By God’s grace and blessings and the partnerships of NOW District and LCEF, XrossWay Lutheran Ministries has expanded on a new campus and added a childcare program to its ministry.
In 2022, XrossWay received an incredible gift from Redeemer Lutheran Church in Kimberly, Idaho. In faith, Redeemer entrusted its campus and buildings to XrossWay. Though Redeemer has closed, its spirit is alive and well within us as many of its previous members are still actively engaged in ministry here. In all humility, XrossWay would be glad to share our story in further detail with other congregations considering similar transitions.
Remodeling of the Kimberly campus began in 2022 with a $400,000+ renovation project to remove old boiler systems, add new HVAC systems, updates to the sanctuary, floors, paint – and most exciting, adding a childcare center. A grand opening celebration was held in June of 2023, and XrossWay Kidz World opened in September. This transition to a newly remodeled campus was made possible by a Catalyst Grant from the NOW District, and an LCEF construction loan. Get more info about the Catalyst Grant here.
Congregational members took immediate ownership and sponsored the renovation, transforming it into what is now XrossWay Kidz World Preschool and Childcare. Through these sponsors, we raised $50,000 for the renovation. After completing the state licensing process that started in June, we opened doors on Sept. 11, 2023. Currently there are 11 students enrolled from 15 months to 4 years old. At full capacity, we will have three classrooms with 40 children.
On Tuesday mornings, students gather in the sanctuary for chapel time with Pastor Clint. The children have enjoyed learning more about Jesus as their savior. They have equally enjoyed learning worship songs from Seeds Family Worship, and most recently some precious Christmas favorites played by Pastor Clint on his guitar, “Away in a Manger” and “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” Each child looks forward to receiving their Shepherd Blessing at the end of Chapel.
During the Advent season, children incorporated the ADVENT-ure bag into the morning circle time. The ADVENT-ure bag is a backpack that contains an Advent and an Advent poem the children and teachers recited together. Also included in the bag was an item to help celebrate the awaiting of our Savior. This included bells one day that we danced with, and sparkly sensory bottles complete with Christmas confetti and stars.
An outdoor space is in the works of becoming a certified Nature Explore outdoor classroom. This will allow us to be considered a nature school. We look forward to connecting children with the natural world through art, climbing tree stumps, gardening, building, sand and water, and gathering. These experiences will support children’s interests and deepen their connections with what God has freely given us: nature. Children are encouraged to experience a variety of treasures such as sticks, rocks, insects, leaves, and the like. Our staff is also learning more about their own faith and how to support children in their interactions with God’s beautiful creation by reading and studying the book “Rooted in Wonder.” Chapters include, This is My Father’s World, Nurturing Contagious Curiosity in Your Children, Nature-Minded: Growing a Healthy Mindset Outdoors, and much more. The ultimate goal through this study and practice is to give children and adults the opportunity to realize the richness and deepen their connections with nature, causing them to wonder and to be in awe of all that God has given us.
The XrossWay Fitness Center ministry also took a huge leap of faith, closing all accounts in Twin Falls on July 31 and starting anew on Sept. 1. Already the fitness classes are full in the new location, and we are serving more than 100 people in our fitness center and personal training.
Again, we thank our ministry partners for the NOW District Catalyst Grant and the LCEF construction loan. To God alone be the glory!
Pastor Clinton Lutz, XrossWay Executive Director
Dannelle Green, XrossWay KidzWorld Director
Jeaneth Glenn, XrossWay Fitness Center Director
