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In this week's Crossroads, you will find information on:
Covid-19 Update
This church is waiting for end of pandemic
Midweek Advent Worship On-line
Christmas Day and Christmas Eve Worship
Calling and Caring
FaceTime Invitation
Christmas Baking for those who are more isolated
The Cozy Collection
2021 Pledge Drive and Giving Envelopes
Young Adults in Global Mission
Epiphany Year B Resource for Justice Seekers
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Donate VIVO Kitchen Knives
CLWR: Give the gift of hope this Christmas
New Website
Holy Communion continues every Sunday
Continuing Ways to join worship on-line
Read ahead
This Week at Church of the Cross
The deadline for all Crossroads submissions is Wednesday at noon. Thank you.
Please visit our website for more information about us and our events.
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Covid-19 Update
As of Monday, December 7, the current orders of our Public Health Officer have been extended until January 8, requiring that the Church remain closed to all in-person worship and public gatherings. We will continue our current practise of livestreaming our worship and meeting remotely until at least January 8. This means that Christmas Eve and Christmas Day worship will be online -only. Thank you for everyone’s patience and understanding. The Covid-19 Leadership Team will continue to provide updates as needed. We give thanks that a vaccine has been approved and administering the vaccine is beginning. We look forward to it being widely available to everyone.
Here is the link to the government of BC information: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/restrictions
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The following Letter to the Editor appeared in the Times Colonist on DECEMBER 8, 2020
This church is waiting for end of pandemic
On behalf of Lutheran Church of the Cross in Victoria, we are thankful for the diligent leadership of Dr. Bonnie Henry, Health Minister Adrian Dix, and their Health Ministry team during the pandemic.
We appreciate how hard it must be to wrestle with public health challenges on a daily basis. Their empathy for the health and well-being of all residents of B.C. is evident in their frequent public briefings.
The province’s clear recommendations to faith communities have helped us implement COVID-19 protocols within the congregation, including the tough decision of cancelling in-person worship.
We stand behind their decision to limit in-person worship based on current research and data, in order to protect the health of members of faith communities and the wider community.
Following COVID-19 protocols, including wearing masks and limiting in-person worship, gives faith communities the freedom to plan for a future when it is safer to invite people into worship spaces.
Working together we can lessen the strain we are placing upon nurses, doctors, and all front-line workers and their families.
We give thanks for the work of scientists and researchers developing vaccines for wide distribution, longing for the day when this time of waiting is over, and we can gather together more fully once again.
Until then, we are faithfully waiting, not gathering for worship, committing to acts of love, observing COVID-19 protocols.
Joanne Solomonson, chair
Rev. Lyle McKenzie, co-pastor
Rev. Lyndon Sayers, co-pastor
Lutheran Church of the Cross
Victoria
https://www.timescolonist.com/opinion/letters/letters-dec-8-growler-grumbling-residential-schools-covid-awareness-1.24251809
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Midweek Advent Worship On-line: Holden Evening Prayer
 Thursdays in Advent: December 10, 17, 7:30 PM PST.
Join in this time of quiet evening prayers by candlelight either on Zoom (a Zoom invitation was sent in a separate email) or livestream from the website. Readers will join in from their homes, and music will be led by our Choral Scholars and a pianist. And Thank you to Brian for facilitating the Livestream and Zoom call. If you have any difficulty connecting please email Pastor Lyndon or Pastor Lyle.
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Christmas Day and Christmas Eve Worship
Thursday, December 24, 5 PM PST Livestream worship with Carols, putting together the manger scene for the children, and candlelight, and with special guests, Nancy Argenta and Ingrid Attrot. The worship will also be viewable anytime after 5 PM.
Friday, December 25. 11 AM PST Livestream Holy Communion worship with Carols.
All worship is viewable through our website www.lutheranvictoria.ca, through the “livestream” link or on the about/videos page.
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Calling and Caring
 During COVID-19, we are trying to find ways to connect as a congregation. We have started a group of people dedicated to calling and touching base with others in the community. If you are interested in helping out, please contact Scott Constantine at 222scott@gmail.com or the church office. Scott will fill you in on the details!
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FaceTime Invitation
Congratulations to the iPad Group (that met  regularly at Church of the Cross) for a unique project. Using a grant from the BC Synod Missions Committee, they purchased 4 iPads which group members used to train 4 Luther Court residents to use FaceTime. The iPads will remain at Luther Court. Now, your help is needed. These newly trained residents need someone to FaceTime with. If you are comfortable using FaceTime, have some time to spare and would enjoy engaging with a Luther Court resident, contact Gerry Saleski at gerry.saleski@gmail.com or 250-727-9249 or contact the church office.
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Christmas Baking for those who are more isolated
 The Board of Care for Communities will be providing a poinsettia and some Christmas baking to members of our congregation who are unable to attend church on a regular basis. If you are able to provide some Christmas baking, please bring it to the church by Sunday, December 20th at 12 noon. Please label date items were baked and try to avoid using nuts. If you have any questions, please contact Thiago Hinkel (thiagohinkel@uvic.ca | 778-678-6761) or the church office. Your contribution is much appreciated!
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The Cozy Collection
The Social Justice Committee is offering an opportunity to fill a  box in the entranceway with cozy, warm, gently used or new clothing items for homeless and marginalized folks in our community. It’s that time of year when the wind whips and the rain chills to the bone. Many of our friends that we don’t know, are living in the cold and facing a long winter ahead. In that spirit we are collecting hats, mitts, gloves, scarves, coats, boots, socks, rainwear, sweaters, blankets and sleeping bags. These items will be sent to Our Place in the middle of January.
As we go about our Christmas preparations, let’s remember those struggling among us.
Social Justice Committee
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2021 Pledge Drive and Giving Envelopes
 The distribution of 2021 giving envelopes and pledge cards is complete. Special thanks to Nicholas Walker for doing a lot of the delivering! If you have not received envelops and a pledge card and wish to, please contact Barry Walker or the church office. You should have received a stamp addressed envelope to return your pledge card to the church or simply drop it off at the church if you prefer. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the Financial Secretary Barry Walker at bhwalker@shaw.ca 250-381-1698 or the church office at lutheranchurchofthecross@shaw.ca 250-477-6222.
Your generous support has been unwavering during this difficult year and has allow the church to continue its work during a difficult time for all. Thank you.
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Young Adults in Global Mission 
The invitation process for the ELCA’s Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program is now open. Applications are now being accepted for young adults aged 21 to 29 on this journey abroad for the coming 2021-2022 program year.
Now is the time to reach out and encourage those around you to apply for YAGM by the deadline of January 15, 2021. This will be an opportunity to deepen and expand the faith, identity and careers of those in attendance, while broadening the shared understanding of God’s work in the world.
YAGM volunteers will begin in August 2021 and will be placed in one of the country programs. As YAGM continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation, be advised that the list of country programs for the 2021-2022 program year may change. More information about the program can be found here: Learn more at https://elca.org/YAGM
Don’t wait - spread the word and forward this exciting opportunity now! The deadline to apply is January 15, 2021.
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Good News: Epiphany Year B Resource for Justice Seekers
Cou ldn't we all use a little Good News? KAIROS' Good News Epiphany worship resource brings together the creation narrative and stories of Jesus to help us seek out the goodness and good news in our world today. Use the resource for worship in-person (when safe to do so) or online. Or consider how the stories, prayers and reflections might inspire your prayer circle, planning meeting or personal devotions. An accompanying justice focus shares hopeful stories of resilience and change in the face of the climate crisis. For more information and to order this resource, please visit: https://www.kairoscanada.org/what-we-do/prophetic-witness/epiphany .
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Donate VIVO Kitchen Knives to the Shelbourne Community Kitchen
When you shop at Thrifty Foods collect the Vivo Kitchen Knife stamps at the Checkout.
Start collecting your stamps today and drop them off in the Vivo Knife Box at the church, or contact me to arrange for a pick-up. We will process them and redeem the stamps for Vivo Kitchen knives to donate to the Shelbourne Community Kitchen. This promotion will run until mid-Feb. 2021
Susan Beiderwieden, Social Justice Committee
susandb@telus.net or 250 533 9075
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CLWR: Give the gift of hope this Christmas
 Canadian Lutheran World Relief's 2020 Gifts from the Heart catalogue is now available! The new catalogue is full of thoughtful and creative gifts that will fight COVID-19 and make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. Although the holiday season looks a little different this year, you can still bring joy to your loved ones and change the lives of the people around the world this Christmas with a meaningful gift. The new Gifts from the Heart catalogue will be included in the December issue of Canada Lutheran, or you may have already received a copy in the mail. You can also shop online anytime by visiting www.clwr.org/gfth .
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New Website
Canadian churches and faith-based organizations have  now launched their new For the Love of Creation website. This includes information on hosting local climate conversations. The ELCIC participates in For the Love of Creation. Read the press release For the Love of Creation in English or French.
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Holy Communion continues every Sunday
As worship includes Holy Communion every Sunday,  those who wish to join in celebrating Holy Communion at home are invited to prepare a small amount of bread and wine (or grape juice if required) on a plate and in a cup, prior to worship. You may also wish to light a candle(s) as part of worshipping at home. At the time of Holy Communion, you are invited to have the elements in front of you, join in the words of thanksgiving and to lift the bread and wine at the same time as the presiding minister. At the time of Communing, share the bread with yourself or with one another with the words: “The body of Christ given for you.” and “The blood of Christ shed for you.” After Communing, or following worship, please consume the remaining bread and wine. This invitation is for those who wish to and feel comfortable joining in Communion at home during worship. Those who do not feel comfortable are welcome to observe Holy Communion celebrated at the church as we trust in God’s Spirit and gifts of grace offered to all as and where we are. If anyone has any questions or concerns, please contact Pastor Lyndon or Pastor Lyle.
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Continuing Ways to join worship on-line:
Sunday Worship Livestream, 10 AM PDT:
Go to website: www.lutheranvictoria.ca and click on the livestream link.
Copies of the bulletin/worship order for each Sunday are available for download, and printing if you wish, on the website.
View past worship videos by visiting “About/Videos” tab of the website:
https://www.lutheranvictoria.ca/about
View Sunday School videos and activities here:
https://www.lutheranvictoria.ca/kids-youth-students/childrens-ministry-sunday-school
Tuesday Morning Prayer continues each week at 8:30 AM PDT
On Facebook Live and you can view past videos here:
https://www.facebook.com/lutheranvictoria/
You do not need a Facebook account to view the church page.
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Read ahead: Third Sunday of Advent
- Sunday, December 13, 2020 Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
Psalm 126
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
John 1:6-8, 19-28
Worship Bulletin: CLICK HERE for Worship Bulletin
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This Week at Church of the Cross
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