Dear Crosswalkers,
A great article was featured in the Wall Street Journal online. It's about a classic American company that does one thing, but does it extremely well. It's the company that produces Whiffle Balls. From their 15-employee operation along Route 8 in Shelton, Connecticut, Whiffle Ball, Inc. still cranks out their one product—a bat and a ball. The balls have always been made of white plastic, and they have always had exactly eight holes. Since the company started in 1953, they've experimented in making a few other products with mixed results. So at the end of the day they always came back to their one big, simple idea—Whiffle Balls. According to Stephen Mullany, who runs the plant with his brother, "You've got to stick with what works." His brother added, "What do you need? You need a Whiffle Ball, a bat, and another kid to play with. And really that's it."
You can read the full story by clicking on this link:
Why do I share this story? Because it is a perfect example of achieving simplicity in mission! They've tried different things, but they always come back to the basic, simple, no-nonsense product that has endured for three generations. At Crosswalk, we are wrapping up our Assessment, and many of you expressed appreciation for last Sunday's "dual preaching" as we presented the report. Out of this Assessment will come a wonderful vision and direction for Crosswalk. But ultimately we do one thing and one thing well. Ultimately, the simplicity of our mission must never be lost. Here's what we do and what we will always do: CONNECT PEOPLE TO JESUS AND TO EACH OTHER. The good news about Jesus never changes. It can be communicated and applied to new generations in new ways, but the content is unchangeable. The mission is simple: We present the love of Jesus to a hurting world and invite people to be a part of the Lord's forever family! There is a beauty in achieving simplicity in our personal lives and in our mission as a church family!
This week Leanna and I are at camp conducting a marriage seminar and spending time with family. Here is a picture of our night of Laser Tag, and innovative people have wondered if we are really equipping marriage couples to fight fairly!! I think it communicates more of the spiritual warfare that engages us as we live for Jesus in a world that is often less than receptive!
Sunday will be a great day at church! I will be there but our preacher will be pastor Ed Taylor. Ed is very popular at Crosswalk, and his message is entitled, "Jazz after Blues" from Psalm 46. We will celebrate Independence Day and partake in the Lord's Supper. We will also commission the Hernandez family as they return to their mission field in Paraguay. We will miss them greatly, but praise God for the year they were with us! I hope to see you Sunday!!
Faithfully yours,
Pastor John
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