|
|
|
|
|
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:
Seek justice and love in changing times
Thank you
Message from Luther Court
With Sadness
Neighbouring Narratives
Restorative Justice Week
National Housing Day
CLWR: Give the gift of hope this Christmas
Online Event
16 Days of Activism to end Gender-Based violence
New Website
Truth and Reconciliation – Upcoming online presentations
Study resource for the final report of the National Inquiry into MMWG
Donate VIVO Kitchen Knives to the Shelbourne Community Kitchen
|
|
Dessert & Dialogue
Help Threshold Housing Society provide at-risk youth with safe homes this Christmas
2021 Pledge Drive and Giving Envelopes
Covid-19 Update/In-person Worship continues
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.
|
|
|
Dessert & Dialogue
Tanya Clarmont of the Victoria Native Friendship Centre will host a dialogue that builds on concepts presented in the film Doctrine of Discovery and how this doctrine continues to impact the lives of Indigenous people today, through the Indian Act, multigenerational trauma, and land disputes. There will be a question period where people are encouraged to raise additional inquiries about information presented in the film.
To watch the Doctrine of Discovery documentary (66 min.) which the speaker will be talking about, click here:
https://www.anglican.ca/primate/tfc/drj/doctrineofdiscovery/
Colonization in the 21st Century with Tanya Clarmont
November 24, 2020
7:00 pm PST
Virtual Dialogue (Please contact the church office for more information)
The Truth and Reconciliation committee at Lutheran Church of the Cross, Victoria, BC, invites you to their next virtual dialogue on Colonization in the 21st Century with guest presenter Tanya Claremont. Colonization continues to be a core issue in the ongoing work of Truth and Reconciliation. Tanya will provide her personal experience and insights as to how colonization manifests in the present as well as how it influenced Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal relations in Canadian history.
Tanya is Teme-Augama Anishnabi and French Canadian. She embraces both sides of her cultural background. She currently lives on the traditional territory of he Lewungen peoples in Victoria, BC. She works for the Victoria Native Friendship Centre and has been active in the Friendship Centre Movement at both the national and provincial level.
She works as a consultant on the issues of Reconciliation, UNFRIP, cultural safety and Indigenous Financial Literacy. Tanya is a member of the Camosun College Board of Governors and a member of the Oasis Society of Spiritual Health.
|
|
|
Thank you!
Many and more thanks to all those who provided Angel Gifts this year. We are happy to report that all 25 names have been spoken for and our 25 gifts will be greatly appreciated this year more than ever.
Please remember to return your gift to church by 10am, December 6. Before then you may drop your present off during office hours or leave them in the Sacristy on a Sunday morning. And if getting your gift to church is difficult for you, please contact Sherry Coughlin and she will make COVID safe arrangements for pick up from your residence and delivery to church.
Again, thank you!
The Social Justice Committee
|
|
|
Message from Luther Court
 Luther Court would like to thank the Tablet Group for introducing their “Tablet Training for Seniors” here at Luther Court. We have four tenants connected to trainers and they’re learning all about the tablets and how to connect to their families and friends via Facetime! Each of the tenants have been lent a beautiful brand new iPad and keyboard that the Tablet Group purchased through a generous donation from the BC Synod. Thank you to all of the trainers for giving of their talent and time. The tenants involved have been so keen and excited about their new adventure into electronic communication!
|
|
|
With Sadness
It is with sadness that we announce the de ath of retired Bishop Ron Mayan on Tuesday, November 17 in Red Deer AB. Bishop Ron served as Bishop of the Synod of Alberta and the Territories from 2006 until his retirement in 2013. Bishop Ron’s family and loved one are in our prayers.
|
|
|
 Neighbouring Narratives:
Close Encounters of the Missional Kind!
Saturday, November 28, 2020
via Zoom 9:00 am – 11:30 am
In these present times of significant change, whether as laypersons or rostered ministers, are you sensing that God may be doing ‘a new thing’ in our neighbourhoods? And even though you’re not quite sure what that ‘new thing’ might look like do you have an interest and curiosity in exploring what now? …. what next? If so, please join us for a morning of sharing stories, connecting with others across our Synod, and considering ways we can engage with others in our neighbourhoods.
Please register in advance for this meeting by clicking on the button below.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing the Zoom link to join the meeting.
Register here |
|
|
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 .
|
|
|
Online Event: UN's International Decade for People of African Descent (IDPAD, 2015-2024)
In The Canadian Council of Churches (CCC) invites Christians  across Canada to Recognition, Justice, and Development: Peoples of African Descent and Canadian Churches, a Cross-Canada Council event that will take place on November 26, 2020 (7-8:30 PM EST). This event will be fully accessible and bilingual in both English and French. The evening will feature a keynote presentation by the esteemed Dr. Afua Cooper on the realities of current systemic anti-Black racism in the Canadian context and challenges to the Canadian church as well as a multi-faceted panel discussion from diverse Christian voices across Canada, small group discussion in breakout sessions, and a time of prayer. Register for this event on Eventbrite.
|
|
|
16 Days of Activism to end Gender-Based violence
 Every year from November 25 (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to December 10 (World Human Rights Day), people around the world observe 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence. The following are resources to provide you more information.
|
|
|
For the Love of Creation fall online forum and new website
Every Monday in November from 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. (EST) via  Zoom, join us to learn more about our collective work for climate justice. Have the opportunity to engage with guest speakers and take action for climate justice together online. English/French translations will be available for all sessions. If you are interested in participating, please register here. Connect with us and be part of the journey on our Facebook page. If you have any questions, please send an email.
|
|
|
New Website
Canadian churches and faith-based organizations have now launched their new For the Love of Creation website. This includes information on hosting local climate conversations, and on a national Fall Online Forum series of hour-long sessions, being offered every Monday this November starting at 7:30 p.m. (EST). The ELCIC participates in For the Love of Creation. Read the press release For the Love of Creation in English or French.
|
|
|
Truth and Reconciliation – Upcoming online presentations:
 Social Injustice in the Court System - Nov. 24, 7-9pm EST | $25
Led by Tina Stevens, an Algonquin-Ojibwe woman from Kitigan Zibi, Kettle and Stoney Point
The Impact of Residential Schools in Canada - Dec. 3, 7-9pm EST | $25
Led by Tracey Whiteye, an Oshkaabewis kwe/woman helper
For more information on these upcoming session and to register, please click here.
|
|
|
Study resource for the final report of the National Inquiry into MMWG
The Presbyterian Church in Canada (PCC) has released a study resource for the final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Women and Girls, entitled Why Work to Decolonize? To access this resource, please click here.
|
|
|
Donate VIVO Kitchen Knives to the Shelbourne Community Kitchen
When you shop at Thrifty Foods collect the Viv o Kitchen Knife stamps at the Checkout.
Start collecting your stamps today and drop them off in the Vivo Knife Box at the church, or contact me to arrange for a pick-up. We will process them and redeem the stamps for Vivo Kitchen knives to donate to the Shelbourne Community Kitchen. This promotion will run until mid-Feb. 2021
Susan Beiderwieden, Social Justice Committee
susandb@telus.net or 250 533 9075
|
|
|
Help Threshold Housing Society provide at-risk youth with safe homes this Christmas
 On any given night, there are over 150 youth who are experiencing homelessness in the Capital Region, with countless more couch surfing or living in unsafe housing situations. Homelessness is a crisis, and youth homelessness is a tragedy.
This November, Threshold Housing Society is Shining a Light on Youth Homelessness. We believe that every youth in our community deserves a safe home. We hope to spread awareness of the work we do and raise funds to continue being able to provide safe housing, support services, and community to at-risk youth.
Threshold Housing has partnered with Silk Road Tea to create ‘12 Days of Tea’ gift boxes to raise funds to support our program.
The 12 Tea flavors include: Angelwater, Berry Victoria, Beau-tea-ful, English Breakfast, Express Chai, Imperial Earl Grey, Jade Spring, London Fog, Philosophers Brew, Quench, Sour Cherry, Winter Warrior.
These are available to purchase by completing and submitting an order sheet (attached) to Jasmine Campbell at jasmine.c@thresholdhousing.ca
Your order can be picked up at 1524 Fort Street. Office hours are Monday to Friday – 9am to 4pm. Delivery is also available. Please feel free to call our office at 250-383-8830 ext. 1001 if you have any questions or would like to order over the phone.
These make the perfect gift during the holiday season and all proceeds come to Threshold Housing Society.
Order Sheet Download Here
|
|
|
2021 Pledge Drive and Giving Envelopes
 As 2020 nears a close it is time again to start our Pledge Drive and distribute 2021 giving envelopes. Due to COVID 19 concerns, the plan this year will be to mail out stewardship information, pledge cards, and giving envelopes around mid to late November. You will receive a stamp addressed envelope to return your pledge card to the church or simply drop it off at the church if you prefer. If you do not want your giving packaged mail to your home and would prefer to pick it up at the church, please let us know and we will place it in your mail slot at the church. To do so please contact the Financial Secretary Barry Walker at bhwalker@shaw.ca, 250-381-1698 or the church office at lutheranchurchofthecross@shaw.ca 250-477-6222.
Your generous support has been unwavering during this difficult year and has allow the church to continue its work during a difficult time for all. Thank you.
|
|
|
Covid-19 Update/In-person Worship continues – Sunday, November 22 at 10 AM
 Worship continues to be limited to 35 people in the congregation plus those leading and assisting. We have been less than this number every Sunday so there is room for anyone who wishes to join in-person worship. Please email or call the church office, and pastorlyle@shaw.ca, pastorlylndon@shaw.ca to indicate your intention to be present. Worship will continue to be livestreamed as well.
Those who join in worship should expect the following:
- Everyone is asked to wear a mask while in the church building, if you do not have one, one will be provided.
- You may have to line up at the front doors as you arrive using the spacing marked in chalk on the walkway.
- You will be asked to sanitize your hands, sign in, and then be ushered to a seat in the sanctuary
- Seating will be distanced except among family/contact groups
- A worship folder will be provided including the text of the songs. The congregation is asked not to sing, but welcome to hum the melodies. It is an opportunity to meditate/reflect on the words being sung.
- At the time of Holy Communion, the presider(s) will go out to wash their hands. Ushers will invite you forward if you wish to commune, the bread will be placed in your hands by the presider, and you will be invited to pick-up a glass of wine/grape juice which are spaced in the trays. The empty glasses are then placed in the next tray before you return to your seat.
- At the end of worship, you will be ushered outside where people may visit at a distance, if they wish.
The Covid-19 Leadership Team continues to monitor the local conditions and recommendations of the Health Authorities and to adjust our practices as needed.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
Continuing Ways to join worship on-line:
Sunday Worship Livestream, 10 AM PDT:
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 PDT
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.
|
|
|
Read ahead: The Reign of Christ
- Sunday, November 22, 2020 Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
Psalm 100
Ephesians 1:15-23
Matthew 25:31-46
Worship Bulletin: CLICK HERE for Worship Bulletin
|
|
|
This Week at Church of the Cross
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
