MUNCY-East Penn Street comes alive when services are about to begin at the newly established Crossroads Church in Muncy. Caravans of cars are welcomed by parking attendants with a second greeting at the entrance. In a carrier, a mother carried her infant while another youngster toted necessities. Three boys, obviously brothers, walk hand-in-hand to the children’s section to join 60 others.

According to Pastor Jeremy Irwin, “Upwards of 375 individuals attend two services each Sunday at two services-9 and 11 a.m.” The pastor shared how and when the independent non-denominational group came to be at Muncy, an addition to the congregation at Jersey Shore.

“We were approached by people from the already-established Evangelical Free Church at the 628 East Penn Street site. We asked them what we could do for them and for about a year we prayed. A launch team began meeting in Muncy area homes, at first there was five or six which soon grew to 60. The decision was made to build which led to breaking ground in Nov 2017 with a grand opening on Sept. 23, 2018.”

The original building serves as the children and youth center with a ‘Kid’s Club’ for ages up to sixth grade and the ‘Student Club’ from sixth through twelfth grade.

Connecting the older building to the new edifice, a large foyer houses a juice and coffee bar, a welcome station, and several tables with printed information and helpful staff.

The name Crossroads comes from a Biblical passage in Jeremiah which indicates there are moments in life when humanity makes choices. “Jesus is there to meet us and teach us love and grace,” said Pastor Irwin who added, “Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.”

During the Sunday, Sept. 8 service, the message given confirmed the former thought. Taken from Psalms 1: 1-3; the emphasis was on the word ‘blessed’ by choosing to walk in the ways of the Lord. “Our choices in people, places, things and activities are what shape us. Don’t under-estimate the power people have over us, be intentional in your choices,” the speaker said.

The sermon, which can be viewed anytime, comes to the Muncy sanctuary live via on-line video from the Jersey Shore campus. Regardless of where one sits in the sanctuary, the screen gives everyone a front row, unobstructed view. When asked why gather when live-streaming is used, Pastor Irwin said, “To be a community and be connected.”

To be ‘Better Together,’ several small group gatherings are offered including Bible Study, Moms in Prayer and more. At both campuses in September, Student Ministries hosted back-to-school parties with activities including color wars, inflatables, prizes, a selfie-station and an instagram scavenger hunt.

The theme during the month of October is ‘Invite a friend or co-worker to church.’ Sermons will center on the parables Jesus taught. Child dedications will occur on Oct. 6 during both services at both campuses. A fun time to be held at Jersey Shore on Oct. 12 will be a Fall Festival from 4-7 p.m. The public is invited to all events and services.

Now celebrating the church’s milestone in Muncy, Pastor Irwin said, “It’s only been only a year, it’s exciting to see where we’re at.”

Additional information can be found at the website, www.crossroadschurch.online,visiting their Facebook page “Crossroads Muncy Campus,” or by calling (570) 398-5533.