About Us

Our Mission

We strive to cross over boundaries that divide us, cross out stereotypes that judge us, and share Christ’s love.

Why do we do this?

We envision a world where Jesus’s command to love our neighbor is central to the message and the work of the Church. We believe that young people can live out this message and extend it beyond Charlotte by actively partnering with service agencies. By working symbiotically with service agencies, young adults can lead the way for the Church to be the beacon of good news our communities need and in the process gain a scriptural understanding of social justice. We are called to break down the divides that separate us and in its place promote reconciliation. We do this through courageous and welcoming encounters that build and deepen relationships with others. We are committed to being an open and affirming place for all people. 

Our Programs

City Serve

Summer Program for Middle and High School Youth

Our summer program runs from June through early August.

Youth experience up to eight different urban ministries in one week. Ministry sites include serving people who are hungry, homeless, elderly, and children. There are opportunities for both direct service and building relationships. CROSS interns accompany their group each day to facilitate the experience. 

On Monday-Thursday, your group will work with two ministry sites each day, with a break for lunch at a local park in between sites. Each morning starts with breakfast, followed by worship and devotion, and every afternoon leaves time for your group to debrief with your CROSS intern, discussing what your group learned and how that intersects with the theme. Monday and Tuesday evenings, groups dive deeper into social justice issues during a staff-led program. Wednesday evenings are free evenings – your group may stay on campus, or leave MPPC for a few hours to explore Charlotte. On Thursday evening, your group will be invited to share what you have learned all week during a closing worship service. The week ends on Friday morning with a hot breakfast and a slideshow of photos taken during the week.

The cost is $340 per person, which includes food, housing, and ministry site materials.

Please click here for availability and email efunk@myersparkpres.org to register today!

Sample Schedule
Sunday Evening
5:45-6:00 pm    Groups arrive at MPPC having eaten dinner 
6:00-7:30 pm    Tour the CROSS facilities and get settled
7:30-8:30 pm    Orientation and leaders meeting
8:30-10:00 pm  Free Time
10:30 pm          Lights out!
Daily Schedule Monday-Thursday  
7:00-7:15 am   Breakfast CREW, Water Coolers CREW, and Lunch CREW
7:15-7:50 am   Eat breakfast & pack lunches
7:50-8:15 am   Breakfast and Lunch CREW clean up 
8:15-8:45 am   Energizer, devotions, and music
9:00-4:00 pm   Ministry Sites – Sites vary, please refer to your group schedule
Monday and Tuesday Evening
4:00-5:00 pm   Free Time 
5:00-5:30 pm   Dinner CREW set up
5:30-6:30 pm   Dinner 
6:30-7:00 pm   Dinner CREW clean up
7:00-8:30 pm   Evening program
8:30-10:00 pm  Free Time
10:30 pm          Lights out!
Wednesday Evening
 Free evening
Thursday Evening
4:00-5:00 pm   Free Time 
5:00-5:30 pm   Dinner CREW set up
5:30-6:30 pm   Dinner
6:30-7:00 pm   Dinner CREW clean up
7:00-7:30 pm   Prepare prayer stations for worship
7:30-9:00 pm   Closing worship
9:00-10:00 pm Free Time
10:30 pm         Lights out!
Friday
9:0010:00 am Hot breakfast and evaluations
10:00 am         Head home!

Urban Plunge

Weekend Program for Youth, College Students, and Families

Engage in a learning experience like no other on weekends in the fall, winter, and spring. 

Join us on Friday evening for a welcome and some fellowship, then get ready for devotions and a full day of service on Saturday. Generally, groups serve at two ministry sites on Saturday, which may include serving people who are hungry, unsheltered, or trying to emerge from poverty. Sunday morning concludes with breakfast and worship at Myers Park Presbyterian Church.

The cost is $105 per person, which includes breakfast and lunch on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday. $95 for Friday night and Saturday only. 

Please click here for availability and email efunk@myersparkpres.org to register today!

Please inquire about: Adult Urban Plunge Experiences, Confirmation Retreats, Seminars, and Family weekends (ages 5 years old and up).

Alternative Breaks

Program for College Students

Make your college break (spring, fall, Thanksgiving, winter) a life-long memory through experiential service learning and social justice awareness. 

Through our network of ministry partners, we are able to tailor your group’s experience to your interests. (Topics may include: interfaith dialogue, affordable housing, sustainability and environmental justice, immigration, incarceration, LGBTQ+ education, and more!)  

CROSS schedules service opportunities, provides breakfast for the group’s stay, and offers optional evening programming by local thinkers and activists. 

Unlike our other programs, Alternative Break we provide housing at our Cornerstone House which has 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a full kitchen, a large living room, and plenty of floor space for air mattresses.

Please contact efunk@myersparkpres.org for information about the cost!

Internships

Summer Internship

CROSS Missions hosts youth groups from all over the country to participate in Urban Mission in Charlotte. Summer interns are crucial in making our summer programming happen. This position involves guiding youth groups as they serve the residents of Charlotte who are facing homelessness, food insecurity, environmental injustice, and more. CROSS interns also help plant seeds of service and neighborly love in the hearts of all participants in hopes of honoring God’s vision of justice in all communities. 

It is an ideal position for anyone considering vocational ministry, social work, education, or other community service careers. The CROSS summer internship lasts 10 weeks and is paid; housing and meals are also provided. Please see the detailed job description below. 

Now accepting applications for Summer 2024!

Application deadline is January 20, 2024.