After serving CrossRoads Community Church for 17 years, Pastor Cary and Janet Swanson announced two weeks ago during the morning service that they will be stepping down from leading the church. CrossRoads is located 23923 US Highway 80 East in Statesboro near Lowes.
The Swansons will be relocating to the Naples/Fort Myers, FL area. The Swanson legacy has spanned 45 years in Statesboro, GA. Pastor Cary Swanson's parents, Pastors Wayne and Jean Swanson, served 28 of those years, and Janet and Pastor Cary served 17 years.
The Swansons legacy of ministry will officially end on Sunday, February 12, 2023, during the 10:00am service marking the church’s full 100 year anniversary. "Who but God could end our ministry on the full 100 year anniversary, not one day short or a day later. Such an incredible milestone for us. One hundred years! God in His infinite wisdom knew our ministry would be completed on the church’s golden anniversary. As we leave, we go knowing we completed our assignment. That is a wonderful feeling we will forever treasure," said Pastor Cary Swanson.
Pastor Cary Swanson continued, "We believe God has nothing but the best for the CRCC family, staff, and elders. As CRCC steps into 101 years of ministry on February 13, 2023, we feel deeply blessed to have been a small part of such a incredible ministry. You are forever in our hearts and we ask for your prayers and blessings for the next chapter of our lives. God, we give you all the glory! Jeremiah 29:11."
Pastor Cary's dad, Pastor Wayne Swanson, will step back into the pulpit temporarily as the search committee begins the process to find a replacement for Pastor Cary and Janet Swanson. Pastor Cary and Janet led the church through historic growth, a full campus renovation and redesign and a renaming and re-branding to CrossRoads Community Church. They also led the church through a very challenging period through the COVID pandemic.
This dynamic couple's impact stretches far outside the four walls of the church. They passionately served this community in remarkable ways and will be greatly missed by the entire community. Lori and I, along with the entire Grice Connect team, are grateful for our friendship with the entire Swanson family and know God has tremendous plans for them personally and for the church.