|
|
|
|
|
If you have a Mac or the links are not working,
please try clicking on 'View it in your browser'.
|
|
|
|
|
|
In this week's Crossroads, you will find information on:
Sunday School
Stolen Sisters Memorial March
2022 Tax Receipts
Need a Ride - Give a Ride
The Unplugging at The Belfry Theatre
Men’s Breakfast
Care of the Earth Events
Devotional Edition podcast
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner
Saturday Afternoon Board Games
|
|
By Heart
Black History Month
Emergency Appeal
Updates from the ELCIC National Office
In-Person Worship
Read Ahead
This Week at Church of the Cross
The deadline for all Crossroads submissions is Wednesday at 12 noon.
|
|
|
Kids are welcome to join us for Sunday School on February 12 & 26.
Transfiguration Sunday, Feb. 19 falls on Family Day Weekend, a time many families are away. We will provide crafts for kids to do at the kids table in the worship space on Sundays there is no Sunday School.
|
|
|
2022 Tax Receipts
2022 Tax Receipts are now in your mailbox at church, or have been mailed to your home address. Email receipts have been sent to those who requested them.
Any receipts not collected from church mailboxes/slots by 23 Feb will be mailed to your home address to ensure the church complies with CRA regulations for issuing of receipts.
If you have any questions please contact the Lutheran Church of the Cross Financial Secretary, Barry Walker at 250-381-1698 or bhwalker@sjaw.ca
Thank you for your continuing support of Lutheran Church of the Cross and its work.
|
|
|
Need a Ride - Give a Ride
 Have you stopped driving? Are you uncomfortable driving at night? Want to attend worship in person on Sundays, special worship times like Lenten vespers, special events at the church? Are you someone who could give a ride to someone in the congregation who needs one?
Resource Stewardship is hoping to develop a ride matching service for those who need a ride or could offer a ride. If you are offering a ride you would only be doing so when your are able too. If you need a ride you will be connected with a member who can provide you with a ride to the church for worship or special events.
If you need a ride or can give a ride, write Craig at craigrknight@gmail.com or call the church office at 250-477-6222.
Resource Stewardship Committee
Engaged to Serve
|
|
|
The Unplugging at The Belfry Theatre
When all the world’s technology ceases to function, it is time to find a new way of surviving—or an old way. Two women—one Indigenous and one white, exiled from their village for being too old to bear children, trudge across the desolate, post-apocalyptic ruin, relying on traditional wisdom for survival. When a charismatic stranger appears, seeking their aid, they must choose whether to use their knowledge of the past to provide hope for the future to the community that branded them “useless.”
For more ticket information check this website.
Truth and Reconciliation Committee
|
|
|
Understanding Treaties
Join the Truth and Reconciliation Committee on Wednesday, February 15 via Zoom at 10 am to learn more about treaties with First Nations here on Vancouver Island. Our presenter is Neil Vallance. He is a lawyer and historian who contributed to the book “To Share Not Surrender: Indigenous and Settler Visions of Treating Making the Colonies of Vancouver Island and British Columbia” (UBC Press, 2021). He has researched and written expert reports on Vancouver Island Treaty claims.
To joint the discussion click on this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85486445277
Truth and Reconciliation Committee
|
|
|
February Men’s Breakfast
 The next Men’s Breakfast will be on Saturday, February 18th, 9:30 - 10:30 AM at Church of the Cross. Michael Coughlin, president of the congregation and Grant Froyland, head trustee, will provide updates reflecting on the year past and what is ahead in the life of our community. This is an opportunity to get better acquainted and an opportunity to ask questions.
|
|
|
Care of the Earth Events
On Tuesday, February 21 at 1:30 PM, MP Laurel Collins, opposition critic for the environment and climate change, will be at Church of the Cross to share her work as a member of Parliament on climate issues and ways we can address concerns for the environment. She will only be able to be with us for a half hour. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about ways we an respond to climate change and find out what government is doing to address our concerns.
United for Old Growth Forests
If you are concerned about the future of our old growth forests in BC and want to learn more about the issues around preserving old growth trees, consider attending a march and rally on Saturday, February 25. The event begins at Centennial Square at 12 noon at Victoria City Hall with a march to the legislature at 1:30.
Care of the Earth Team
|
|
|
Devotional Edition podcast from Denise
 Latest episode of Story of Faith - Devotional Edition podcast. Denise Pawliuk is a diaconal candidate with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC).
Just click on the link here and you will be taken to the podcast. Please also feel free to share with others.
Denise Maier Pawliuk (she/her)
|
|
|
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner, February 21, 5 PM
 We will be hosting the annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner together with St. Luke’s on Tuesday, February 21 at 5:00 pm at St. Luke’s Cedar Hill. St. Luke’s is located across the street from Church of the Cross. We gather in the hall which is at the top of their parking lot. Maple syrup will be provided; however, you can bring other toppings to share. Gluten-free pancakes and sausages will also be available. Please add your name to the sign-up sheet or call the church office to let us know you are attending. For more information please contact Janice Nelson at jbnel13@gmail.com.
|
|
|
Saturday Afternoon Board Games – February 25, 2023
 Women in Faith will be hosting a games afternoon on Saturday, February 25, 3:00 to 4:30 PM in the Upper Hall. We will have tables set up with various games but feel free to bring your own. This event is open to all ages. Coffee and Tea as well as dessert will be served.
|
|
|
By Heart: Tuesday evening & Wednesday morning Zoom
 By Heart books are on the way. Thank you to everyone who asked us to order a copy. Please make payment to to the church office for your copy. Let us know if you have any questions about that.
Next steps: Once books arrive we’ll distribute them and begin two weekly small groups. People are welcome to join over Zoom (no in-person gathering) either Tuesdays at 7:30 PM PST or Wednesday at 10 AM PST. It’s taking longer for the books to arrive than expected so we don’t know the exact start date but hope it will be soon. We sent out an organizing e-mail to people who expressed interest. If you did not receive an e-mail contact Pr. Lyndon at pastorlyndon@shaw.ca, who is handling communications, to be added to the list. Both Pr. Lyle and Pr. Lyndon will be sharing in leading the small groups.
|
|
|
Black History Month
Dear BC Synod members and friends,
It is with regret that I pass along news to you today that Rev. Rebekah Swanson has tendered her resignation and will conclude her work in the BC Synod on March 3, 2023. As many of you know Pastor Rebekah has been serving in her role as Interim Assistant to the Bishop since last July while she sought a call in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. (ELCA) She has now accepted a position in the Metro New York Synod and will soon be making a long distance move across the country. Pastor Rebekah has been a great asset to the bishop's office, a good colleague and coworker. She has been a support to several congregations and committees, as well as working on a number of special projects. We will miss her! Please pray for her and her family as they prepare to move and take up this new calling with the congregation in the Metro New York Synod. We give thanks to God for her work and ministry in the BC Synod.
with prayers of thanksgiving,
Bishop Kathy
|
|
|
February is Black History Month
 For Black History Month the BC Synod will be sharing an article each week in February lifting up a Black leader in British Columbia. Look for these here each of the four weeks in February. Each article includes links for further learning. You are encouraged to share articles in your own church newsletters. Included also is a graphic for sharing on your church social media. This campaign works best if people share in spaces and platforms where members of your ministries are most likely to see it. The synod will also be sharing on the BC Synod Facebook page making it easier to share to a church page. Sharing and engaging with these stories about local Black leaders is one small part we can play in increasing visibility and listening to Black voices in our midst. Stories compiled by Rev. Aneeta Saroop, Spirit of Life Lutheran Church, Vancouver, and Rev. Lyndon Sayers, Lutheran Church of the Cross, Victoria.
|
|
|
February is Black History Month
Every February, people across Canada participate in Black History Month events and festivities that honour the legacy of Black people in Canada and their communities. The theme for this year is "Ours to Tell". This theme represents both an opportunity to engage in an open dialogue and a commitment to learning more about the stories Black communities in Canada have to tell about their histories, successes, sacrifices, and triumphs. You are invited to learn more when you click here.
|
|
|
Emergency Appeal - Earthquake in Türkiye and Syria
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) joins with our partner Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) in calling for prayers for those affected by the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria and to give generously to support their urgent humanitarian needs. Among those affected are millions of refugees and displaced people living near the border of Syria and Türkiye (commonly known as Turkey, but whose traditional name has been recognized by the international community since 2022.) The situation for these already vulnerable and displaced populations has been made almost inconceivably worse, as their makeshift camps are not equipped to withstand an earthquake of this magnitude, and many have lost their homes during a cold snap with overnight temperatures below freezing.
Individuals and congregations wishing to support relief efforts can donate as follows:
- Make a designated offering for "Türkiye and Syria Earthquake" through the congregation.
- Call CLWR at 1-800-661-2597 (locally at 204-694-6502) to donate or go online to clwr.org/earthquake
- Send a cheque made payable to CLWR and mailed to CLWR, 600-177 Lombard Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0W5. Please indicate that you wish to contribute to "Türkiye and Syria Earthquake"
|
|
|
Updates from the ELCIC National Office
National Office welcomes Peter Wall as Assistant to the Bishop for Worship
The Very Rev. Peter Wall joined the ELCIC National Office in the role of Assistant to the Bishop, Worship on February 1, 2023. Wall comes to the ELCIC from the Anglican Church of Canada, where he has served as a Rector, Dean and Priest throughout the province of Ontario over the past 30+ years. “I am honoured, as an Anglican, to be asked by Bishop Susan to serve the ELCIC in this capacity,” Wall said. “Having long been associated with the Joint Commission and with so many wonderful things Lutheran. I am excited about stretching myself and my learning, about thinking and praying deeply with others about the many and wondrous ways in which we worship, and by being nourished by my many Lutheran friends and colleagues, making new ones along the way, too.”
“I am delighted to have the Very Rev. Peter Wall join our National Office staff,” ELCIC National Bishop Susan Johnson said. “Peter has worked closely with Lutheran worship in a variety of forms, including being on the team and introducing Evangelical Lutheran Worship to congregations in our Church. I think it’s a wonderful sign of Full Communion that we can have an Anglican working on our staff. I know Peter will bring many gifts to the ELCIC.”
United Against Hate on Wednesday, February 15 (Online Event)
 Join Affirm United/S'affirmer Ensemble and Affirming Connections to learn about the malicious misinformation campaign and threats that have been launched against the drag and 2SLGBTQ+ communities across Canada, and what you can do. This is an online event on Wednesday, February 15 at 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Time). For more information and to register, please click here.
Unearthing Solidarity: Global Voices on Mining Justice
The online event Unearthing Solidarity: Global Voices on Mining Justice will be held on Thursday, February 16 at 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. (EST). This event will feature Indigenous and global partners who are advocating for mining justice. To deepen and expand this learning, Joan Kuyek will moderate a panel around her book, Unearthing Justice: How to Protect Your Community from the Mining industry. This is part of the KAIROS, Development and Peace (Caritas Canada), and Student Christian Movement's learning and action series for students and young adults, and which includes an in-person study of Joan's book. All are invited! For more details and to register, please click here.
Take Action - Keep Up the Pressure on Bill C-226 to end Environmental Racism
Bill C-226 which addresses environmental racism in Canada had just been sent to the report stage. That's the final step before being presented for third reading in the House of Commons. KAIROS and its network of partners have closely followed progress on this bill which if enacted, would task the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to develop a strategy that must include measures to examine the links between race, socio-economic status, and environmental risk. KAIROS has been conducting a letter- writing campaign to help get this bill, along with two corporate accountability bills, passed. To learn more, please click here.
|
|
|
In-Person Worship, Sunday, February 12, 10 AM PST
Covid-19 and Worship
- We offer worship in both live (in-person) and livestream (online) formats.
- We rejoice in the gift of vaccination and encourage everyone to be / stay vaccinated & boosted if you are eligible.
- To protect vulnerable persons, we currently encourage the wearing of masks during worship, especially while singing.
- If you test positive, or have symptoms for Covid-19, please stay home (and worship via live-stream)!
- The Church Council reviews our COVID protocols and practices on a regular basis and will amend them when needed.
Church Council
|
|
|
Read ahead:
 Sixth Sunday after Epiphany
February 12, 2023 Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Psalm 119:1-8
1 Corinthians 3:1-9
Matthew 5:21-37
Worship Bulletin: CLICK HERE for Worship Bulletin
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
