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In this week's Crossroads, you will find information on:
In-Person Worship & Sunday School
Praying for neighbours impacted by flooding
No Shared Worship
Dance Like Everybody’s Watching
Open House Events
Upcoming Dates for Sunday School
Advent Bags
Angel Gifts
Greetings from Stratford
Irene Collings’ obituary
Message from Elvira Philp
Planning to Share?
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Pledge Cards and Giving Envelops
Women In Faith Book Group
December 5 Carmel Tanaka
Jacob McPhee
Countering Islamophobia
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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In-Person Worship, Sundays 10 AM
 Church Council and many others have worked together to prepare a safe return to in-person worship. We are following the guidelines and orders set by the Provincial Health Officer. We realize that the pandemic continues to raise concerns for health and safety, and we will adjust our plans if/as health orders change. See dates below for Sunday School in separate article.
Being vaccinated against COVID-19 is the best protection for the health of yourself and others. We encourage everyone who is eligible to receive both doses of the vaccine. Find a walk-in clinic in BC to receive vaccination here.
November 21, Reign of Christ
Everyone planning to come to worship and Sunday School are asked to follow these requirements:
- Stay home if you are not feeling well and experiencing any Covid-19 related symptoms.
- Wear a mask when entering the building and throughout worship and Sunday School. (This is required of everyone age 12 and older. Children under 12 are encouraged to wear a mask.)
- Observe social distancing.
- Sanitize or wash hands as needed.
- You are welcome to sing, but masks must be worn.
- 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 well spaced in the trays. You may commune with bread or wine alone if you wish.
- You are invited to greet and talk with others after worship outside where water/refreshments will be available.
It is not required that people register for worship ahead of time or sign in as you arrive.
We will make adjustments as needed and keep you informed of any changes. Your feedback on your experience with in-person return to worship is valued. Please let any member of Church Council, the Covid Leadership Team, Pastors, or the church office know of any questions, concerns or ideas for making return to in-person worship and Sunday School safer and meaningful for everyone.
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Praying for Neighbours Impacted by Flooding
It is upsetting to hear the many news stories and reports from friends and family about flooding, mudslides, and highway disruptions throughout BC. We continue lifting neighbours in prayer and seek ways we can be of assistance. Read a pastoral letter “After the Waters Recede” from Bishop Anna Greenwood-Lee, full communion partner with the Diocese of Islands and Inlets here on the island.
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No Shared Worship for the First Sunday in Advent this Year
 In previous years we have looked forward to sharing in worship together for the First Sunday in Advent as St. Luke and Church of the Cross. Because of various people being away, we will not hold shared worship this year but look forward to other opportunities in the future, including celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Anglican Lutheran Full Communion.
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Dance Like Everybody’s Watching
Documentary Screening and Discussion with Simone Blais
 Saturday November 20 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Please join us for this In-person (masks required) AND Online event. For those joining the event online, the link to view her 30 minute film will be posted on the event page the day of the event. After viewing the film (in-person or via online), Simone will facilitate a Q & A period (also available via livestream here at the church website), leading us through a discussion about racism, diversity, inclusion, cultural appropriation and creating safer spaces. For those joining us in-person, please arrive slightly before 7 pm to find a seat and get settled before the documentary viewing begins.
Click this link to monitor updates on the event:
https://www.lutheranvictoria.ca/events/dance-like-everybody-is-watching/2021-11-20
After November 20th, only the link for the LiveStream Q&A will remain posted on the event page. The link to Simone's documentary will be removed.
Simone Blais, was born in Toronto, Ontario. She is a dancer, writer, director and doula based in Victoria, BC with Afro-Trinidadian and Métis roots. Simone developed a passion for dance and social justice at a very young age. She moved to Victoria in 2014 to attend the University of Victoria where she completed a degree in Gender Studies and Indigenous Studies. In 2020, she directed her first film, Dance Like Everybody’s Watching.
Check out Simone’s website: https://www.simone-blais.com/film
Susanne Standeven
on behalf of the Social Justice Committee
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Nov 21: Founding Partners' Open Houses
Founding Partner Organizations' Open House Events!
November 21st
Two Event Times: 11:00AM and 1:00pm
101-3787 Cedar Hill Rd
Renovations and inspections are now officially complete and our full occupancy permit has been approved!
The Shelbourne Community Kitchen is hosting two Open House events to celebrate this exciting milestone with our Founding Partner Organizations.
Please join us for one of two Open House events planned for Sunday, November 21st (either at 11:00AM or 1:00PM). There will be light refreshments, words of welcome and casual tours of our facility.
COVID-19 Protocols in effect:
- Proof of vaccination and ID required upon entry.
- Masks required to be worn at all times when on site, except for in the designated refreshment area.
- Physical distancing in effect.
- If you are feeling ill or experiencing symptoms, please refrain from attending.
In accordance with our occupancy permit, attendance is limited to 50 people.
Please RSVP to attend by clicking here.
If you are unable to attend either event, please know that our team is planning to film a virtual tour as well. This video will be shared with on our website, social media and sent via email to our partners and donors.
We look forward to showing you our new home and celebrating together very soon.
In community spirit,
Clarice Dillman, Board Chair
Kim Cummins, Program Director
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Upcoming Dates for Sunday School
 First Sunday in Advent, Nov. 28
Second Sunday in Advent & St. Nicolas, Dec. 5
Fourth Sunday in Advent, Dec. 19
Baptism of Jesus, January 9
We invite families with young kids to join us for Sunday school on the above upcoming Sundays.
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Advent Bags
What’s in the Bag?
Pick-up information
Advent is both a Season of waiting and expectation as well, a time of preparing for the Christ Childs’ arrival. God’s great gift to us, the Word made flesh.
Our gift to you is a humble and hopefully, fun way to prepare both your hearts and home for a greener Christmas this year. Each bag provides ecological ideas, tips and a weekly devotional activity.
The bags are available for pick-up starting Nov. 21 throughout the week of the 28th and onward. They are located on a table in the entranceway. Please take 1 bag per family unit or individual member. If you are uncomfortable coming into the church, contact me to arrange a drop-off.
These reusable cloth bags are filled with ideas for the 4 Sundays in Advent and include a homemade treat. Enjoy that treat now, before it gets stale.
If you are gluten intolerant or sensitive, there are bags set apart and labeled GF containing a GF treat from the Laughing Daughter Bakery on Salt Spring Island.
In case this all seems somewhat mysterious the Greening Committee members will share some information about the contents in short articles in Crossroads during Advent. Watch for these blurbs called, It’s in the Bag.
Peace and Joy,
Susan Beiderwieden, 250 533 9075
Greening Committee
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Angel Gifts
 Once again, we are delighted to be joining other organizations and faith communities in providing Christmas gifts for the good folk in the Our Place family. This year we have been given 30 names of those who will be happy to receive some holiday cheer. As the winter weather and the pandemic stretches on, this is a good time to send a message of friendship from an “Angel” in the form of a Christmas gift and greeting card.
- A sign up sheet is in the church hallway. As before, you may sign up in person OR contact Nicky in the church office by email or telephone to request the name of a person.You will also receive information regarding gender, size, age and their gift number.
- Purchase a gift (suggested ideas are new outer wear, a chocolate bar, a gift card for a downtown store or coffee shop) with the approximate value of $50.00
- Wrap the gift and write the gift number (not the name) on an Angel Tag found with the sign up sheet. If you haven’t received an Angel Tag, please clearly write the gift number on the outside of the gift. We will make sure an Angel Tag is filled out and taped in place. No bows, cloth bags or shiny paper please. Gift bags should be taped closed and string handles tied together. If you wish to include a personal message or Christmas card, please put it inside the gift.
- Gifts will be blessed in our worship on December 12. If you are not comfortable shopping for a gift, or dropping a gift off at church, feel free to contact Bill Williamson or Sherry Coughlin or the church office by December 5 – they will be happy to shop and/or arrange to pick up the gift from your home and deliver it to the church by the 12th.
Thank you!
The Social Justice Committee
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Greetings from Stratford!
It's hard to believe November is upon us! 6 weeks ago Emily and I hit the road with a full car and began our adventure to Ontario. We had a week long road trip with excellent weather and many fun sights - of particular interest was an overnight stay in Drumheller and a morning visit to the Royal Tyrrell Museum which features the world's most extensive dinosaur bone collection. Most of the trip was uneventful, in a good way, and the fall colours in northern Ontario were amazing. We were happy to arrive in Stratford in time for a busy Thanksgiving weekend. Our first few weeks back have been an adjustment and we are grateful for many visits with friends and family. Emily's parents hosted us, until recently, and we are now moved into a longer term rental house which we both greatly enjoy. We have lots of space compared to years of apartment living! We've had several visits to Toronto and our family cabin in Muskoka which has included some unseasonably warm weather! At the same time, we've had about 3 inches of snow in Stratford and we're both rushing to find winter outwear (and winter tires!).
Emily's w ork has been remote since the pandemic began and she has been able to quickly carve out a comfortable space to visit with clients virtually. For me, the search for work has been more complicated. With so many people changing careers and looking for remote work, I had found myself in competition with hundreds to thousands of other applicants for various jobs. BUT I am happy to share that I have recently accepted a position with an education software company called Xello and will be covering a 1 year maternity leave. The position involves maintaining relationships with clients, specifically schools and boards of education that currently use the company's software and will allow me to develop highly sought after experience in what is becoming a very popular field: software as a service. Most importantly, I will be utilizing my experience in education to contribute to a company and work environment that seems to greatly value their employees.
Musically, in January I will begin conducting the Stratford Concert Choir in a transitional capacity while they search for a long term artistic director. I will use this time to assess how I feel about beginning a chamber choir, something that the city is lacking and can support.
We miss the island and BC in general and while we cannot help but make comparisons we are also happy to be closer to family and to begin this new adventure in our lives. We've checked out some local hiking trails and are finding our favourite coffee shops in Stratford!
I've included a few photos of our recent adventures and we'll do our best to stay in touch! A couple of pictures are attached - a road trip shot, the first snowfall at our house in Stratford, and the view of the lake in Muskoka :)
We are both very appreciative of our send off, the prayers, kind wishes and gifts from the church community which have made a real difference in this time of transition. THANK YOU. It has been a joy to see the choir return to Sunday service, under Nathan's fine direction, and with new scholars/musicians and meaningful musical contributions!
Warmly,
Brian & Emily
 
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Irene Colli ngs’ obituary
It is with sadness that we announce the death of Irene Collings on November 8, 2021 in Calgary, Alberta. Irene and family were members of Church of the Cross since 1972. Irene moved in early 2019 from Victoria to Calgary to be closer to family and died with her family around her. Rest eternal grant her, O God. And let light perpetual shine upon her.
Here is a link to Irene’s obituary: https://www.mccallgardens.com/obituaries/irene-emma-collings-nee-domes
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Message from Elvira Philp
 I have turned a new chapter in my life – sold my home and moved into an apartment in Gimli, MB.
I am living close to my son and his family. I miss all of you and especially the HUGS!
God Bless,
Elvira Philp
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Planning to Share?
Supporting each other matters! It matters for the well being of our faith and our purpose. It matters for the well being of Church of the Cross. As we adapt to the ongoing pandemic and climate change, our faith community matters more than ever.
Knowing we can continue to serve each other and the community matters. If you have submitted a pledge card already, Thank You! If you are still considering a pledge, according to your means, please do so by the end of November. Your contribution to supporting Church of the Cross matters in planning for the coming year.
Resource Stewardship
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Distribution of Pledge Cards and Giving Envelops for 2022
 Unlike last year when we were in a pandemic lockdown, this year we are trying to return to as many normal routines as possible. Pledge Cards have been in church mailboxes for 2 weeks now and giving envelopes will be going in mailboxes no later than Sunday 12 December 2021.
We fully understand that many of you are not coming to the church on a regular basis and would prefer to receive these items in the mail or delivered to your home. Any pledge cards not picked up from mailboxes by next week will be mailed out to your home. If you would like your 2022 giving envelopes delivered to your home, email or call Nicky at the church office or the Barry Walker Financial Secretary. Home 250-381-1698, email bhwalker@shaw.ca
If anyone has any questions or wishes to make changes to how they support the church in 2022 please contact Barry Walker.
Thank you for your generous support of the church
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 Women In Faith Book Group
The Book Group will be meeting on Wednesday, November 24th at 1:00 pm to discuss "Brother" by David Chariandy. This meeting will be by Zoom. The Greater Victoria Public Library has several copies of the book.
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December 5 Carmel Tanaka: A day in the life of a queer, neurodivergent, Jewpanese millennial
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Jacob McPhee, clinical social work/therapist
 Jacob McPhee is part of the church community and he is a licensed queer affirming therapist accepting new clients.
Check Jacob’s professional page for more info.
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Countering Islamophobia, VIctoria Multifaith Association AGM 2021
Dear friends,
We would like to invite you to attend our Annual General Meeting for 2021 on the theme of “Countering Islamophobia”, scheduled to be held online on Thursday, 2 December, at 7:00 pm. VMS Chair, Dr John Borrows, will act as our MC for the evening. The EventBrite registration link is here.
The first part of the AGM will be devoted to our theme, with a guest presentation by May Shihadeh. May is a Masters student at Royal Roads University in Intercultural and International Communication, a member of more than ten organizations in Greater Victoria, a Community Advocate representing the Muslim Community, and a Refugee expert, Settlement Worker, Interpreter, researcher and entrepreneur.
The second part of the meeting will be devoted to a short review of VMS activities and plans, and confirmation of the appointment of several new Directors.
Register with EventBrite here in order to receive the zoom link, which will be sent closer to the date from victoriamultifaith@gmail.com. (Please add our address to your email contacts so that it goes to your inbox.)
Those who register will also be sent links to related additional materials to watch, listen to or read in advance, depending on your time and tastes, so please register early!
We look forward to seeing you there!
All the best,
Sheila Flood, E.D.
Victoria Multifaith Society
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