2024 Theme TBA

Weekend of the Cross is an opportunity for youth and adults from different churches throughout the state to come together for four days of service, worship and community. By answering the call for us to be the hands and feet of Christ, we go out to serve the community to show God’s love to those who need it most.

Our projects range from painting the outside of homes, repairing deteriorating porches, and building wheelchair ramps for the disabled. This mission weekend is a great first‐time experience for middle school youth and a chance for high schoolers to develop as leaders. Join us as we come together to change the lives of people and families forever.

Weekend of the Cross is an opportunity for youth and adults from different churches throughout the state to come together for four days of service, worship and community. By answering the call for us to be the hands and feet of Christ, we go out to serve the community to show God’s love to those who need it most.

Our projects range from painting the outside of homes, repairing deteriorating porches, and building wheelchair ramps for the disabled. This mission weekend is a great first‐time experience for middle school youth and a chance for high schoolers to develop as leaders. Join us as we come together to change the lives of people and families forever.

Austin Rinehart

Austin was born in the small town of Bastrop in northeast Louisiana and grew up in nearby Sterlington. Austin is a cradle Methodist, being born and baptized in the faith. Austin’s call to ministry was evident very early on, as many noticed and affirmed God’s work in his life. Austin answered the call to ordained ministry while attending undergrad at Centenary College in Shreveport where he discovered his passion for leading others, preaching, and building relationships with those around him. Austin obtained his M.Div. at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL. Austin is married to Alexis (Lexi), and they have one son, Grayson. Austin isn’t afraid to ask hard questions and is particularly gifted in helping congregations claim their purpose for ministry. Austin is a gifted communicator, and uses those skills to help congregations relate to their mission field and fulfill their vision for ministry. Austin is known for his heart and seeks to create strong bonds of friendship both inside the church and in the community.

TogetherAbiding

Bio coming soon.

First United Methodist Church / Alexandria, LA

July 17-20, 2024

Adult & Student Price

$150

Please use the link below to register your church with the number of attendees you will have. Then download the forms and paperwork to your right.

REGISTER ONLINE

Information

Homeowner Application

Download

Information

Student Code of Conduct

Download

Daily Schedule

5:00 PM- Registration
6:30 PM- Supper (Fellowship Hall)                  Adult Leaders Meeting
7:30 PM- Work Group Assignments
8:00 PM- Worship
9:30 PM- Free Time
10:30 PM- In Rooms
11:00 PM- Lights Out
6:00 AM- Wake up!
6:30 AM- Breakfast
7:15 AM- Morning Devo
7:30 AM- Leave For Work Sites
12:00 PM- Lunch
1:00 PM- Back To Work Sites
4:00 PM- Return To Church
6:00 PM- Dinner
7:00 PM- Group Time
7:45 PM- Gather For Worship
8:00 PM- Worship
9:30 PM- Free Time
10:30 PM- In Rooms
11:00 PM- Lights Out
6:30 AM- Wake Up
7:00 AM- Breakfast
7:45 AM- Morning Devo
8:00 AM- Leave For Work Sites
12:00 PM- Lunch
1:00 PM- Back To Work Sites
4:00 PM- Return To Church
6:00 PM- Dinner
7:00 PM- Group Time
7:45 PM- Gather For Worship
8:00 PM- Worship
10:00 PM- Free Time
11:00 PM- In Rooms
11:30 PM- Lights Out
7:30 AM- Wake Up
8:00 AM- Breakfast
8:45 AM- Church Group
9:45 AM- Clean & Pack Up
10:00 AM- Closing Worship
12:00 PM- Dismiss

FAQs About The Weekend

Homeowners

What Can You Do For My House?

Because we will only be working for two days, the project must not be too large. We will ONLY be able to work on the outside of homes – NO interior work. We can paint the exterior, add/repair wheelchair ramps, or replace deteriorating porches. We will supply all materials.

Do I Have To Be Home Those Days?

YES, it is very important to the volunteers that they are able to spend time with the homeowner and their family. We ask that you be home at least one of these days.

Leaders

What Are The Requirements To Attend?

PARTICIPANTS– Any youth, who are going into 7th grade in the fall through those who have just graduated high school, can attend the event.

ADULTS– Adults are considered to be individuals who are at least 21 years old. All adults must have completed a UMC Safe Sanctuary training. It would be ideal for adults to have been involved with their own church group for at least 6 months.

DRIVERS– Each church will need to register 1 driving adult (21+) for every 3 youth. Adults 19‐21 that have graduated high school can participate as adults but cannot drive youth. Youth that have completed high school in the same year as the event can not attend as an adult. Group leaders will need to provide a copy of all drivers’ current license and proof of insurance.

Will My Church Work As A Group?

No. All attendees for the event (youth and adults) are arranged into work groups by the WOC Leadership Team, taking into account adult “know-how” of work projects (as well as past experiences with the event). But, depending on the size of your group, you may have some of your church group with you.

Sponsors

What Does Sponsorship Do?

Sponsorship allows us the use of greater resources for our projects we do each summer. All proceeds go directly to the projects that youth and adults will be working on.

Does Sponsorship Help My Business?

YES. Depending on the level of giving, your company or organization name (and/or logo) will be publicized for the public to know and be aware of.

What Are The Different Sponsorship Levels?

WHEELCHAIR RAMP SPONSOR– $400
// Company Name At Job Site
   Logo On WOC Website (with link)
   Logo At Lunch Sites

PAINT SPONSOR– $250
// Company Name At Job Site
   Logo On WOC Website (with link)

VOLUNTEER SPONSOR– $125
// Scholarship Full Cost Of An Attendee
   Logo On WOC Website (with link)

So I Want To Be A Sponsor. What Now?

Simple! Download and return to us the Sponsorship Letter & Form to the address shown on said letter/form.

Still Have A Question? Send Us One!