Who we are
What is The Community of the Cross?
The Community of the Cross, also known as Crosswood, is a gathering of Christians that was formally organized in 1991 as an intentional community of persons from a number of different Christian and occasionally non-Christian heritages. Fr. Skip Carsten was the first pastor of the Community. He led the community for 18 years and fell asleep in the arms of the Lord in 2009. While pastor of our community, Fr. Carsten was elected Metropolitan Archbishop of the Orthodox-Catholic Church of America and served in that office from 1999 until 2009. Our community is incorporated as an Indiana not-for-profit corporation (501(c) 3) registered as The Community of the Cross, Incorporated.
What do we do?
Members and friends of the Community gather for weekly worship and at other times for prayer, theological education and occasionally just for the fun of it. For most of us, this is our primary Christian community while for others the experience with us augments their regular church membership. In addition to the mutual holding up of our members and friends, especially in prayer, the Community engages in the care of the sick, walking with the poor and sponsoring activities.
Who comes to Crosswood?
Over the years it has become something of a hallmark of our Community to receive people who have experienced deep personal suffering of mind, body, soul and spirit. We pray each other more deeply into the Christian mystery, sharing as adults the faith, hope and love that are our gifts from the Triune God. It seems that our task is simply to embrace people at the stage of pilgrimage where they come to us. The core group of members and friends has remained steadily at about 50 people.
Is Crosswood affiliated with the larger Chuch or Christian tradition?
Crosswood is affiliated with the Orthodox-Catholic Church of America (OCCA) an Orthodox jurisdiction with clergy in the United States, Mexico and Australia. Through our connection with Orthodoxy we are linked to the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Christian heritage, a living tradition that spans two millennia and connects us to the churches of God throughout the world.
Leadership of Crosswood?
The Leadership of the Community is comprised of an elected Board of Directors that includes a president, secretary and treasurer along with the assigned clergy. This group oversees and guides the policies implemented at the yearly meeting as voted upon by all members.
Where do we meet?
We gather together each Sunday in Fort Wayne, Indiana and also in Angola, Indiana. You can find a location and time of Liturgy near you by looking on the Location and Contact Information page. Sunday liturgy at both locations is followed by a common breakfast usually at a local restaurant.
How do I get more information about Crosswood?
We publish a monthly bulletin, First Sunday, which helps keep everyone informed as to what is happening. These bulletins are posted on this website on the First Sunday page. Feel free to read them and write to the editor to be put on our mailing list (email only). Members of the community are always happy to share their experiences with you and you can also contact one of the pastors or members of the Leadership Team for further information. Their names and contact information are included in each edition of First Sunday.