The mission of CCOM is to serve God by reaching out to the socially and economically vulnerable children, youth and adults in greater Hartford through education, recreation and other community services. Through these ministries we will build solid, unconditional, Biblical relationships and thus fulfill the mission of Crossroads Community Cathedral "to help them become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ and support them on their journey."

 

"CCOM" reaches out through Children's Outreach, Common Grounds Coffee House, Community Development, Convalescent Home and Homeless Shelter.

 

 

Children's Outreach: This ministry was born in 1987 in Mexico City. It came from a conversation between a few members of a ministry team from our church in Mexico to assist Missionary Chris Jones. His ministry at that time was primarily a sidewalk Sunday school reaching thousands of people each week with the good news of Jesus. The conversation centered on whether a ministry like that could be successful in the States. A few of us took the challenge and by faith started the C.L.U.B. The C.L.U.B. stands for Caring Loving Uplifting and Believing. This is our hope for them that they will receive the precious gift of God's Grace. Over the years the CLUB has gone through many changes. We started as a sidewalk Sunday school. Every Saturday morning a group of dedicated volunteers went out as clowns, mimes, puppeteers and teachers to two housing projects in East Hartford. A few years later, after moving to Wednesday nights the CLUB moved to the Larson Community Center in East Hartford for the winter months. This continued for several years, summers on the street and winters in the community center. Presently each Wednesday night we load up the vans and bring a group of kids to Christian Education classes at Crossroads.

 

Common Grounds Coffee House: 

 

 

 

Community Development: was started as a result of a few faithful women answering God's call to do more in the community. They began home visitations in the area of our Children's Outreach, building on the relationship that had already been formed. As time progressed we began to see the need for more to be done. We began our annual "Festival" in 2001 as a way to introduce Crossroads to the neighborhood. This has been repeated twice since with wonderful results.  In 2003 we began an annual Children's Christmas party, with gifts donated by USMC "Toys for Tots" program and Crossroads members and food and games, 2004's party had about 85 children and over 60 volunteers from Crossroads. In 2004 we began holding educational classes in the Hockanum Park Community Center in East Hartford. These classes consisted of Parenting and Money Management. Community Development works closely with all branches of CCOM, building community at every opportunity.  This leg of CCOM is aptly coached by Ana Granado.

Convalescent Homes: This ministry has been an ongoing ministry in one form or another at Crossroads for many years. Presently it is co-coached by Linda Williams, Lydia D'Alesandro & Rosa Morales.  Each month they, along with a group of dedicated volunteers, go into two area homes, (one in Hartford and one in East Hartford) to minister to the aged and infirm, (and often forgotten ) by having praise and worship and fellowship. Part of this ministry started as a result of Rosa & Lydia's mom, sister and brother being residents of one of the homes. They saw the great need and jumped in to bless them.

Homeless Shelter Outreach: The Homeless outreach would almost seem like it began accidentally. The coach, Chris Saunders, a painter by trade, was looking to use his talents to bless people. He found out that a local shelter needed some painting done so he walked in and volunteered his services. While there he struck up many conversations with the residents. Along with the normal everyday, "How about this weather?" talk, he always took the opportunity to share what Jesus had done for him. Many of the residents were interested in what Chris had to say. While there he overheard some group discussions and saw that there was a huge spiritual need. Chris took the initiative and asked a few people to come to church, and a few said they wanted to come but didn't have a ride. That Sunday Chris was there with the family mini-van. From this accidental start the ministry has grown to three full size vans going out to 4 to 5 Homeless Shelters each Sunday morning bringing 30 to 40, men, women and children to have coffee and donuts, hear the gospel and be encouraged.
Beginning February 2005, the latest addition to this ministry is a 12 step program just for these important people led by licensed substance abuse counselors.

Inner-city Children’s Outreach: This group is dedicated to discipling at risk inner-city children and youth. This group is being led by longtime Crossroads members, Ted & Abby Curtis. Ted & Abby were working with another inner-city ministry and they soon saw that these kids needed more intensive guidance. Beginning in their home Ted & Abby began having Bible studies and just plain fun with a group of kids. Now as part of CCOM, this group will meet weekly at the church. This group includes a drum line, drill team, drama team, gospel choir, musical instrument instructions and art lessons and a healthy dose of love & limits.
We are thankful and excited to be a partner in this new opportunity to reach out to the lost! 

 

God is doing such wonderful things and there are so many opportunities to serve.

 

If you would like more information about what God is doing in our community please call the Community Outreach Director, Rev. John Massicotte at 860-895-1231 ext. 676 or click here to... This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it