A Message from our Director
This quarter has been filled with growth, connection, and impactful ministry! We successfully launched our Reach Team, adding three families to our meal delivery program, ensuring they receive not just food but encouragement, conversation, and prayer. Our community events, including a Family Night and Gaming Tournament, brought families together in fun and meaningful ways.
We also expanded opportunities for spiritual growth by adding new small groups, including our first two Catalyst Groups at the Ministry Center—a welcoming space for people to build relationships and grow in faith. We have a group meeting at our center, nearly every day! In addition, we participated in TBRI training, equipping volunteers and families with essential knowledge on trauma-informed care for children from hard places. Additionally, we took steps to extend our reach beyond foster care, launching nursing home visitations at Crestwood Care Center, providing companionship and encouragement to residents.
Looking ahead, we are eager to build on this momentum with more family outreach, discipleship opportunities, and ways to serve our community. Thank you for being part of this journey!
– Jonathan Tirado
Ministry Highlights
This quarter marked the successful launch of Friday Serve, adding a second weekly opportunity for guests to receive care, connection, and encouragement.
During our pilot service on January 30, volunteers from multiple teams came together to serve guests through conversation, hospitality, and prayer. The response from both volunteers and guests was overwhelmingly positive, and the team is continuing to grow as new volunteers are recruited and trained.
Through these gatherings, guests have access to:
- Meals and breakfast
- Prayer and spiritual encouragement
- Community and conversation
- Referrals and practical support
These consistent touchpoints continue to build trust and open doors for deeper ministry.
Additional Serve Teams
Supporting Our Schools
An Inspiring Diaper Visit
“Shame has a way of creeping in like that. But motherhood has been teaching me something important. Pride doesn’t keep babies fed and dry. Community does.
When I got there, they didn’t just give me diapers. They sent me home with a few little outfits, a children’s book, and a stuffed animal for my baby. It felt like such a small thing to them, but it meant a lot to me.
I’m sharing this because I know I’m not the only parent who has hesitated to ask for help. There are resources out here. There are people who want to support families and babies.
If you’re a parent who needs a little help right now, please don’t let shame keep you away from it. Your baby deserves support and so do you.”
“Yesterday I went to Crossroads City Center to pick up free diapers for my daughter. If I’m being honest, I almost didn’t go. There was a little voice in my head telling me I shouldn’t need help, that I should have everything figured out already. “
-Tiana from Facebook
Events
WINTER SESSION
This winter, the City Center hosted our annual Winter Sessions, an open-mic style gathering meant to foster community and experience warmth, creativity, and encouragement during the colder months. Ironically, it was in the mid 50’s during this event!
Our guests enjoyed specialty coffee and warm drinks while they listened to live music and creative performances by our own Worship Pastor and Crossroads members from Ontario Campus. including poetry, hip-hop, and even comedy! Our Program Coordinator, Matt Stacy, presented the gospel, alluding to how a fire provides light and warmth, only when we go near it. In the same way, when we draw near to God, He draws near to us!
The event created a welcoming space where people could connect, share their talents, and hear a message of hope.
MARCH MADNESS
This quarter also featured a March Madness watch party, where guests and volunteers came together to watch a game, enjoy food, and participate in fun challenges and predictions. We had one person throw up during a “Sprite Challenge” and 4 more give their lives to Christ after hearing the Gospel message from Director Jon Tirado.
Events like this provide relaxed, relational spaces where friendships grow, and new people can connect with the City Center community.
HEARTS IN ACTION
As spring approaches, volunteers are conducting Hearts in Action Easter Visits, Community Groups visit local nursing homes to share encouragement, conversation, and the message of Christ’s resurrection.
These visits continue to be one of our most meaningful outreach opportunities, bringing joy and connection to residents who often experience loneliness.
BASE CONFERENCE
Our core team attended the Buckeye Afterschool and Summer Excellence Conference to enhance our knowledge of out-of-school program design and tools. We aimed to gain inspiration for planning events like Summer Camp, Peace On My Block, and Crossplay. After three days, we made new connections, implemented systems, and generated innovative programming ideas, highlighting the ongoing nature of learning.
Measuring Our Impact
Stewarding Resouces
Over the past quarter, the City Center continued to serve our community through consistent care, compassionate relationships, and Gospel-centered outreach.
Together, these numbers represent hundreds of conversations, shared meals, prayers, and moments of hope throughout our community. Here’s a snapshot of the impact made possible by our volunteers, partners, and supporters:
- 1,206+ individuals served
- 91+ families supported
- Nearly 8656 essential resources distributed, including 5,400+ diapers, 213 loads of laundry, 2 twin beds, and 1001 meals.
- 23 Re: Cycle bikes given
- 5 Individuals give their lives to Jesus!
- 10 Bibles distributed.
Volunteering
Behind every number is a person who gave their time, energy, and heart to serve. These stats aren’t just data—they represent lives touched and a community that is stronger because volunteers stepped in to help.
- 381 volunteer commitments totaling 1228 hours of service.
- 19 outreach events and gatherings held at the City Center!
- 213 loads of laundry completed
A Smile and a Coffee
“Last week, we had a young lady accept Jesus here at the City Center, and she attended her first church service EVER this past Sunday at Park Ave! There is a special glow in this young lady now, who has been through so much pain and heartache in her life! She came in today to share with the diaper team how much she loved church, how different she feels, how God has placed her in a room with another Christian lady at the homeless shelter, and what a blessing that is for her..
One of her comments was about what led her to have a deeper conversation about Jesus with us, which was that we had learned her name and called her by name when she would come in the door. She felt seen and loved for the first time in a very long time.
Well done, good and faithful servants!! Keep being Jesus in our community and wherever you go! You just never know who is watching and listening and being drawn to our Lord and Savior at that very moment!!”
-Darlene Rudrick
Upcoming
The first quarter has laid strong groundwork for the year ahead. In the coming months, the City Center will continue expanding community engagement! Through every ministry and event, our goal remains the same: to meet real needs, build genuine relationships, and share the transforming hope of Jesus with our community.
Team Training
We’re continuing to Equip Christians by inviting our Team Members to participate in a spiritual gifts inventory and discussion on serving, calling, and our role as team members. We’re looking to develop leaders for future City Center ministries beyond what we are currently doing.
CrossPlay
With the addition of younger volunteers, we’re planning new online gaming tournaments at the city center using Challonge. These events often foster community and provide ample opportunities for character development and mentorship among peers. Rumor has it that the next event is Mario Kart 8!
Spring Session
Our next “jam session” will be worship-oriented and closer resembling a traditional church service, which will include a gospel message and performances from our very own staff!
This season brought us the classic unpredictable Ohio weather, keeping us on our toes to make sure our guests felt safe and welcome. We made sure the paths were clear and kept smiles on our faces during community events and regular services. We’re super thankful for God’s care in every situation and can’t wait to see what the next few months bring!
Partner With Us
Crossroads is full of passionate followers of Christ who are dedicated to giving their tithes and offerings, serving faithfully, and are actively involved in a Group. Team, or Project. So what is the difference between a regular attender and someone who does the same thing but is called a Partner? And does this even matter?
Partnership tells us you have chosen Crossroads Community Church as your home church, are formally committing to Crossroads’ mission and vision, and are mutually accountable to the Leadership. It tells us you are willing to take ownership of and responsibility for our church family by giving your time, talents, and treasures each year.
JOIN THE CITY CENTER TEAM AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
The City Center Team is seeking compassionate individuals and families to serve our neighbors and help strengthen our community! This is a simple yet powerful way to build relationships, meet practical needs, and show the love of Christ in tangible ways.
By serving just once a week, you can:
Help serve meals or distribute essential items
Encourage guests through conversation and prayer
Support programs that impact kids, families, and individuals in our city
We’ve made it easy to get started. Just contact us at the City Center, and we’ll walk you through the simple process. This is a great opportunity for couples, families, or small groups to serve together in a meaningful way!
Are you ready to make an impact? Reach out today and join us in loving and serving our community through the City Center!
Thank You!
Here is a heartfelt thank you to all our supporters and a call to continue the support. Share this report with your friends! 👇
