Crossroads Church gets a 'fresh start'

By Vera Olinski
HAMBURG — After over 16 years of darkness, the Hamburg Crossroads Church steeple lights shine bright, once more, in the community. Pastor Anthony and Jennifer Gambino were instrumental in turning the lights on during their first year of full-time ministry at Crossroads Church, which has been around for 50 years.
Gambino said, as of January 2016, they are called to lead the revitalization of the “friendly, family, community-oriented church.” He continued, “It's the same building; it is not the same church. We're getting a do-over — a fresh start. We planted a flag; we're here to stay; we're going to rebuild; we are rebuilding.”
Their church motto is to “Love God; model Christ; serve people; and make disciples.”
Free eventsAs part of serving the community, the church will provide the following free events: movie night barbecue, Friday, Aug. 25 — barbecue starting at 6:30 p.m., “Miracles from Heaven” showing at 7:30 p.m.; Teen Challenge visiting Sunday, Aug. 20, 10 a.m.; “The Gathering,” a night of casual worship — bringing local churches together — Saturday, Sept. 23, 5 p.m.; October Fall Fest: family fun event with candy, food, toys, games — all free; and special services: Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years.
During December, the church will have a Samaritan's Purse packing and pizza party for Operation Christmas Child — sending boxes of special items to needy children throughout the world.
In addition, along with other sponsors, Crossroads is sponsoring T-shirts and footballs for Wallkill Valley Regional High School football and basketball teams, to help buy supplies.
Last year's Fall Fest hosted about 250 people, where the church gave away nachos, hot dogs, hamburgers, cotton candy, free pumpkins and “trunk or treating” — children going from vehicle trunk to trunk – filling back packs full of candy.
Backpacks were provided courtesy of Staples, and some food was courtesy of local businesses.
Gambino said they want to physically give back to the community and also spiritually give good food — through solid Bible teaching.
Jennifer said they hope people will remember their church “is somewhere people can go when they are hurting.”
As part of their worship team, Jennifer sings, Gambino plays the trumpet, and their daughters play violin, flute and cello.
Gambino grew up in Brooklyn, worked professionally in the telecommunications industry and faithfully served the church through his “Faith, Family, and Finances” seminars.
Both he and Jennifer also helped her father, a pastor of around 35 years, and Gambino's pastor at one time, start a new church in Queens. They then served around 18 years at Calvary Temple in Wayne and were on staff about one year.
In today's world, Gambino said, though Hamburg might be a small town, it has a big heart.
24/7 ministryWith the internet and technology, he continued, the congregation can reach the world 24/7. Gambino said, he likes to know things can happen while they are sleeping,
Jennifer added, a list of countries throughout the world has been accessing their website — crossroadshamburg.com — with Gambino's messages.
Crossroads also helps support around 27 missionaries and missions per month in multiple countries throughout the world.
“Many people,” Jennifer said, “were saved, baptized, and grew up here. This is home.” She continued, “They want to be here and feel the Holy Spirit. They want to come back.”
Gambino said, “This is a spirit-filled church — not just academically, but reality. It's not just something we talk about. God has to show up every day.”
Beginning in September, Wednesday night Bible studies including leadership will be available at 7 p.m. Also, Youth Nights are Fridays at 7 p.m., for students in sixth through 12th grades.