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In this week's Crossroads, you will find information on:
Christmas Day and Christmas Eve Worship
Covid-19 Update
Shelbourne Community Kitchen Christmas Update
Angel Gifts-Thank you!
Greening Committee
Troubadors to your door
Greetings
Messiah, Against the Grain Theatre
Calling and Caring
FaceTime Invitation
Christmas Baking for those who are more isolated
The Cozy Collection
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Young Adults in Global Mission
CLWR: Give the gift of hope this Christmas
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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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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Covid-19 Update
The current orders of our Public Health Officer are in place 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. 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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Shelbourne Community Kitchen Christmas Update
 The Shelbourne Community Kitchen is bustling with Covid–Style holiday programs this month. Last week 25 gorgeous wreath-making kits were packed up and delivered to members all across the city who tuned into Zoom for a DIY wreath-making workshop and a Christmas visit. Virtual coffee and tea get-togethers, holiday cookie baking programs and a holiday protein-draw are on the books.
With more than 400 families and individuals accessing our Pantry each month, we are busy preparing orders for curbside pickup and making deliveries of Pantry supplies. Hot chocolate and homemade cookies are offered to people who drop by for curb-side pickup. Check the website and Facebook page for information on how to contribute to all this wonderful activity.
Keep dropping your Thrifty’s stamps in the mailbox at the church  office so we can earn more good quality knives to donate to the Kitchen. This is a collaborative effort between Broad View United, St. Luke’s and the Lutheran Church of Christ and so far, we have collected 18 Chef’s knives for the Kitchen. The program runs until mid-February so keep collecting those stamps!
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Angel Gifts-Thank you!
 A BIG thank-you to all of the churches and other organizations who helped to make the Our Place Angel Gifts program a success beyond ou r expectations in this year that has proved so difficult for so many. One group of people who have many challenges at the best of times is the Our Place Family. If ever they needed some seasonal good wishes it has been this year. Thanks to you, over 500 members of the Our Place Family have been reminded that they are not forgotten. We are so grateful to all of you!
All the best to everyone for a safe and peaceful holiday season, and a Happy and Healthy New Year.
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Greening Committee
This has truly been a year like no other. And this holiday season is no less challenging.
While gathering in-person with friends or family is difficult this year, maintaining traditions can bring us closer together. Incorporating environmental practices into your holidays can be a unique, fun way to celebrate.
Here are eight tips to enjoy these holiday traditions — with an environmentally-friendly twist.
Put less packaging on your gifts. Reuse wrapping paper; use old newspaper, magazines or whatever you have lying around. Reuse cardboard boxes and packing peanuts. Buy recycled or tree-free cards made from materials like hemp or send e-cards! Don’t forget to shop at green companies.
“Regifting” is not a crime! Pass along hand-me-downs and heirlooms. These are also called “story gifts” because they have a story behind them.
Recycle your Christmas tree when you can no longer use it. Put it  outside to provide shelter for local wildlife or compost it!
- Use reusable utensils, plates, napkins and table cloths for your meals. Compost leftover food.
- Volunteer your time to communities and organizations that are most in need. Donate unwanted gifts.
- Give gifts from the heart instead of the store! Offer to help with chores or other tasks. These can be more valuable than consumer products.
- Use plant-based ingredients for your holiday meals. Not only are they better for the environment, but they also taste good too! Check out some recipes for inspiration.
- Create DIY décor — make the room festive with berries, popcorn and outdoor greens.
Let’s be mindful of our environmental impact while making the most of the season. (from EarthDay.org)
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Troubadors to your door
Denoy and Aron Johnson are preparing 3 rousing Christmas son gs that we would be happy to bring to your doorstep window or yard this Christmas season. No, we won’t come in or stay long. But weather permitting, we will be happy to come to your home and play and sing for anyone who would like us to. We will be ready to go from December 20 through to January 2. You may invite us by email aronwjohnson@gmail.com or by text or phone 250 889 2375. Merry Christmas!
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Greetings
 The Lutheran World Federation sends their greetings of hope to all their member churches across the global communion in this particularly demanding and exceptional year. Please read the letter from the LWF General Secretary Rev. Martin Junge together with the LWF Christmas message from Archbishop Dr. Panti Filibus Musa, and the New Year's message for 2021. For more information on the LWF, please visit lutheranworld.org .
Letter of the LWF General Secretary on the Christmas and New Year's messages
Christmas message from the LWF President
New Year's message from the LWF General Secretary.
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Messiah, Against the Grain Theatre
Against the Grain Theatre’s daring new interpretation of Handel’s Messiah is a truly cross-Canada performance — in Arabic, Dene, English, French, Inuktitut, and Southern Tutchone, and accompanied by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Streaming free of charge.
For more details please click https://atgtheatre.com/upcoming/messiah-complex/
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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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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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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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Queer Eye Watch Party
 Sunday, January 17, 2021, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM PST Board of Care of Communities invites you to join a Watch Party followed by a discussion of “Preaching Out” (Season 5, Episode 1, 50 min.). An opportunity to explore one openly queer pastor’s journey to acceptance both within the church and accepting himself after decades of destructive theology telling he is lesser than. An opportunity to reflect upon ways in which we continue growing as a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation that is queer affirming, exploring barriers that remain.
We will begin watching the episode at 7 PM, followed by discussion over Zoom starting at 7:50 PM.
Ways to watch: 1) Simplest option: Watch the episode on your own using a Netflix account. 2) Watch party option: both a Netflix account and a Google Chrome extension are needed to join the watch party. The watch party allows viewers to see the episode at the same time, while messaging the group, sharing reactions and reflections while watching similar to Zoom chat. We will include more instructions with links for the watch party and Zoom discussion closer to the event.
https://www.lutheranvictoria.ca/events/queer-eye-watch-party-discussion/2021-01-17
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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 PST:
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 PST
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: Fourth Sunday of Advent
- Sunday, December 20, 2020 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
Luke 1:46b-55
Romans 16:25-27
Luke 1:26-38
Worship Bulletin: CLICK HERE for Worship Bulletin
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This Week at Church of the Cross
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Dessert & Dialogue hosted by Truth & Reconciliation Committee For more info visit the event page. Zoom link will be sent out via e-mail prior to event: