After 13 years of providing church services in the cafeteria of the Lehighton Area Middle School, parishioners of the Crossroads Community Church in Lehighton have opened their doors to a new home. The new location, 580 Coal St. in Lehighton, offers parishioners a large 160 seating area, classrooms, nursery, a java nook, office space, walk-in closet and more.

"This is an exciting time for us," said Reverend Claude Ruba, who goes by "Pastor Claude". Prior to this new location, church parishoners would have to load and unload chairs, audio video equipment and related furniture during every service or event.Crossroads held its first service on December 5, 1999.Crossroads is involved in numerous local, regional and worldwide projects. Some activities and programs the church are involved with include providing volunteers or missionaries at area prisons, youth programs, holding marriage and family seminars, volunteering at nursing homes and social service organizations and sponsoring an overseas church in the Philippines, in which they provide financial and worship guidance.Pastor Claude and his wife, Rachel, said, "This location provides a fresh start with God." The new location also offers a stage location for a projector screen for parishioners to follow along to the service."At Crossroads Community Church we're doing our best to change the perception of a boring service," said Pastor Claude. "There are many things visitors can expect when coming to Crossroads, such as a parking spot reserved just for you as our guest of honor, a friendly welcome from one of our church hostesses at the information table, a coffee bar where you can get a free cup of freshly brewed coffee and a bite to eat - as you connect with others who attend our services, exciting Christian music with a contemporary flavor, positive, practical, life-changing messages from the Bible and dedicated workers who will care for your children during church services and programs."Our intent was, and continues to be, to reach out to people, in the Lehighton area and surrounding communities, with the good news about Jesus Christ," added Pastor Claude. "We are a group of friendly, happy people who discovered that real joy and peace in life is found only when you know that your life is right with God."Sunday school is offered every Sunday at 9:30 a.m., following by the church service at 10:30 a.m.For more information about the church, contact Pastor Claude at (570) 386-4880, via email at

pastorc@ptd.net or their website

http://www.crossroads-comm-church.org/.