Reverend John Crosby
Christ Presbyterian Church
Minneapolis, MN
Sponsor: Rep. Hon. Jim Ramstad, (R-MN)
Date of Prayer: 07/09/2008
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
The SPEAKER. Without objection, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Ramstad) is recognized for 1 minute.
There was no objection.
Mr. RAMSTAD. Madam Speaker, it is my special privilege to welcome today's guest chaplain, Senior Pastor John Crosby of Christ Presbyterian Church in Edina, Minnesota.
On behalf of the entire House of Representatives, thank you, John , for your moving and timely prayer, and for serving as guest chaplain today.
Madam Speaker, the Reverend John Crosby is a true servant–leader who personifies faith, compassion and service to those less fortunate. He is a true man of God.
Pastor Crosby has been at Christ Presbyterian Church, one of the most dynamic and vibrant faith communities in the Twin Cities, since 1989.
John and his wife, Laura, came to Minnesota from Washington, DC, where they ministered at the National Presbyterian Church. They have two daughters, Maggie, who is a junior at Denver University, and Katy who worked as a congressional intern in my Washington office and is now working here in Washington for Bread for the World. Knowing Katy as I do, I can personally testify to the wonderful job John and Laura have done in raising their outstanding daughters, and I am pleased that Laura and Katy are here today in the Speaker's gallery to see their husband and father deliver the opening prayer.
Madam Speaker, Pastor Crosby is a thoughtful and caring person who applies his faith to daily life and the major issues of the day. He is very interested and involved in policy matters, and he has been a trusted adviser throughout my 18 years here in Congress. John Crosby also has experience working in the United States Senate for former Chaplain Richard Halvorsen.
Our Twin Cities community is truly blessed by Pastor Crosby's strong and principled leadership, as well as his inspiring commitment to help people in need.
Under Reverend Crosby's tenure, the youth program and community outreach at Christ Presbyterian Church have grown exponentially, and have been a great asset, a great resource for our community at large. Over a thousand young people are involved in the youth program at Christ Presbyterian Church. And I will never forget when that youth group lost one of its own in a car accident a number of years ago, a beautiful young woman whose family I knew well, and a thousand young people from that church gathered spontaneously that Sunday night at the church, and John led them in prayer.
Pastor Crosby is a man of God who lives out the Biblical command to love God, love others and serve the least amongst us, and I am proud and grateful to call him my friend.
Thank you again, John , for serving the House of Representatives today and for doing the Lord's work here on the Earth each and every day.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
God of the Heavens and earth,
Thank You for the opportunity to gather in this place this morning, in freedom of body, mind and spirit. Just as we have celebrated the birth of our freedom, we ask that You help us offer that same freedom to others. You have said that if any lack wisdom we should ask, and You will be generous, and so we ask, not only to discern but for the will to act on our discernment. I ask that you give grace to those who lead us, presidents and judges, Congressmen and Senators, that they may be becoming men and women of humility and courage, principle and generosity, even in the midst of trial. I thank you for those who have served faithfully, on the field of battle or in the fires of forests, or in these halls; in a special way, I ask you to give special peace to those who have served and now return home, as our brother Jim Ramstad... may he return with the thanks and blessing of a grateful people, and hear Your voice saying to him and so many others, "Well done, good and faithful servant." For all who gather here this day we ask Your wisdom and blessing. Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory