# 🟢🔵⚫ WCR News | Fall Festival & Chili Cook-Off - From: Wake Cross Roads — Weekly Newsletter - Sent: October 9, 2026 (2026-10-09T16:01:47.840Z) - Web version: https://wakecrossroads.flowforth.co/emails/weekly-newsletter/18978 - More emails: https://wakecrossroads.flowforth.co/emails/weekly-newsletter --- [![](https://churchusercontent.com/26e1de5b-f22b-4cd2-997d-41192fd7bb4b/WCR_Header_2025-12-30T23-38-37-130Z.png?w=1400)](https://wakecrossroads.com) #### [This Week at WCR](https://wakecrossroads.churchcenter.com/calendar) --- [![](https://churchusercontent.com/26e1de5b-f22b-4cd2-997d-41192fd7bb4b/pco-imports/2026-09-23T23-03-18-613Z-46b2ba29-61fc-4937-b9e5-db68e59fcb3c.jpg?w=1400)](https://wakecrossroads.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3053780) ## Fall Festival & Chili Cook-Off **Sunday, Oct 11, 5PM - 7PM** We’re excited to kick off the fall season with our community! Join us for our **Fall Festival & Chili Cook-Off on Sunday, October 11, from 5-7PM** for an evening of food, fun, and fellowship for the whole family. Picture this: - Stations set up with fun fall activities that your kids can't get enough of - including pumpkin painting, scarecrow relay races, and a candy corn cone toss! - A bubble tent and sensory tent for the littles - An opportunity for kids to pull the golden lollipop, which gives them the chance to...wait for it...PIE THEIR PASTOR! - A live band serenading us with bluegrass + old southern gospel hymns - Chili dinner (or hot dogs for your kids) for you on the front lawn - A hayride as you watch the sun set over our beloved church - A storytelling tent exposing children to the gospel and equipping families with tangible resources to intentionally reach their neighbors this Halloween - An opportunity to encourage and love children from the Baptist Children's Home visiting with us - Your WCR church family, fellowshipping and enjoying time together as we welcome the fall season - Beautiful Fall weather.... *Well, no promises on that last one,* but we’re praying for beautiful weather so we can enjoy the evening together on the front lawn. In case of inclement weather, we’ll move everything inside to the gym and our children's hallway. **If we get to stay outdoors, don’t forget to bring lawn chairs for your family!** -- **We need YOU to help make our Fall Festival & Chili Cook-Off a success!** Register to let us know you're coming, and if you can: - **Bring chili, toppings, or dessert:** Break out your favorite chili recipe and cook up a big batch to share. Our deacons will judge entries and award a prize to the tastiest chili. Everyone in attendance can enjoy a delicious chili supper featuring all of the entries! - **Volunteer to run a carnival game for the kids.** We need help at 10 stations! *Guests and friends do not need to register - just tell them to show up for fun!* [Register Now](https://wakecrossroads.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3053780) --- [![](https://churchusercontent.com/26e1de5b-f22b-4cd2-997d-41192fd7bb4b/pco-imports/2026-10-04T23-57-32-036Z-b131b48b-5d26-4175-9030-589c3fe6d9ce.jpg?w=1400)](https://wakecrossroads.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3453940) ## J.O.Y. Group: Fall Fellowship **Oct 14, 10:30am** Join our 55+ community for a devotion led by Greg Pittman as we enjoy a potluck lunch together. Please bring a side to share. *We will also have a candy drive for our church's fall festival, so please bring bags of candy to donate.* [Register Now](https://wakecrossroads.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3453940) --- ![](https://churchusercontent.com/26e1de5b-f22b-4cd2-997d-41192fd7bb4b/Pastor_Appreciation_Presentation_2026-09-21T16-02-55-008Z.png?w=1400) ## October is Pastor/Elder Appreciation Month! **Drop a note in the basket at the Welcome Desk to let our pastors and elders know how much you appreciate them!** Our pastors and elders faithfully serve our church in so many ways, both visibly and behind the scenes. We’re grateful for the time, prayer, and care they invest in the life of our church. Take a moment this month to encourage them with a note of appreciation, and thank you for faithfully praying for our pastors and elders! --- #### New Members The following candidates are recommended by the elders for church membership. These candidates have completed the new members class, signed the membership covenant, met with the elders, and will be welcomed as members of WCR in two weeks. - Tom & Kathy Hopper #### This Sunday ### Sermon What is a Disciple? On Mission With Jesus - Part 2 *“Sharing Jesus as we go”* ### Speaker Dr. Randy Mann ### Scripture Acts 8:1-4 ### Worship Setlist [Listen on Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/playlist/49XtgbNSNOjd3N5fFPNmAc?si=kWy_F19oQROiGrv3MSOnBw) [![](https://churchusercontent.com/26e1de5b-f22b-4cd2-997d-41192fd7bb4b/bread_of_life_food_of_the_month_19_2026-09-23T23-08-19-287Z.png?w=1400)](https://wakecrossroads.com/bread-of-life) #### Upcoming Events --- [![](https://churchusercontent.com/26e1de5b-f22b-4cd2-997d-41192fd7bb4b/pco-imports/2026-09-02T15-04-19-790Z-639f8fb8-2c0d-497b-a052-7a0e65cca5bc.jpg?w=1400)](https://wakecrossroads.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3482592) ## Middle School Day 2026: How to Youth **Oct 17, 10am** Middle School Day is a mini-conference for 6th-8th grade students that rallies them together for fellowship, fun, and discipleship! A catered lunch is provided - Middle School Day is free and a great place to invite friends and guests! [![](https://churchusercontent.com/26e1de5b-f22b-4cd2-997d-41192fd7bb4b/pco-imports/2026-10-04T23-59-04-690Z-4941474e-002d-474a-a833-5ea456eb03a0.jpg?w=1400)](https://wakecrossroads.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3482592) This year's theme is titled: *How to Youth*. We will explore what Scripture has to say about topics and seasons that middle school students walk through as they begin a new school, learn about biblical friendships, and what Scripture calls them to be even as young-er students. This year we have many of our high school seniors who will be investing in them and leading breakout sessions - sharing their wisdom and knowledge and getting to know our amazing middle school students! [Register Now](https://wakecrossroads.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3482592) --- [![](https://churchusercontent.com/26e1de5b-f22b-4cd2-997d-41192fd7bb4b/pco-imports/2026-10-05T00-01-16-743Z-6daa2bde-b39d-4fcc-bc32-db478315eac2.jpg?w=1400)](https://wakecrossroads.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3505243) ## Parenting Milestones: Sending off Seniors **Oct 18, 9:45am** Parenting is a sacred calling, and each stage of a child’s life brings new joys—and new challenges. *Parenting Milestones* is a new series of gatherings designed to encourage and equip parents as they guide their children through key transitions in their spiritual walk with the Lord. Each session will focus on a specific age or stage. We'll explore practical strategies, offer biblical encouragement, and provide space for conversation, connection, and prayer with other parents in the same season. **This session is tailored to parents who have seniors graduating high school in 2027. Students will attend WCR Students during this parent info session.** Let’s walk this parenting road together—one milestone at a time. [Register](https://wakecrossroads.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3505243) --- [![](https://churchusercontent.com/26e1de5b-f22b-4cd2-997d-41192fd7bb4b/pco-imports/2026-10-04T23-56-30-640Z-eec90f11-d3ec-46fd-be81-44d958df4531.jpg?w=1400)](https://wakecrossroads.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3638775) ## Campin’ and Cruzin’: A Family Tent Camping and Bike Trip **Oct 23-24, Abingdon, VA** All ages are invited! Pack up your family and your tents and join us for a fun family adventure in the beautiful mountains of southwest Virginia! We'll depart Friday at 12:30PM and spend the evening camping together at the Creeper Trail Campground in Whitetop, VA. We will enjoy a relaxing evening under the beautiful open sky around the campsite with dinner provided. On Saturday morning, we'll eat breakfast, then head up to Damascus to rent bikes and ride the shuttle up to Abingdon, VA, to begin our ride on the famous Virginia Creeper Trail. The 16.8 mile route back to Damascus is primarily a gentle downhill ride, making it a great experience for families and riders of various skill levels who are comfortable riding on paved surfaces. When we arrive back in Damascus, we will head home! **Cost:** $50 per person The cost includes: - Van transportation for the first 30 registrants if needed - Campsite space for your tent - Friday dinner at the campground - Saturday breakfast at the campground - Bike Rental & Shuttle transportation from Damascus to Abingdon (A slightly cheaper option to bring your own bike is available, but you must drive yourself as we will not have room to transport bikes). What you are responsible for: - water and snacks for your family - personal camping supplies (tent, bedding, chairs, etc.) - clothes and personal items for the night **40 camping spots are available.** 30 spots are available in the WCR Vans for transportation. Please note whether you plan to ride with us as you register. We will be towing a trailer to accommodate luggage transportation. If you plan to ride your own bike, then you ***must*** drive separately due to space limitations. Come enjoy a weekend of outdoor adventure, family fun, and fellowship as we camp, cruise, and make memories together! [Register Now](https://wakecrossroads.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3638775) --- [![](https://churchusercontent.com/26e1de5b-f22b-4cd2-997d-41192fd7bb4b/pco-imports/2026-10-04T23-53-26-282Z-a517e44b-86f0-4b87-ae85-699430a149a2.jpg?w=1400)](https://wakecrossroads.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3644992) ## WCR Students: Winter Retreat 2027 **Feb 5-7, 2027** **\*\* Registration open now - first come, first served!** Join us for our WCR Student Winter Retreat February 5-7 at Snowbird Wilderness Outfitters in Andrews, NC! This weekend will be a high energy and adventure outdoors style retreat. Students will gather for worship twice a day and engage in meaningful small groups for reflection and application time. During free time, students will enjoy a plethora of fun outings such as: ropes course, zip line, hiking, large swings, tubing, paintball, shooting range, and more! The theme of this years retreat is "Set Apart." Students will be challenged biblically about how we are called to live lives of holiness in light of what Jesus has done through the gospel. Spots are limited, so grab yours now! [Register Now](https://wakecrossroads.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3644992) --- #### Looking Ahead [![](https://churchusercontent.com/26e1de5b-f22b-4cd2-997d-41192fd7bb4b/pco-imports/2026-09-16T13-54-35-040Z-5cf922c5-c120-4b37-bf20-829b800ae9c8.jpg?w=1400)](https://wakecrossroads.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3636011) [![](https://churchusercontent.com/26e1de5b-f22b-4cd2-997d-41192fd7bb4b/pco-imports/2026-10-05T00-02-07-533Z-c6b71757-579c-4c9b-8ba1-a508b5c4047a.jpg?w=1400)](https://wakecrossroads.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3779220) [![](https://churchusercontent.com/26e1de5b-f22b-4cd2-997d-41192fd7bb4b/next_steps_class_event_slide_1_2026-09-24T18-55-55-361Z.png?w=1400)](https://wakecrossroads.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3636030) [![](https://churchusercontent.com/26e1de5b-f22b-4cd2-997d-41192fd7bb4b/pco-imports/2026-10-05T00-02-48-095Z-b4da0acc-8994-4a4f-b2d4-33bb738616cc.jpg?w=1400)](https://wakecrossroads.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3638773) [![](https://churchusercontent.com/26e1de5b-f22b-4cd2-997d-41192fd7bb4b/family_meeting_1_2026-10-05T00-06-28-474Z.png?w=1400)](https://wakecrossroads.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3077983) [![](https://churchusercontent.com/26e1de5b-f22b-4cd2-997d-41192fd7bb4b/pco-imports/2026-10-05T00-03-54-525Z-369b6193-97a4-4991-a80b-f4354f4aeeb6.jpg?w=1400)](https://wakecrossroads.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3264459) [![](https://churchusercontent.com/26e1de5b-f22b-4cd2-997d-41192fd7bb4b/pco-imports/2026-10-05T00-05-43-022Z-838f73c2-40bb-4441-bb65-ef4f3aa8a792.jpg?w=1400)](https://wakecrossroads.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3904676) [![](https://churchusercontent.com/26e1de5b-f22b-4cd2-997d-41192fd7bb4b/pco-imports/2026-09-24T18-53-27-839Z-6bccfafe-02e1-4fb2-b38c-9d4e68cd4898.jpg?w=1400)](https://wakecrossroads.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3644986)