make Crossroads

Happen”!

Above all, we thank our

Heavenly Father for His gift of

Jesus – our Saviour, Friend and

Helper, and the inspiration for

all that is offered in His Name.

2013, we were able to celebrate

the birth of Jesus, thanking God

for the wonder of "The Best

Present Ever". We also spent

time being creative. Karen, a

super craft talent, had us all

making something to use as a

Christmas decoration. A great

celebration.

Robyn .

Crafty

Karen

Everyone hard at work

Another year is almost complete

with all branches operating

their vibrant and interesting

programs and in ways which

suit their local environment and

the needs of their members.

Most branches add variety to

their programs with events that

are new, although

there are perennial

favourites such as

the annual BBQs

for most branches,

to start the events

for the year.

Continuity does

appeal to

Crossroaders,

giving them a

sense of security

and safety.

Greetings from Tasmania (an extract from Out and About 2012-2013)

Crossroads Joy

Church service at

Scots Memorial

Oh come all ye faithful...

Where has 2013 gone as

Christmas is upon us

already!!

On Saturday 30th

November Macarthur

Crossroads hosted the

annual Crossroads

Christmas party with

Bankstown and Kindilan

6

centred focus'. Some of the

items that she spoke of were a

Christmas tree that reminds us

of the new life we have in Jesus,

Angels that remind us of the

good news GOD gave us and

Santa who reminds us to give

without seeking anything in

return. Oh yes - Santa also

visited giving gifts to everyone.

So from all of us at Macarthur

we pray that all will have a

blessed Christmas and may

GOD guide and protect you in

2014.

Sue

Greetings From

Macarthur

branches attending. There was

a lot of Christmas cheer as we

played musical chairs and hot

potato with Santa trying to

catch up with Rudolph. Our

sausage sizzle and salad lunch

was topped off with yummy

pavlova. Everyone really loved

singing Christmas carols and

all joined in with Christmas

bells to hold and ring when

singing Jingle Bells.

Sue shared the Christmas

message on 'Christmas

decorations with a Christ

Lots of fun at the combined

Christmas party

A few weeks ago our

Crossroaders enjoyed a

Moonshadow luncheon cruise

all around Newcastle Harbour

on a lovely Sunday afternoon.

The food served on board was

absolutely delicious and it was

a very relaxing way to spend

the afternoon, with occasional

commentary by the ship's

captain. Everybody had a

marvellous time.

Newcastle Crossroads had its

last meeting for

2013, and its

Christmas party, on

Thursday the 28th

November.

We started

with a short

church

service at St.

Andrews

which

centred on

the

Christmas

News from Newcastle message, and was very well

attended.

Afterwards we all met in the

church hall for the party where a

feast of goodies awaited

everyone. The man in red also

visited and had a special gift for

each and every Crossroader who

attended, much to their delight.

Crossroads will be in recess until

the first Thursday in February

2014 when we will

all meet again.

Christmas

greetings to all the

other branches.

John Mathieson -

President

7

Snippets from Shoalhaven Shoalhaven Crossroaders really

enjoyed our new provision of

tabletop easels plus drawing

pencils, pastels and charcoal.

We had people waiting for a

turn and the resulting works of

art were amazing.

We began with arranging fruit

in a bowl as a stimulus; the

next time went to flowers.

This is Lee’s work .

Many of our members attended

the International Day for

People with a disability

(IDPWD) dinner at Nowra Golf

Club on 3rd December – it was a

fancy dress event and there

Another year has passed

that has been full of joy and

fellowship. It has also been a

great year of learning from

God’s Word and trusting in

him as the people of

Parramatta branch have

learnt more about how we

can love and serve him.

Our final night for the year

was capped off by a wonderful

Christmas party full of food,

craft and good fun.

We were then able to join

with Dundas Church in

their local community carols

event and sing with great

gusto.

Merry Christmas from all at

Parramatta Branch.

Parramatta Update

were many Santas there.

Here is Maurice ………………

and who

would have

recognized

James.

One of our

traditions

in the Shoalhaven is to have a

picnic in a town park on the

first Friday of December. It

was a glorious evening this year

and over 50 people turned up

with their picnic tea and picnic

rug. Peter and Hennie led some

Christmas Carols and we heard

the Chocolate Christmas story.

If you don’t know it see it here:-

http://www.vision.org.au/the-

journey/the-chocolate christmas

-story

Shoalhaven Crossroads has had

a wonderful year and we are

thankful to God for His hand

upon us. We now enjoy a short

break but will be ready for

2014, with our first meeting on

14th February and our annual

Bundanoon Escape from 21 –

23rd Feb. We take over the

YHA and enjoy bushwalks, a

swim, archery, walks to the

village and coffee shops and the

younger energetic members go

on a bike ride. There is always

a good variety of craft activities

too and good healthy food.

We wish other branches much

joy and peace over this

Christmas and New Year

period.

Beth

Above:(L to R) Natalie, John, Graham, Amanda, and Phillip

Below:(L to R) John, Lesley, Jenny, and Evelyn

http://www.vision.org.au/the-journey/the-chocolate-christmas-storyhttp://www.vision.org.au/the-journey/the-chocolate-christmas-storyhttp://www.vision.org.au/the-journey/the-chocolate-christmas-story

Crossroads Branches

COUNTRY

Bowral

02 4421 5129

Dubbo

02 6884 1380

Shareability Canberra

02 6254 9549

Lismore

02 6621 2725

Mudgee

02 6372 7609

Newcastle

02 4951 8106

ShellHarbour

02 4262 0981

Shoalhaven

02 4423 2525

Tamworth

02 6764 4243

Wollongong

02 4225 3436

SYDNEY AREA

Annangrove

Kenthurst

02 4587 8841

Bankstown City

02 9773 4754

Central Sydney

02 9817 2289

Kindilan -Trips

02 9809 4235

Kingsway(Caringbah)

02 9527 2410

Macarthur District

02 4628 6386

Wesley Video

Fellowship Sydney

02 9267 5555

Parramatta

02 9624 3130

STATE OFFICES

NSW

02 9980 8911

Queensland

07 3229 9011

Tasmania

03 6431 2289

Victoria

03 8809 3000

Western Australia

08 9380 9427

Crossroads News is a publication of Crossroads Christian Fellowship

NSW INC. It serves to be a voice for Crossroads Christian Fellowship as

well as being a forum for ideas to help stimulate thought and action.

Editor: Lesley Gilbert

Checker: Chris Gilbert

Production: Microsoft Office Publisher 2007

Email address for the Crossroads News:

news@crossroadsfellowship.org.au

Telephone: 02 9980 8911

Postal Address: 2B Azalea Grove, Pennant Hills NSW 2120

Web: http://www.crossroadsfellowship.org.au

The views expressed in Crossroads News are not necessarily those of the

Editor or Crossroads Christian Fellowship NSW Inc. The right is reserved

to reject or amend any article or advertisement.