The ministry is not affiliated with any one church or denomination. 

CROSSFIRE is a Christian ministry which welcomes all single adults. 

The ministry exists to provide social opportunities and spiritual growth.

 In what age range are most of the people who attend?

Most participants are ages 40-60+.  However, we have many younger people coming to CROSSFIRE.  We are hosting events that will attract younger people and looking to expand our ministry to reach all ages.  We continue to provide opportunities for the majority of our participants, so that we are meeting the needs of all those who come to the ministry.
 

Is there a membership fee?

No, we have never charged a membership fee.  Our monthly newsletter is available by mail for free to all new participants for six months; after that we charge $15 per year.  The newsletter is always posted on the website free for download anytime. 

Where is the ministry located?  Where do you meet?

Our office is in Colonial Park, in a house next-door to CrossPoint United Methodist Church.  We rent our office from CrossPoint.  But our meetings and events are held all over the greater Harrisburg area.  We partner with about a dozen churches who host our events.  We do sometimes host small events at our office.  Directions to events are in the newsletter and posted on the website.
 

What are the office hours and how do I reach the leaders? (Who’s in charge?)

Most weeks, our office is open Fridays 8:30am-5:00pm.  We don’t have a full-time staff.  Our general email is info@cfire.org.  Interim Director Patti Gilbert receives all the general emails and event sign-up forms.   You can also reach Patti by email at pattigilbert@cfire.org or by calling the office 545-0005.  
 

How do I find out what’s going on?

1. Our website is the best place to find out about events, www.cfire.org.  The monthly newsletter is posted there and we make updates to the calendar of events as needed.  Many other features of the website will help you to get to know CROSSFIRE and connect with everything that is happening in the ministry.
2. You can call our Link Line, which is a recorded message of upcoming events.  Call 545-0017 anytime.  The recording is updated biweekly and usually includes about 4 weeks of events.
3. Come to events.  Our leaders always make announcements and are available to answer questions about upcoming events.  We always have newsletters on hand to give to people.  Our “welcome” table is set-up with ministry information at our larger events.  

Is CROSSFIRE a good way to find someone to date and marry?

CROSSFIRE is not a dating service.  While it is true that some people begin dating and even marry after meeting in CROSSFIRE, our goals are simply to provide a safe Christian atmosphere which promotes friendship, fellowship, shared interests and spiritual growth.  If at any time anyone approaches you inappropriately, please contact a leadership team member immediately.  We have established a written Code of Conduct, which is available via our website and at events.

How is the ministry supported?

Donations from participants account for the majority of our income.  We receive donations from people who are “alumni” of the ministry, former leaders and also from several area churches on a regular basis.  Donations in 2010 totaled about $16,000.  We also receive income from the events we hold, such as dances and picnics.  However, much of the event income goes to pay for event costs such as site rentals and supplies.  Our overhead includes rent for the office space, payroll, copier lease, insurance, printing and mailing costs.  
 

How do I sign up to attend events?

Many times, we will ask you to register for events!  There are 3 ways to do that:

1. Go to the website and click on Newsletter/Event SignUp.  Fill in the form and send it.  You can also use this form to subscribe to the newsletter and to update our records if you move.
2. Reply to the weekly email.  We send out weekly emails detailing events that are coming up.  You can simply reply with a message saying which event you want to attend, and that message will be passed on to the leader hosting the event.  If you aren’t receiving the weekly emails, please let us know your email address.
3. Call the office.  You can leave a message at 545-0005.  We check messages a few times a week and most calls are returned on Fridays during office hours if you need a response.  

How can I volunteer to help with the ministry?

You are welcome to help with set-up, tear-down, greeting, and other things at our events.  If you would consider being on the leadership team & helping to plan and host events, please speak with one of our leaders or board members.  We also use volunteers at the office to help with administrative work.

How can I support the ministry?

1. You can become a PassPort Card holder – by giving at least $25 per month to CROSSFIRE.  You will receive a card which allows you free entrance to selected events, such as picnics and dances.  You will also receive the newsletter by mail and a free t-shirt or baseball cap.
2. If you “catch the mission” of this ministry and want to support our efforts to reach out to single adults, mail your donations to the CROSSFIRE office, 430-A Colonial Rd., Harrisburg, PA  17109.  Or you can donate via PayPal through our website.  All donations are tax-deductible.
3. You can pray for CROSSFIRE – for wisdom for the board of directors, leaders and for the ministry to be blessed, for partnerships with churches to grow stronger and for the needs of singles to be met as lives are touched through this ministry.
4. When you come to events, you ARE supporting the ministry!

If I have a complaint, a concern, or a suggestion, what should I do?

You may call the office and leave a message or send an email to info@cfire.org.  You may speak directly with Patti Gilbert, or with any board member or leadership team member at an event.  Please feel free to approach any CROSSFIRE leader for help or to express a concern.