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At the crossroads... At the Baptism of Jesus, the heavens are opened, and God’s voice is heard proclaiming Jesus as beloved and so pleasing to God. As we baptize and remember baptism, are these same words of God something we understand to be true and proclaim to one another and all others – “You are God’s beloved in whom God is so pleased.” Let it be so, in all our relations.
Sunday Worship with Holy Communion at 10:00 am
Everyone is welcome here!
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Luther Court Assistants
One of the long-time ministries of the congregation is sharing Sunday morning worship with those who live at Luther Court. Worship books are assembled by office staff each week and taken to the Luther Court Library so that they are there Sunday morning. Then through the audio/video feed, residents are able to share in Sunday morning worship assisted by the caring ministry of people of the congregation that serve as Luther Court Assistants with them in the Library.
Although those that have served at Luther Court as Assistants have been a very faithful group, circumstances mean that, occasionally, we have had openings in the roster. Beginning in February, we are in need of 4 persons (or 2 teams) to be a part of this ministry. This would mean that you would be part of a 2 month rotation that requires being at Luther Court once every 2 months. Dates will be sent out ahead of time and orientation is available.
Please consider this opportunity for ministry and speak to Jeanie Stann, any member of the Worship Board, or contact the church office if you are interested -250-477-6222.
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 Queer Boardgames Night!
Thursday, January 16th at 7:00 pm
This monthly gathering is for LGBTQ folks and allies.
Bring your favourite board game. Everyone is invited! |
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Weekly Bible Discussion – Mondays, 7:00 – 8:30 PM
The discussion focuses on the upcoming Sunday’s Bible readings and the connections and meaning for our time. No prior knowledge of the Bible is necessary. All voices and perspectives are welcome. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Lyle or the Church office. The studies will resume on January 20, 2020.
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 The Women in Faith Book Group will meet on
Wed. January 29th at 1 pm to discuss
Becoming by Michelle Obama
For more information please contact Janice Nelson at jbnel13@gmail.com or the church office. |
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 Wine Before Supper at UVic,
an ecumenical Holy Communion for students –
We will be hosting the meal in the new year and will need 2 crock pots of vegetarian soup and some vegetables for the student meals. If you are able to help with the meal, January 15, February 12, or March 11 - please sign up on the bulletin board or contact
Pastor Lyndon, Pastor Lyle or the church office. Thank you from the students! |
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 Music and Prayer in the Style of Taizé at 6:00 pm at
Lutheran Church of the Cross
Fridays - January 17th, February 21st, & March 20th, 2020
Let us together enter into the mystery of God’s presence.
Doors open at 5:30pm. Worship at 6:00pm. Everyone Welcome. |
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 Sunday, January 26, 10 AM Reconciling in Christ Sunday
We will once again celebrate this annual Sunday to affirm the gift of LGBTQ2SIA+ diversity and inclusion in our congregation and the world. Invite friends and neighbours to join in this important day of affirmation together. |
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 CLAY 2020 Registration
Join us to register or learn more about CLAY 2020, taking place August 20-23 in Calgary. Includes trip to Banff and outings around Calgary.
Registration Event & Dinner: Sunday, January 26, 4:30 PM, St. George Cadboro Bay, 3909 St. George’s Lane, Victoria. For Youth & Parents interested in registering or learning more about CLAY.
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 Youth Group Meetings are held at St. George’s Cadboro Bay.
Middle School Youth Group: meets every Wednesday, 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Church of the Cross Leader: Chris McDonald
High School Youth Group: meets every other Sunday, 7-9:00 pm
Church of the Cross Leaders: Amanda Buston and Maya Bridger
Youth Group resumes in January 8th 2020. |
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Crossing the Red Lines: What Sex says about a changing Arab World
Thursday, Jan. 30, 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Harry Hickman Building , Room 105
Shereen El Feki is the author of Sex and the Citadel: Intimate Life in a Changing Arab World, an award- winning look at the intersection of gender, sexuality, politics, economics and religion across the Arab region, now a series of short films on BBC Arabic/BBC World. As Regional Director of Promundo, Shereen is currently leading the largest ever survey on men, masculinities and gender roles in the Middle East and North Africa.
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Week of Prayer for Christian Unity – Sunday January 26, 2 PM at Holy Cross Catholic Parish
The congregations of St. Luke Anglican, Knox Presbyterian, St. Aidan’s United, Holy Cross Roman Catholic and Church of the Cross will join in Prayer and Song for Unity on Sunday, January 26 at 2PM at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 4049 Gordon Head Road (Please note this is a correction to the monthly calendar that publicized January 19 at Grace). Everyone is encouraged to join in this expression of Christian unity together.
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ELCIC National Convention
Participation Report
I was very pleased and honoured to have had my name put forward to represent our congregation and the BC Synod in the ELCIC National Convention in Regina, SK last summer. Even though I have been involved with the Lutheran church in Brazil since birth, in the US for a brief period, and now more recently in Canada, it was the first time I was ever part of an event such as this. My overall impression was that the ELCIC as a nationwide body is willing to keep pace with current issues, responding to the Gospel by working towards reconciliation with God’s creation and inclusion of all. As the event itself goes, highlights include the rite for electing the national bishop and the distribution of delegates in round tables.
After four distinct rounds of voting distributed throughout the convention, Rev. Susan Johnson was re-elected as National Bishop. The first round was a yes or no vote, in which Johnson needed two-thirds for re-election. Coming short of only 4 votes for a resolution, the election moved on to the next round – the ecclesiastical vote. This time delegates wrote down the name of a rostered minister they understood should be the next Bishop. Johnson came first with 88 votes but did not achieve the necessary two-thirds. In next ballot, delegates could only include names that made up the ecclesiastical vote list from the previous round. Rev. Susan came first once more with 86 votes but still didn’t reach the minimum required. We then moved to the last round, in which delegates could only vote for the names on the top of the list from the previous ballot. Requiring only simple majority, Johnson was re-elected with 80 votes. This complex voting system demonstrates to me the church wants to make sure it is making an informed decision regarding such an important matter. Likewise, the fact Rev. Susan came first in every vote shows her previous mandate fulfilled expectations and that the church wishes to keep moving the same direction. It is worth noting that this same level of unity was felt during the discussion and approval of most motions: although a few of them were passed with tighter margins, most of them were approved by great majority.
I was curious at first to learn that each of the delegates had been assigned to a specific table and that we were to stay at our spots for the whole event. It soon turned to be a positive surprise as I had the chance to meet people from all over the country and under different capacities, lay and clergy. Such arrangement not only allowed me to get acquainted to people, but it also gave me different perspectives on the church and how it operates in different contexts – from populated metropolitan areas to smaller rural communities. In addition to that, it allowed us to discuss the matters being voted into greater depth, especially issues regarding the environment and the report of the task force on “The Call to Faithfully Journey with those who are Dying”. It was also an opportunity for me to learn about the organization of the church and how each of the proceedings at a national convention work.
Ultimately, I returned to Victoria even more glad to be part of a congregation and of a national church so concerned about including and reconciling. I am similarly glad to share a few highlights of my experience there by means of this report and am most willing to have a conversation with those willing to learn more.
Thiago Hinkel, PhD Student
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Faculty of Education
University of Victoria
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Walk with us February 22, 2020! For the third straight year, we are participating in Canada's National Walk for Homelessness. Coldest Night of the Year is a family-friendly walk that raises awareness and raises money for charities serving hungry, homeless, and hurting people in our community. Circle the date - The website to register is https://cnoy.org/location/victoriapandora .There will be an information session on Friday, December 6th at 4:00pm at 919 Pandora Ave, Victoria in our second floor chapel for more ideas about how to create your team and invite your friends to participate. |
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Flower Chart for 2020
If you would like to bring flowers for worship for a special occasion or remembrance,
please sign up on the Flower Chart, posted on the bulletin board.
A reminder will be emailed to you as your date approaches.
If you have any questions, please call the church office.
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 The Shelbourne Community Kitchen
As we go about our weekly shopping, let us consider our blessings. Add an extra item or two to our shopping carts, and donate them to the Shelbourne Community Kitchen.
Items will be picked up from the Church of the Cross regularly.
Thank you for your generousity but please know that we cannot accept items passed the date of expiration.
Thank you for helping our neighbours as you are able.
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