Weekly Crossroads

Crossroads

April 12, 2020

Resurrection of Our Lord

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Updates on Luther Court and the Shelbourne Community Kitchen
Our Place
Blood Donors Urgently Needed
2020 Easter Message
Read ahead

The deadline for all Crossroads submissions is Wednesday at noon. Thank you.

Please visit our website for more information about us and our events.

Easter Message Co-pastors

Dear Friends of Church of the Cross,

As Co-pastors, entering these Holy Three Days that are the heart of life as a Christian community together, we want you to know all of you are in our thoughts and prayers.

It is strange to prepare for Holy Week and Easter worship knowing we cannot gather in person. We will miss so much of the embodied aspects of worship including praying and singing together, receiving the sacrament, being physically present and seeing one another’s faces. Nevertheless, we are heartened to know we can still be together through on-line worship, messages, phone calls, dropping off needed items, and other expressions of care in our life together.

The gospel of Jesus Christ has more than enough grace to see us through a pandemic. God is with us, present most of all to any who are suffering, whether physically or mentally.

Please know you are in our prayers. And we give thanks for your prayers, kind messages, and support during this time. And we give thanks for all the people supporting others, including in worship, Sunday School, maintaining contact with people in the congregation and community, and those serving on Boards, Committees, and joining and supporting however you can amidst busy and changing family and other demands. And our prayers are with your families and others that we are physically distant from this Easter, but who are so much in our hearts and minds.

And together, we pray for our world, and especially people who are most vulnerable, that God’s love embraces everyone with the new life that we celebrate again this Easter.

The peace of Christ be with you all this Holy Week and Easter.

Lyle & Lyndon, Co-pastors

Online Giving Update

As people are spending more time on-line these days and we move worship on-line, Church of the Cross has begun offering on-line giving.

We have partnered with Tithely, the company that hosts our website, and offers on-line giving services for churches.

To check this out simply visit the church web-site: LutheranVictoria.ca and click on the “Giving” menu tab. Here we are listing different ways you can give to the congregation, including a link to on-line giving through Tithely. You will have the option either to make a one-time donation or click “Sign Up” to create an account with Tithely to track your on-line giving. If you choose to sign up you will be instructed to choose a four digit PIN number for increased security each time you log in.

Is on-line giving right for you? We encourage people to give in ways they find comfortable. Traditional ways of giving whether through the envelope system, e-transfer, and direct deposit have the added benefit of not having service fees. On-line giving with Tithely includes a service fee of 2.9% and $0.30 per transaction for VISA and MasterCard, 3.5% and $0.30 per transaction for AMEX. Tithely gives you the option to offset the service fee charge. As more people expect and are comfortable with on-line giving, we hope to serve folks who prefer this option, who we might otherwise miss. This encourages support from a wider on-line community, including people who join us for on-line worship beyond Victoria.

If you have questions about on-giving please speak with Barry Walker, financial secretary.
Call Barry at: 250-381-1698 or send him an e-mail: bhwalker@shaw.ca

My experiences & reflections on staying connected with the church during this pandemic and time of physical distance arising from social distancing and self-isolation......
by Susanne Standeven

While at first, on the surface, my life felt uncertain and restricted due to the pandemic, I've realized that instead of feeling confined or being disconnected from other people during the past 14 days of self-isolation, I'm part of an interconnected faith community that offers diverse connections I can reach out to and plug into.

Self-isolating at home for 14 days meant a stop to many activities my husband and I usually enjoy such as daily walks in our neighbourhood or drives to visit family or friends. While I'm confined to living and walking within the property lines of our townhouse, I've been given the time and opportunity to look closely at what I can do or want to do to make my daily life balanced and full, during and after, this pandemic. I'm seeing things I did not see before and I'm learning new ways to connect with others. Even in the midst of all of this uncertainty, I'm not feeling as disconnected as I thought I would. Using various online tools, I've found ways to interact regularly with others to keep me connected in all the important areas of my life. But for now, I'll focus only on some of the ways I've found to remain "plugged in" to worship, prayer or interacting with others within my faith community.

Within two days of starting our 14 days of self-isolation, I found everything I needed to know about events I could participate in through the Church of the Cross during this time. From reading either the Crossroads emailed to me, or by checking the LCC Facebook page or website, I found a variety of ways to feel a sense of peace. Even though I could no longer attend church-based services with my mom, I still found comfort and experienced a different understanding of the many ways that the Spirit is at work at Church of the Cross.

As I searched for ways to be part of the faith community that is my home while I'm in Victoria, I also found ways I could be of service to others and to expand my sense of church community in the worship communities that LCC is part of, such as ELCIC.

Some of the many ways I could continue to "join in, worship and pray" with others included:
- Sunday worship (10 AM) services starting on March 22 via a virtual or live stream service with Pastor Lyle, and the worship team some of whom were visible on camera and others doing background work to fine-tune the delivery of the event. Even though for the time being, we are physically apart and I'm missing the Sunday routines I usually share with my mom and other family members, like coffee after church, the familiar routine of being part of a worship service is comforting. When people watching the same virtual service from home typed comments like "Amen" or "Peace be with you" it was a reminder that many were gathered together.

- Tuesday morning prayer (8:30 AM))gatherings were still happening but with a new format. Pastor Lyndon set up a live weekly prayer session from his home front porch that I could participate in using Facebook. Connecting to the live prayer service from my home makes it easy to participate in the prayers of intercession. A reminder that even during this time of physical spacing God's presence is among us always. Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them".

- Outreach & Ministries were still occurring through email, phone calls, and Zoom meetings. While events are different for each individual, for me it was finding out the New Testament study was temporarily on hold but the essence of that group was still active! Through emails, I "eagerly devoured" that were filled with the humour and warmth of both the flock leader Bud and fellow sheep of the group! Or that even though the Social Justice Meeting couldn't meet in the church the meeting would go ahead as it was being set up as a Zoom meeting. At the Zoom meeting, it was good to see the faces and hear the voices of group members. A benefit of the Zoom virtual meeting was that members who can't always travel to participate in a church-based meeting were able to participate as there were no time or travel constraints. While the instant gratification of technology means I can connect almost immediately to someone else, I also found that the old-style "phone tree" was just as effective in sharing peace and another active way to "Love your neighbour".

- the BC Synod gathering for laypeople who wanted to have a conversation with Bishop Greg and Reverend Kathy was something new to me. What a wonderful opportunity! I learned a great deal on many levels: Zoom meetings, Synod goals & actions, connections between BC Synod & Pastors, between Synod & members of church communities, upcoming circulations, and events planned for Easter events, as well as, information on the financial support for churches & individuals in the community who've been impacted by the loss of jobs and decreased income. Two of the biggest "aha" moments for me from this meeting were 1) remembering to express my thanks to Pastors, worship teams and all those who are sharing their knowledge and skills. Often this work is being done "behind the scenes" to extend to everyone the message of hope and Grace in knowing that the "peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" Philippians 4:7. The final words of Rev. Kathy keep coming back to me daily, "Faith in action is messy and that is OK!"

Whether I am having a conversation with God, bowing my head in prayer, or figuring out new technology needed to assess virtual services, each day leaves me feeling inspired by the sharing of skills and knowledge all around me. With fewer distractions, I am more focused and reflective as I journey through my present-day life. However, because of faith, I am doing more than OK. I am feeling blessed and hopeful. While I am forever changed, I know that faith became an important focus in my life decades ago because someone(s) prayer for me to find and become part of a faith community. As I finish this reflection, I've had two days to experience the physical-distancing that is the new normal beyond the safety of my home. I've seen a kinder, more caring city that I pray will continue to demonstrate forward momentum, and continue taking the steps needed to grow into a more equitable, progressive community, as a model for the larger global community. This pandemic has reaffirmed for me that -
"Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to take them." by Elizabeth Elliot

Respectfully submitted,
Susanne Standeven

Sooke children serenade their music teacher in isolation
CBC News · Posted: Apr 05, 2020 7:55 PM PT

Every day for the past two weeks, four of Lorna Bjorklund's students have come to her house, rain or shine, to drop off homemade food and occasionally serenade her with a string piece they have been rehearsing.
Social Sharing
Lorna Bjorklund says the daily visits are a bright spot in her day and give her optimism.

A music teacher who is self-isolating at home in Sooke, B.C. — just outside Victoria — is getting help from some of her students.
Lorna Bjorklund, who lives on her own in a secluded area five kilometres from a main road, says she has had to stay home because she is a senior, "even though I don't want to admit it."
But every day for the past two weeks, four of her students have come to her house, rain or shine, to drop off homemade food and occasionally serenade her with a string piece they have been rehearsing.
"I'm overwhelmed, I just think it's an amazing thing," Bjorklund said. "I feel quite spoiled."
The homemade goods include soups, breads and cookies. They also dropped off daffodils. And although the children are mostly practising music at home, the other day they dropped by to perform for her.

Nightly performances
The children, two boys and two sisters in middle school, also perform from their front porch every night at 7 p.m. to recognize health workers, she says.
Bjorklund says she thinks the daily routine of dropping off food for her and performing in the evening has helped provide some structure to the children's days.
As for herself, Bjorklund is still employed by the school district to work from home — something she admits is a learning process for her. She's also learning to "enjoy things at home," like cleaning and practising piano.
So far, she has been encouraging all her students to practise a piece of music they're excited to learn, and to send her a video of them performing it.
Bjorklund says the daily visits from her students are a "bright spot" in her day that help her feel "optimistic and positive about life."
She took a video of them performing, and shared it with her friends and family in hopes it may inspire other children to fill up their time by doing good deeds.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/sooke-b-c-children-serenade-their-music-teacher-in-isolation-1.5522922

Covid-19 Pandemic update

A few updates

Worship online continues – see top of this issue of Crossroad for Holy Week and Easter worship details
Follow-up Phone calls have been made or attempted to everyone connected to the congregation. Emails have been sent in instances where we don’t have phone numbers.
Assistance is available – for groceries, medications, conversation, and other help as needed; a group of people are ready to assist. Please contact the Church office if we can be of help in any way.
Zoom is available – This application for online meetings is available through the Church office for any Boards, Committees or groups in the congregation to meet during this time. It is simple to use, and Nicky in the office is able to set-up the meetings for those who wish to use it and assist with any questions.
Thank you! – to everyone who has assisted with follow-up phone calls, emails, groceries, medications and other needs; with live-streaming worship and Sunday School, and in the office, with messages of support and feedback, dropping off offerings, and in many other ways. Thank you to everyone for your ongoing support of the congregation and our communities.
Please pray – for the everyone in the congregation during this time, for our elders particularly and others who are vulnerable, for those working in health care on the front lines of support, for many who are much more affected by this pandemic in our neighbourhoods and around the world, and for leaders in our nation and world for wisdom and compassion in their words and actions.

2020 Easter Message
Earlier last month, ELCIC National Bishop Susan Johnson and Anglican Church of Canada Archbishop Linda Nicholls recorded a message looking towards the future as we journey with one another towards Easter.
View the video here: https://youtu.be/mzuIGfodf30

Tolmie Regional Youth (TRY) Youth Group
Grades 9-12 Friday April 3rd: Netflix Party @7pm Sunday April 5th: Board Game Night @7pm Saturday April 11th: Bake-Off @7pm
E-mail try@bc.anglican.ca for details.

Middle School youth group has begun gathering via Zoom. They joined together via Zoom, this past Wednesday, 6:30-7:30 PM.
Contact the office if you would like to receive log in info for the middle school youth group. This is a joint youth group with Anglicans and Lutherans.
All middle school kids are welcome.

Seniors 211
A program that matches seniors who need support with non-medical essentials, to volunteers in their community who are willing to help.
To register for services, or to offer help, register by dialing 211 or visit the government web-site below for more info:
http://www.bc211.ca/

Updates on Luther Court and the Shelbourne Community Kitchen

Luther Court – is closed to all visitors except to immediate family of residents who are under palliative care. The staff are working very hard to protect and care for residents during this pandemic. Please pray for the people of Luther Court and all residents and staff of care facilities, for their safety and health.

Shelbourne Community Kitchen – is closed for all programs and activities but remains open for access to groceries for members of the Kitchen and community. They cannot accept food donations at this time, but cash donations are needed and appreciated. See their current newsletter below for the latest information and ways to support the Kitchen.

Our Place continues to provide much needed support to some of the most vulnerable people in greater Victoria. 1400 take-out meals are prepared each day. For information about how you can support this important work, visit their website at www.ourplacesociety.com or call 250-940-5060.

Blood Donors Urgently Needed

Canadian Blood Services is in urgent need of blood donors to ensure the supply of blood to serve the needs of cancer patients, accident victims and heart surgeries. It is safe to donate blood! The clinics are extremely sanitary and appropriate precautions are taken to protect blood donors. If you are in good health, contact Canadian Blood Services at 1-888-236-6283 or visit the website at www.blood.ca to book an appointment. The Victoria blood donor clinic is located at 3449 Saanich Rd. Across from Uptown Mall.

Canadian Blood Services is Canada’s Lifeline!
Help save a life today!
Call 1-888-236-6283 to book a donation time!

Read ahead:
- Thursday, April 9, 2020 Exodus 12:1-14 / Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19a
John 13:1-17, 31b-35 / 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
- Friday, April 10, 2020 Isaiah 52:13-53:12 / John 18:1-19:42
- Sunday, April 12, 2020 Acts 10:34-43/ Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
Colossians 3:1-4 / Matthew 28:1-10

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3787 Cedar Hill Road, Victoria, BC V8P 3Z4
www.lutheranvictoria.ca

Rev. Lyle McKenzie, Co-Pastor (O) 250-477-6222; pastorlyle@shaw.ca
Rev. Lyndon Sayers, Co-Pastor (O) 250-477-6222; pastorlyndon@shaw.ca
Church Office (O) 250-477-6222; lutheranchurchofthecross@shaw.ca

Our emailing address is:
lutheranchurchofthecross@shaw.ca