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In this week's Crossroads, you will find information on:
Andrea Fulton
Indigenous History Month Wrap-up
Refugee Sponsorship Update
Recording of Adam Olsen talk
216th km March + Memorial for the Children
A Letter to the Church in Advance of Canada Day 2021 Encouraging Reflection
A Prayer for those Impacted by the Record-breaking Heat Wave in the West
Pride Month Wrap-up with Rebekah Bruesehoff
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For Brian
Covid-19 Update
Register Now for the 2021 National Worship Conference
CLAY 2021 Registration is Now Open
Vacation
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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With Sadness
We are sad to share the news that Andrea Fulton died the morning of Saturday, June 26, at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria. We were able to say prayers in her room after she died. Rest eternal grant her O God and let light perpetual shine upon her. We will share details of a memorial service if they become available.
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Remembering and Honouring
 As Indigenous History month concludes, we are only beginning to explore the richness of First Nations history and Indigenous suffering. To keep on listening with compassionate hearts here are two resources to consider.
The discovery of the graves of Indigenous children at former residential schools is a previous chapter in Canadian history. Here is a wise meditation on the sad chapter by Lutherans Connect:
Good morning,
Today's devotion reflects on the discoveries of more unmarked graves of Indigenous children. Why do we accept and believe the sacred stories of Scripture, but resist believing stories told to us by Indigenous Knowledge Keepers?
Click here for the devotion.
As we prepare for Canada Day and remembering the history of how Canada came to be, here is a free and challenging e-book to add to your summer reading list as told by Indigenous contributors:
Challenging Racist British Columbia
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Asking for your help!
Dear friends: The Social Justice Committee can’t stop thanking you for your very generous giving for the important work of sponsoring refugees and newcomers to Canada! Thank you not only for your financial help, but for helping to fill welcoming baskets brimming with good things for each arrival, and most especially, thank you for your prayers.
We have been in regular contact with Gift. She reports that her baby is growing, teething, and now sitting up! She is coping with the challenges of being a single mom and a refugee in the time of COVID, and sends thanks to those sponsoring her, who help by sending a small amount of cash each month. However, she has had some significant medical and dental expenses for herself and her baby, and the balance collected in the Go Fund Me page has dwindled significantly.
While the Social Justice refugee fund has a healthy balance (thank you!), according to LCC’s charity status, we are not allowed to forward funds overseas to help her out. We are asking you to please share this Go Fund Me link on your social media, in hopes of reaching as many people as possible. Once again (and again!) we thank you for helping us tell of this need. It makes an enormous difference in Gift’s, and her child’s life.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-a-refugee-mom-and-baby
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Recording of Adam Olsen talk
 The Hon. Adam Olsen, MLA of North Saanich and the Islands joined us in conversation on June 29 via Zoom. He offered a brief history of treaties and lack of treaties in BC, his role as an Indigenous leader advocating for Indigenous stewardship of lands and water, caring for Indigenous people, including what asking for land back means to him, among other issues.
A recording will be available for one month. Click here to view.
Thanks to Truth and Reconciliation for hosting this conversation and to Adam Olsen for taking time out of his busy schedule to join us in conversation.
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216th km March + Memorial for the Children
July 1, gather at 10 AM, Fisherman’s Wharf, Victoria
10:30 AM, march from Fisherman’s Wharf to the Legislature
11:00 AM Gathering at Legislature begins
Facebook event link.
Hosts: Sasha Perron & Lou-Ann Neel
Gilakasdax̱w'la, I have met with Songhees Nation and Chief Ron Sam to ask for permission to gather in their territories. With his blessing I invite you to come and gather and witness what is surely to be a beautiful event.
This gathering is to remember but also honour our children, the leaders of tomorrow. For those who wish to join the march, we will gather at Fisherman's Wharf at 10AM. We will arrive and coordinate, then start our walk to the legislature at 10:30AM to arrive at the legislature at 11AM. If you do not wish to take part in the march, feel free to head straight to the Legislature, set up and meet us there!
Our Youth and Children will be at the front of the march behind the protection of our drummers. Followed by the Lekwungen, Nuu-Chah-Nulth and Kwakwaka'wakw - we also understand there will be other nations present and you are invited to fill in behind the Kwakwaka'wakw. I invite you to wear your regalia.
Non-Indigenous and Allies can also join in the march - we welcome your support.
This is a day to remember. This is not a protest. Come with your best intentions to listen and to learn. Keep us safe.
We will arrive at the legislature and begin our memorial. Every nation will be able to share songs and dances.
We wish to bring our nations together in solidarity with the many First Nations that have recently uncovered unmarked graves and the children all over that are missing or still waiting to be found.
This gathering is to bring us together to collectively heal, help lift our grief and be there to support and uplift each other. It is also to raise awareness and raise money for the Indian Residential School Survivor Society.
I hope to see you there!
PS: We will continue to practice COVID safety - ensuring we are safely spaced apart, so please wear your face-masks when you are near others.
And remember to stay hydrated - bring water, a hat, a blanket or chair to sit on, and a snack.
This gathering will rely on many volunteers, so we offer thanks to those who have offered to help throughout the day.
Gilakasdax̱w'la,
Kasalas
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A Letter to the Church in Advance of Canada Day 2021 Encouraging Reflection
 In a letter to the church in advance of Canada Day 2021,Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada National Bishop Susan C. Johnson invites ELCIC members to join her in reflection, "on how we got here as a country and what we need to do to move towards reconciliation."
The letter includes suggestions for marking the day in a different way, including "devoting time to land/water-based learning about where you live" in relation to the Indigenous people who lived here before us and live here now, and also spending time, "in prayer for healing and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada."
To read the full letter and download a copy, please click here.
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A Prayer for those Impacted by the Record-breaking Heat Wave in the West
Canada is currently experiencing an unprecedented heat wave throughout its westernmost provinces. For three-straight days, the all-time Canadian temperature record has been broken (currently set at 49.6 degrees Celsius on Tuesday in Lytton, British Columbia). The historic heat wave has also tragically resulted in many heat-related deaths. Our National Bishop shares the following prayer for all who are impacted by the extreme temperatures:
Creating God, the earth groans in the current heat wave. We pray for those who have lost their lives, for those who mourn. We thank you for our neighbors who are stepping forward offering shelter, coolness, and water - the gift of life. In your life giving name we pray. Amen.
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Pride Month Wrap-up with Rebekah Bruesehoff
Check out the story of Rebekah Bruesehoff, Lutheran trans teen who was 11 when the video below was made.
“Three years ago. Wow.
I will be forever grateful to the ELCA Youth Gathering and everyone involved for lifting up our story, Rebekah’s story... and for doing it with such intention, care and grace that I felt safe putting my 11 year old transgender daughter on that stage. That is no small feat. Happy last day of Pride!“ - Jamie Brusehoff (mother of Rebekah Bruesehoff)
Check out the 10 min. Video of mother and daughter sharing their story at a Lutheran youth gathering:
Recently Rebekah, now 13, was featured on the Marvel Hero’s Project streaming on Disney+
Love and grace to all LGBTQIA2S+ cousins in Christ as we wrap up Pride Month.
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For Brian
 As many will know, our congregation’s Cantor, Brian Wismath and partner Emily, will be moving to Ontario later in the summer. We are making plans to say farewell. Part of a gift to Brian is gathering cards and messages for a scrapbook that Lennor Stieda is putting together with others. Please email your card or message to lennorstieda@gmail.com or drop them off at the church office. Receiving them in early July would be appreciated. We are also gathering funds for a gift for Brian which can also be dropped off or mailed to the church office. Brian’s last Sunday with us is August 22. More information about a planned farewell will be shared soon.
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Covid-19 Update
On June 6, 2021, the Provincial Health Officer (PHO) issued updated guidelines for gatherings and events including worship and other gatherings for religious communities. The update may be found here. The Covid-19 Leadership Team of our congregation has reviewed these guidelines and the further guidelines provided by the BC Synod that may be found here. It is the conclusion of the Leadership Team that the congregation not re-open for worship at this time. The restrictions are similar, with some additions, compared to last summer/fall. The requirements for pre-registering, distancing, and masks, including for worship leaders have increased. As well, we are entering the summer when both our pastors and others will have vacation times, increasing the demands on a smaller number of people to prepare and lead worship. Re-starting in-person worship, along with continuing livestreaming, adds considerably to the work involved for everyone. The Leadership Team and Council will continue to follow the announcements and guidelines from the PHO and the BC Centre for Disease Control and are looking toward and hopeful for the late summer early fall to reopen in-person worship and other programs, including Sunday School, as restrictions permit. As stated before, we will continue to livestream worship even when we re-open for in-person worship, providing people the option of worshipping online, especially those who find online worship more accessible or who are joining online worship from greater distances. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please speak with a member of the Covid-19 Leadership Team - Laura Cochrane, Craig Knight, Janet Molnar, Rory Molnar, members of Council or our pastors.
Blessings and peace,
The Covid-19 Leadership Team
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Register Now for the 2021 National Worship Conference
 Registration is now open for the 2021 National Worship Conference (NWC). Disruption and Grace: Learning Edges in Liminal Times - the 2021 NWC is all about exploring the disruptions and the graces we have experienced in the current pandemic and other unsettling circumstances. What have we learned from these experiences? This conference will take place on July 6-7, 2021. To see the full schedule, keynote speakers, and other information, please visit nationalworshipconference.org.
The Board of Worship has budgeted some funds for registration costs for the NWC. If you are interested in participating, please contact Laura from the Board of Worship or the Church office for more information.
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CLAY 2021 Registration is Now Open
August 20-22, 2021
New this year, get early-bird access to the CLAY 2021 theme song with your completed registration.
Registered Home Team Leaders will receive details about the HTL Orientation Event taking place on June 23rd from 4 to 6 pm MDT.
Before submitting your registration, please check out the Registration Booklet which will likely answer all of your questions in advance. In an effort to make CLAY 2021 as accessible as possible, the cost of participating will be pay-what-you-can. The suggested amount for every participant is $45. Home teams that can pay beyond the suggested amount are encouraged to helping those who may not be able to afford the registration fee.
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Vacation
Pastor Lyle will be on vacation from June 27 until July 16 and again from August 1 – 13.
Pastor Lyndon will be on vacation July 12-26 and another week in late August (either third or fourth week).
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Read ahead: Sixth Sunday after Pentecost/
Pride Month Worship 
- July 4, 2021 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10
Psalm 48
2 Corinthians 12:2-10
Mark 6:1-13
Worship Bulletin: CLICK HERE for Worship Bulletin
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This Week at Church of the Cross
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