Miriam Crossman
Director of Group Life

What do you do at Grace?: I lead the Connections Bridge. It’s my privilege to help Grace guests and attenders find a place to belong. That can be a challenge in a church the size of Grace. I work with the Connections Café team, Grace hosts, small groups, baptisms and the 101 Membership Class. I also assist in pastoral counseling with women.

How long have you been at Grace? 22 years – our son Adam was 2 years old when we began attending Grace (1983).I became a staff member in 1997.

Family Information:
Scott – the love of my life; currently married for 30+ years; a controller for Lord Corp.
3 Adult children: Melissa, Adam, Aaron
2 granddaughters: Madison & Cameron. Who knew being a grandmother could be this much fun!

Education: Music major at Messiah College; earned a 2-year certification in women’s ministry offered by our denomination. A large part of my ministry education came through many years of volunteer work; most notably as president of the founding board and 17-year peer counselor at the Women’s Care Center of Erie County, the local Christian Crisis Pregnancy Center. It’s where I learned to have to truly depend on the Lord and be unshockable!

Fun Stuff:
If you were an animal, what would you be (why)? A cat – I love the sun!

Favorite color: Red

Favorite Food: Popcorn

Pet Peeve(s): “We’ve never done it this way!” Thankfully, I hardly ever hear it at Grace!

Hobbies: Dating Scott, spending time with my kids and grandkids, reading, entertaining, flower gardening.

If you had 24 hours to live, what three things would you do? Have all of my family over for dinner, followed by a party with everyone I know. Write as much of my life and faith journey down as I could for my kids and grandkids.

Tell us about a few influential (or favorite) books you’ve read: The Space Trilogy by C.S. Lewis (it gave me my first real glimpse of the possibilities of heaven). Disciple by Juan Carlos Ortiz (helped me understand that God wanted more from me than a “good” life; he wants obedience.

Spiritual Stuff:
Tell us a little bit about your spiritual journey: I grew up in a loving Christian family; first became Christian at 9 years old when a S.S. teacher clearly explained salvation to our class. Became serious about my Christian walk in college; started enjoying my Christian walk in my 40s.

What did you do before you started working at Grace? Was a full-time mom for many years, but always volunteered to further the Kingdom of God – taught Bible studies in nursing homes for 7 years, volunteered at the Women’s Care Center (1981-1998)

Why are you passionate about church and ministry? I think there’s no greater privilege than to introduce people to Jesus Christ and help them understand how to live a life that pleases Him. The church is truly the family of God and the best way to nurture young and growing Christians.

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