I started The Church at Crossroads - Episcopal, Detroit in 2016 because of the amazing faith and spirit of the neighbors who came into the chapel to pray with me when I began volunteering as a lay counselor in 2008 at Crossroads of MI (Crossroads). Crossroads is a Detroit social service agency that helps people with food, clothing, employment, advocacy, and other assistance. 

As soon as I walked into Crossroads to volunteer, I became a little sidetracked! I saw a largely unused chapel on their main floor and had the idea to ask people if they wanted to have some time for prayer before their appointment. I was definitely nervous at first but felt this was important as I wanted to pray, too, before talking with people who came for assistance. After a few times, it seemed like the whole waiting room of people came in to pray. I was blown away by their faith!

Soon after, I found myself asking the question: “Why is there not an Episcopal Church here?”

That thought never left me. After graduating from seminary in 2016 and with my Bishop’s blessing, I walked into Crossroads’ Sunday Soup Kitchen which serves over 500 people, and sat down to share conversation and food with the neighbors who came to eat. I was ordained a deacon that December and had our early afternoon worship service in place by Christmas. We began celebrating Holy Eucharist by June 2017, following my ordination to the priesthood.

The Rev. Teresa M. Wakeen, Priest Missioner and Founder

Since then, we have: 

• Continued an early Sunday afternoon service of Holy Eucharist on Sundays and Daily Office (Morning Prayer) during the week. 

• Began The Good News Crew (GNC) Church School in fall of 2021, which meets both online and in person.

• Met and shared faith throughout with dozens of students and their families each summer via Vacation Bible School or summer Church-related activities.

• Collaborated with a growing number of Diocesan Congregational Partners and Crossroads to provide Free Children’s Lunch throughout the summer & the building of loving relationships with families by sharing activities together.

• Engaged with community partners in our neighborhood, like NW Goldberg Cares, to reach out and participate locally around us.