|
|
|
|
|
If you have a Mac or the links are not working,
please try clicking on 'View it in your browser'.
|
|
|
|
|
|
In this week's Crossroads, you will find information on:
Provincial and Regional restrictions
In-Person Worship, Sunday 10 AM
With Sadness
Anti-Racism in Sport Talk
Annual Spring Cleanup
Tuesday Morning Prayer
MAYStruation Days for Girls
Easter eggs hanging
Victoria Pride Parade
|
|
Seminaries and Schools
Honouring our Sisters and LGBTQ2+
Summer Day Camp
Sunday School
Read Ahead
This Week at Church of the Cross
The deadline for all Crossroads submissions is Wednesday at 12 noon.
|
|
|
Provincial and Regional restrictions have been updated as of April 8, 2022.
Here is the public health restrictions page.
At Church of the Cross masks are recommended but not required. Choir members have been asked to wear masks and those singing are encouraged to as well.
In-Person Worship, Sunday, 10 AM PDT
 Church Council continues to work to see that in-person worship is safer for everyone. We will adjust our plans as health orders change.
Being vaccinated against COVID-19 is the best protection for the health of yourself and others. We strongly encourage everyone who is eligible to be fully vaccinated.
We will continue to livestream worship each Sunday.
May 1, Third Sunday of Easter
Everyone planning to come to worship are asked to follow these requirements:
- If you are not feeling well and experiencing any Covid-19 related symptoms or if you are not vaccinated, please stay home and participate in worship online.
- You are encouraged but not required to wear a mask when entering the building and throughout worship.
- Observe social distancing.
- Sanitize or wash hands as needed.
- You are welcome to sing and you are encouraged to wear a mask.
- We will greet one another and share the peace at a distance.
- Holy Communion will be served with bread and individual glasses of wine that are spaced in the trays. You may commune with bread or wine alone if you wish.
- It is not required that people register for worship ahead of time or sign in as you arrive.
We will continue to make adjustments as needed and keep you informed of any changes. Your feedback on your experience with in-person worship is valued. Please let any member of Church Council, Pastors, or the church office know of any questions, concerns or ideas for making in-person worship and Sunday School safer and meaningful for everyone.
|
|
|
With Sadness
It is with Sadness that we announce the death of Erns t (Ernie) Bleiker this past Sunday, May 1 in Victoria, BC. A memorial for Ernie will be held at McCall Gardens on Monday, May 9 at 10 AM. All are welcome to attend. Our prayers are with Verna and family in their grief, praying God’s Spirit of comfort in the risen Christ sustain them.
|
|
|
Anti-racism in University Sport with Braeden McKenzie
Tuesday, MAY 10, 7 PM PDT over Zoom
The Social Justice Committee invites you to a presentation and Q&A over Zoom with Braeden McKenzie, the next speaker in the 2021/22 series on anti-racism.
 A Zoom link will be sent out to the congregation e-mail list ahead of the event.
Braeden is a Senior Research Assistant in the Indigeneity, Diaspora, Equity and Anti-racism in Sport (IDEAS) Research Lab at the University of Toronto. Within his role with the IDEAS lab, Braeden helped lead and co-write the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Anti-Racism Report which sought to highlight experiences of race and racism within the OUA for students, coaches, and administrators in the athletic conference. Currently, Braeden and his family live in Victoria BC. He is a PhD candidate, and Course Instructor working in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education at the University of Toronto. As of January 2022, he also works as the Equity Data and Research Analyst within the Equity and Human Rights Office (EQHR) at the University of Victoria.
Because not everyone understands what racism is, or how white privilege operates, many athletes have had to suffer in silence. The IDEAS project sought to learn more about the experiences of Black, Biracial, and Indigenous student-athletes coaches, and sport administrators.
Some of the focus questions for this research project were:
- How is racism and anti-racism perceived and experienced in the Black, Biracial, and Indigenous sport communities on university campuses?
- What role do post-secondary educational institutions play in racism and anti-racism experiences in sport?
- How can anti-racism be improved in the sport community at the post-secondary educational institutional level?
Listen to a one minute video about this report.
|
|
|
Annual Spring Cleanup - Saturday, May 14 from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM
The Board of Trustees are hosting the annual Spring Clean Up at Lutheran Church of the Cross. A sign up sheet with a list of tasks available here. You can contact Nicky at the Church Office to schedule your favourite task, whether on May 14 or anytime the building is open between May 9 and May 16. The church office is open Monday through Thursday 9 AM to 3 PM or by appointment if you need access outside these hours.
Covid-19 protocols are to be followed. There are a wide range of interior and exterior tasks to suit your ability. Trustees greatly appreciate your participation and hope to be on site encouraging all participate.
|
|
|
|
Tuesday Morning Prayer Has A New Time
 Tuesday Morning Prayer Livestream is starting a half hour earlier now at 8:00 AM PDT. You can watch live or watch the recording later.
Join Pr. Lyndon and others via Facebook or LutheranVictoria.ca and click “Livestream.”
You can send prayer requests via e-mail to pastorlyndon@shaw.ca or share them via Facebook or Instagram.
|
|
|
|
MAYStruation Days for Girls
 
MAYstruation is a month-long event building up to World Menstrual Health Day on May 28th. MAYStruation, the first National Project by Days for Girls Canada is to inspire people everywhere to start the conversation about period poverty, menstrual equity, and menstrual health education. Many cultures treat menstruation as a taboo subject and girls must endure isolation, ostracization and shame during their period, unable to go to school or work when they are menstruating.
During the month of May, please paint your thumbnails red, make your own MYcycle, spread awareness, and donate to the Victoria Team Days for Girls or Days to show your support. Click Here. Select Victoria BC to donate to the local Team who makes kits to send overseas to Refugees around the world.
To help shatter the stigma of menstruation Days for Girls provides a sustainable menstrual hygiene kit to girls and women world-wide who not have access to menstrual supplies either because they cannot afford them or they are not available. The kits are provided at no cost to the recipients. Trained personnel not only ensure the kits go to girls and women needing sup plies but also teach the recipients about their  cycle to instill self-confidence and dignity while also providing health training. Each kit contains washable shields, liners, waterproof pouch, panties, washcloth, and soap all contained in a drawstring backpack.
For more information: Contact Susanne Standeven standeven3525@gmail.com
|
|
|
|
Easter eggs
by Lennor Stieda
|
|
|
|
The Victoria Pride Parade is back in-person
Mark your calendars and Save the Date:
Sunday, June 26, 2022
We are consulting with queer folks and allies at Church of the Cross about marching in the parade this year as we have done in previous years. The parade begins at 11 AM at Johnson Street Bridge (new route) and those marching would gather earlier. Some folks may choose to join the parade celebration after 10 AM worship. We’ll share more details when available.
|
|
|
|
Amazing Journey Day Camp
Registration for this year’s camp is now open. This year’s camp will be held from July 4th to 8th at St. George’s Anglican Church.
Register before May 15th and you will save $10.00.
Click here for more registration information.
|
|
|
|
Sunday S chool Dates in May: May 1 & 14
Thank you for joining in creating the special Lenten/Easter art project on display in the narthex. Upcoming dates for Sunday School in May include May 1 & 14. Please let families with young children know about these opportunities. We communicate directly with parents with young children who attend Sunday School but it is good to know when inviting families to church on a Sunday when Sunday School is offered.
|
|
|
|
Seminaries and Schools
Register Now for a Free Learning Event - Religious Community in a Digital World
The Saskatoon Theological Union comprised of Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon; College of Emmanuel and St. Chad; and St. Andrew's College along with St. Thomas More College is holding an online event - Religious Community in a Digital World on Monday, June 13 through Thursday June 16. This virtual event will explore our new digital church landscape through historical, theological, and pastoral lenses. Attendees can expect to learn and gather new insights from conversations that will arise from the keynote presentations, workshops, and digital spaces, that will altogether be missional and life-giving, practical and prophetic. For more information and to register for this free event, please click here.
Upgrade Your Skills with Luther's New Course - Theology and Mental Health
Pastors, lay leaders and volunteers who support people with disabilities in congregations and other faith settings are invited to upgrade their skills through a new Certificate in Disability, Inclusive Ministry and Christian Faith. No degree, diploma or other prerequisites required. A new course Theology and Mental Health with instructor Amy Panton, co-editor of the Canadian Journal of Theology, Mental Health and Disability runs Thursdays, May 5-June 23. For details and to register, please click here.
Join Faithful Election Conversations, Waterloo Region on May 12
Luther invites everyone to join them for a virtual panel discussion with provincial election candidates from various political parties answering concerns of faith communities including: poverty, inequality, and affordable housing; the climate crisis; healthcare - including long-term care; and advancing racial equality for Indigenous, Black, and other racialized communities in Ontario, This event takes place on Thursday, May 12 at 1:30 p.m. To register for this online discussion, please click here.
|
|
|
|
Honouring our Sisters and LGBTQ2+ in Spirit Candlelight Vigil
Thursda y, May 5 at 7 pm
Fernwood Square (Fernwood Road at Gladstone Avenue, Victoria, BC)
On May 5, the Belfry Theatre will be hosting a ceremony and candlelight vigil in honour of the National Day of Awareness and Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Gender diverse people.
The ceremony will start with a prayer song and welcoming song by the Lək̓ʷəŋən Traditional Dancers.
Cecilia Dick from the Songhees Nation will be the MC and the speakers include:
Carla Voyageur, founder of the Lil’ Red Dress Project
The Lil’ Red Dress Project’s team of volunteers creates beaded “red dress” pins and earrings to bring awareness to missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
Sage Lacerte and David Stevenson from the Moose Hide Campaign
Moose Hide Campaign Day (May 12) is a day of ceremony where all Canadians are called to join to take a stand against violence towards women and children and to take practical steps for our collective journey of reconciliation.
Rande Cook, a Kwakwaka’wakw artist
Following the speakers, there will be a Ladies Dance by Kwakwaka’wakw and at 8:30 pm we’ll have a moment of silence and begin to light the candles.
A closing dance by the Lək̓ʷəŋən Traditional Dancers will end the ceremony.
Everyone is welcome to attend. No reservations or tickets are required. We will have reserved designated seating for Elders.
|
|
|
|
Honouring our Sisters and LGBTQ2+ in Spirit Candlelight Vigil
Thursday, May 5 at 7 pm
Fernwood Square (Fernwood Road at Gladstone Avenue, Victoria, BC)
On May 5, the Belfry Theatre will be hosting a ceremony and candlelight vigil in honour of the National Day of Awareness and Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Gender diverse people.
The ceremony will start with a prayer song and welcoming song by the Lək̓ʷəŋən Traditional Dancers.
Cecilia Dick from the Songhees Nation will be the MC and the speakers include:
Carla Voyageur, founder of the Lil’ Red Dress Project
The Lil’ Red Dress Project’s team of volunteers creates beaded “red dress” pins and earrings to bring awareness to missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
Sage Lacerte and David Stevenson from the Moose Hide Campaign
Moose Hide Campaign Day (May 12) is a day of ceremony where all Canadians are called to join to take a stand against violence towards women and children and to take practical steps for our collective journey of reconciliation.
Rande Cook, a Kwakwaka’wakw artist
Following the speakers, there will be a Ladies Dance by Kwakwaka’wakw and at 8:30 pm we’ll have a moment of silence and begin to light the candles.
A closing dance by the Lək̓ʷəŋən Traditional Dancers will end the ceremony.
Everyone is welcome to attend. No reservations or tickets are required. We will have reserved designated seating for Elders.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fourth Sunday of Easter