Weekend of the CROSS (WOC), a ministry of Trinity Methodist Church in Ruston, has been awarded a 2026 Pledge10 Grant from Jonesboro State Bank (JSB). The funds will support the ministry’s mission to serve our neighbors across North Louisiana through home repairs.
“We are honored to receive this generous award from JSB and Pledge10,” said Jennifer Willis, who serves as chair of this year’s WOC committee. “These funds will give us the flexibility to address emerging issues that inevitably arise during WOC planning and while actually on the worksites. Once repairs begin, additional home needs often surface and it means a great deal to both the volunteers and the homeowners to be able to fully complete anything extra that arises.”
The funds will also help WOC volunteers and youth serve more homes in and around Ruston. The Pledge10 Grant Program invests 10 percent of Jonesboro State Bank’s profits back into local communities and supports innovative projects focused on education, youth development, financial literacy, and community enrichment.
Weekend of the CROSS — which stands for Christians Reaching Out in the Savior’s Service — has impacted lives for more than 35 years by bringing together youth groups and volunteers from across Louisiana and beyond for a weekend of worship, fellowship, and community service. Participants complete projects such as wheelchair ramps, porch repairs, painting, and yardwork for individuals and families in need. Each night, youth and adult leaders worship through song and hear a challenging message.
“The true differentiator of Weekend of the CROSS is the relationships built between the homeowners and the youth volunteers,” said Willis. “While home repairs are the reason they are at the house, that often because secondary to building lasting and real relationships with those in our own backyard.”
Registration is now open for the 2026 Weekend of the CROSS, which will take place July 23-26. Learn more or register at https://trinityruston.org/ministries/weekend-of-the-cross/.
