Cross Point Chronicle | July 2026

250 Years of Freedom — and the One That Lasts Forever

This July, our nation celebrates a remarkable milestone — 250 years since a group of ordinary men, shaped by extraordinary conviction, signed their names to a document that would change the world. The Declaration of Independence was not merely a political statement; it was a declaration of something deeply human — the belief that freedom is not a privilege granted by kings, but a right woven into the very fabric of our creation. Think of it like a deed to a piece of land that had been in your family all along. Someone finally just put it in writing. As we gather with family, watch fireworks light up the summer sky, and maybe even burn a few hot dogs on the grill, let us pause and remember that the freedoms we celebrate — the freedom of speech, of worship, of conscience — did not come cheap. They were purchased at great cost by men and women who believed something better was possible.

Here is what strikes me most about those original freedoms: they still matter. Two hundred and fifty years later, the right to speak truth, to gather in worship without fear, to live according to your convictions — these are not outdated relics of a simpler time. They are daily realities that millions around the world still long for. In many ways, those who sacrificed for American independence were reaching toward something they could not fully name — a longing for the kind of freedom that goes deeper than any government can grant or take away. Like a man who digs a well hoping for water and strikes an underground river instead, they found more than they were looking for.

Because there is a freedom that predates 1776 by two thousand years — and it is the freedom that gives all other freedoms their truest meaning. When Jesus said in John 8:36, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed," He was not speaking of voting rights or civil liberties. He was speaking of something far more radical: freedom from the grip of sin, freedom from the fear of death, freedom from the weight of shame and guilt that no human declaration can lift. This is the freedom that changes not just how we live in a nation, but how we live in our own skin. It is the freedom that stands when empires fall.

As Cross Point, we carry a simple but powerful mission — Love. Connect. Equip. This July, I want to encourage you to celebrate both kinds of freedom with full hearts. Be grateful for the nation God has placed you in, with all its imperfections and its glories. And be even more grateful for the One who declared your freedom not with ink and parchment, but with His own blood on a cross. The fireworks will fade and the flags will come down, but the freedom found in Christ is gloriously unending. Happy 250th, America — and may we never forget where true freedom is found.

Love,
Pastor Vondie & Lori

Fun Themes, Faith-Filled Lessons, Hands on Activities. Bring your kids for 
a mid week boost of faith, friends and adventure.

Why Parents Love It
> Positive mid‑week reset for your kids
> Safe, joyful environment you can trust
> Strong friendships with kids their age
> Meaningful, memorable lessons every week
> Consistency that helps them grow

The next round of Wednesday Adult Small Groups kicks off on August 5, and we want you in one. The Summer Session 2 Small Groups will last 5 weeks and end on September 9. Whether you were part of a group this summer or you’ve been waiting for the right time to jump in, this is your moment. The following Small Groups will be offered.

You do not want to miss your opportunity to connect and equip during one of the small group opportunities. Help us plan to have enough materials for the small groups by signing up today! Scan the QR code or contact the church office to sign up for one of the small groups.

The Book of Second Peter
Location: Wednesdays at 6:30 PM in the Lobby
Description: How Do We Resist False Teaching? Can we trust Scripture? Why is God taking so long to set everything right? What should Christians focus on in the meantime? Confusion about how and why God acts the way he does has always troubled the church. That’s why the apostle Peter warned the early church about patterns of false teaching that could lure people away from trusting in God.

In this six-session series through 2 Peter, author and pastor Kyle Idleman will show that regardless of the century, culture, or innovation, we can be confident that God will ultimately accomplish his purposes. As we wait for Jesus to return in judgment and glory, we must make every effort to become more like him in everything we do.

Cross Point 101
Location: Wednesdays at 6:30 PM in Room 106
Description: If you’ve been through Starting Point and you’re ready to sink your roots deeper into the Cross Point family, this is your next step. You’ll discover our overall vision and mission--the “why” behind everything we do. We’ll walk through our methods of operation, you’ll get to know our staff beyond Sunday mornings and hear the rich history that has shaped Cross Point into the church family you see today.

How to Study the Bible
Location: Wednesdays at 6:30 PM in Room 107
Description: This class will equip you to study the Bible with clarity and confidence by teaching you how to understand context, use helpful study tools, and approach Scripture the way it was meant to be read. Together we’ll build practical skills that help you read God’s Word accurately, deeply, and with growing joy.

Young at Heart
Wednesdays @ 2:00 PM in Room 107
Facilitators: Vondie Cook Sr. & Dana Hosch
Description: A special time just for our seniors!

Mark your calendar for Wednesday, July 29 at 6:30 PM, as we gather for a Night of Prayer and Testimonies.

There's something different about a night like this — no program to follow, just God's people coming together with humble hearts to pray and to share honestly about what He's done in their lives. It's the kind of evening that can't be manufactured or planned. It just has to be experienced.

Come with an open heart, and consider bringing someone who needs to hear a fresh reminder that God is still at work in the lives of real people.
July 29 · 6:30 PM. We hope you'll join us.

Join us for Summer Celebration — West Virginia State Camp Meeting 2026, July 26–31 at Southridge Church of God in South Charleston, WV. This year's theme — A Fresh Wind, A Fresh Fire: Awakening the Church of God in WV Now and for the Future — is both a prayer and a declaration. We believe God is ready to move in West Virginia, and we don't want you to miss it.

DETAILS
Dates: July 26–31, 2026

Location: Southridge Church | 100 Eagle Drive, South Charleston, WV

Kick-Off Service: Sunday, July 26 at 6:00 PM — Worship Through the Ages Night of Worship

Evening Services: Monday–Friday at 7:00 PM

Morning Conferences: Tuesday–Thursday, 10:30–11:30 AM

KICK OFF SERVICE - WORSHIP THROUGH THE AGES - SUNDAY JULY 26 @ 6:00 pm
Let's start the week the right way — together in worship.

Our Summer Celebration kick-off is a special night of praise that spans the full story of the Church's song, from beloved hymns to classic contemporary to today's modern worship. Come expecting God's presence, and come ready to sing.

EVENING SERVICES
Evening services begin at 7:00 PM. Stay after each service to connect with friends old and new over refreshments in the café.

SPEAKER — CASEY FENN
Casey Fenn is the Lead Pastor of Rock Chapel in Granite Falls, North Carolina, and the Logic School Principal at Hickory Christian Academy. He has a passion for spiritual formation and biblical theology, and for cultivating both in the life of the local church. Outside of ministry he enjoys spending time with his family, listening to great storytelling, and sitting on the front porch with a cup of coffee in one hand and a good book in the other. He and his wife, Heather, live in western North Carolina with their five children.

WORSHIP — LEO & MEAGAN FLORES
Leo & Meagan Flores are Worship Pastors, leaders, and songwriters serving at the Gathering Church in Muncie, Indiana. They will lead us throughout the week in Spirit-filled, expectant worship.

Cross Point Church’s Women’s Book Club will meet on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 10:30 am in the church conference room.  Our discussion will focus on the book “Two Weeks” by Karen Kingsbury. Ms. Kingsbury is a New York times best-selling novelist with over twenty-five million copies of her award-winning books in print. The book “Two Weeks” is the story of Cole Blake, who is only months away from going off to college, and Elise, a new girl at school. Elise shares life changing news with Cole who then becomes determined to help Elise in any way he can. You are welcome to join us as we discuss this book and the  decisions Elise that must make that may change Cole’s life!

Have you been attending Cross Point but haven't quite found your footing yet? Starting Point is for you.

It's not a class or a commitment — just a lunch with good food and honest conversation, built for anyone who's been showing up on Sundays and wondering if there's more here for them.

Join us Sunday, August 30 at 12:30 PM in Room 107. We'll talk through who Cross Point is, what we believe, and where you might fit in. You'll meet our staff and connect with others just getting started. Childcare is provided, and there's zero pressure — just an invitation to the table.

Have you made the decision but haven't yet taken the step? Our next Baptism Service is Sunday, August 30 during the 11:00 AM service — and it might be time.

Baptism doesn't save you; Jesus already did that. But it is one of the most meaningful acts of obedience a believer can take — a public declaration, in front of your church family, that you belong to Him.

If you've been waiting, let this be your moment. 

Here's an easy way to support our youth ministry—save your aluminum cans and bring them to church! Simply drop your cans in the recycling trash cans located in the gym by the carpet ball table. Every can makes a difference, and we're grateful for your support of our students!

Thank you for helping our youth!
Pastor Rob & Youth Team

"My house will be known as a house of prayer." – Matthew 21:13

Spring reminds us that God makes all things new. As the world comes alive again after this harsh winter, Touch Life is believing for fresh beginnings, restored hope, and hearts awakened to Jesus.

We are reaching for the lost with renewed passion and concern in this new season. Touch LIFE (Lifting Individuals For Eternity) is a prayer ministry dedicated to interceding for lost people to come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. This faithful group of prayer warriors meets on the first Sunday of each month at 8:30 AM in Room 105 to lift up those who need to encounter the saving grace of Jesus. Whether you're a seasoned intercessor or just learning to pray, you're welcome to join us. There's no greater privilege than partnering with God to see lives transformed by the gospel.

Next Meeting: July 5

Come be part of a ministry that has eternal impact. Your prayers matter, and together we can storm the gates of heaven on behalf of the lost in our community and beyond.

Did you know Cross Point has a team of people dedicated to praying for urgent needs?

The Prayer Warriors Team is a dedicated group of believers committed to interceding for urgent needs within our church family and community. This vital ministry ensures that prayer requests receive immediate and focused attention from faithful prayer partners.

How to Submit an Urgent Prayer Request
We make it easy for you to request prayer when you need it most:

Call the Church Office or Submit a Prayer Request Online
Phone: (304) 252-6684
Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

What Happens Next?
Once we receive your prayer request, we will place it on the prayer chain as quickly as possible, and our Prayer Warriors Team will begin lifting your need to the Lord.

Confidentiality
All prayer requests are kept strictly confidential and shared only with members of the Prayer
Warriors Team who have covenanted to maintain confidentiality.

Purpose
The Prayer Warriors Team is a dedicated group of believers committed to interceding for urgent needs within our church family and community. This vital ministry ensures that prayer requests receive immediate and focused attention from faithful prayer partners.

What We Do

• Receive and pray for urgent prayer needs as they arise
• Lift up individuals, families, and situations requiring immediate spiritual support
• Stand in the gap through intercessory prayer for our church body
• Respond quickly to time-sensitive prayer requests

Commitment Prayer Warriors agree to:

1. Pray faithfully for requests as they are received
2. Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all prayer needs
3. Remain available for urgent requests that may come outside normal hours
4. Treat this ministry as a sacred privilege and responsibility

How It Works

1. Prayer requests are submitted to the church office
2. Urgent needs are sent to all Prayer Warriors via their preferred contact method
3. Team members pray for the need as soon as possible
4. Confidentiality is maintained at all times

Join the Team
If you feel called to this ministry of intercession, you can sign up here:

Need a ride to church? Cross Point offers a van ministry to help you get here for Sunday and Wednesday services!

Our van provides pickup service within Beckley city limits. If you need transportation, contact the church office to receive the driver's contact information and schedule.

How It Works:
Contact the church office at (304) 252-6684 to receive the scheduled driver's contact information. Once you have it, please reach out to them directly to arrange your pickup:

• For Sunday services: Contact the driver by 7:00 PM on Saturday
• For Wednesday services: Contact the driver by 7:00 PM on Tuesday

These deadlines help our drivers plan their routes efficiently and ensure everyone gets picked up on time.

Important Information:

• Service is currently limited to Beckley due to driver availability
• Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult (18 or older)
• Our vans do not have child safety seats—riders must provide any necessary car seats

Don't let transportation be a barrier to worshiping with us!

Each month we will include attendance and financial information from the most recently completed month. Due to the timeframe of newsletter publication, this information will most often be a month behind. Church partners can obtain a copy of the most recent church financials by picking up a financial report in the wall hanger by the financial office or by contacting the church office.

May Sunday In-Person Attendance:
5/03– 424
5/10 – 442
5/17 – 427
5/24 – 363
5/31 – 448
Average in-person attendance: 421

May Sunday Online Viewership:
5/03– 75
5/10 – 63
5/17 – 92
5/24 – 60
5/31 – 48 
Average online viewership: 68

General Giving:$59,355.39
Building Fund:$5,244.61
Faith Promise:$550.00
Youth Designated:$2,140.00
Children Desig.:$565.00
Rental Property Income:$1,850.00
Interest Income BF:$53.40
Interest Income Sav.:$142.04
Other:$200.00
Total Giving:$70,100.44