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In this week's Crossroads, you will find information on:
First Sunday of Advent – November 29
Covid-19 Update
Joint Advent Worship with St. Luke’s
Second Sunday of Advent
Meeting Needs in Times of Change
2021 Pledge Drive and Giving Envelopes
One World Film Festival
Something New
CLWR: Give the gift of hope this Christmas
16 Days of Activism to end Gender-Based violence
New Website
Truth and Reconciliation – Upcoming online presentations
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Study resource for the final report of the National Inquiry into MMWG
Donate VIVO Kitchen Knives to the Shelbourne Community Kitchen
Help Threshold Housing Society provide at-risk youth with safe homes this Christmas
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.
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First Sunday of Advent – November 29
 We celebrate this new beginning of the Church year with a change to blue, often seen as a colour of hope, a new setting of the worship space, and a new musical setting and songs. This Sunday we also have a guest musician, Dr. Milton Schlosser, who has performed recitals at Church of the Cross in the past. He will play the prelude and postlude, and accompany a hymn he wrote and composed, “Advent in Canada.” Thank you, Milton, for sharing your music with the community.
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Covid-19 Update/In-person Worship cancelled until further notice
BC Health released new restrictions around Covid-19 that went into effect Nov 19, 2020 at midnight. Based upon government guidelines we are asked to cancel in-person worship Sunday until further notice. Thankfully BC Health makes specific mention under "Religious gatherings and worship services" in the update below, that churches may continue offering a worship livestream. While it is disappointing we cannot gather in person, we are heartened to continue offering the worship livestream. We recognize it is for everyone's collective health that we implement these restrictions. In the meantime the church building is closed to all other public gatherings, recognizing people may need to drop off offerings, Angel Gifts, and for activities approved by the Covid-19 Leadership Team.
Update from BC Health:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/restrictions
Together as the body of Christ we give thanks for the ways in which Christ is present, ministering to one another through prayer and acts of love and compassion.
Covid-19 Leadership Team, Rev. Lyndon Sayers, Rev. Lyle McKenzie
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Joint Advent Worship with St. Luke’s
Join us as St. Luke's and Church of the Cross share a joint Advent worship on-line. Both congregations are contributing to a lessons and carols style worship with a variety of musicians, readers, prayers, and reflections. Worship will be about 50 min.
We invite people to view the video beginning at 7 PM PST on Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020.
Following worship you are invited to a virtual coffee time via Zoom. The Zoom link is being sent via e-mail. If you did not receive an e-mail by Nov. 29, you may contact pastorlyndon@shaw.ca or pastorlyle@shaw.ca to receive the link.
Check this link below which takes you to the web-site Events page in order to access the Joint Advent worship video. The video link will be posted in time for viewing together on Sunday, 7 PM PST.
https://www.lutheranvictoria.ca/events/joint-advent-worship-with-st-luke-s
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Midweek Advent Worship On-line: Holden Evening Prayer
Three Thursdays in Advent: December 3, 10, 17, 7:30 PM PST
 We are planning to offer people two ways to participate on-line for midweek Advent worship, since we cannot offer in-person worship. You can join as per usual over the worship livestream (lutheranvictoria.ca). If you are on our mailing list you will also receive an invitation via e-mail to join via Zoom. Those who join over Zoom would be able to see other people joining via Zoom and is a way to have have readers participate in worship from home, as well as participate in other ways.
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Sunday, December 6 – Second Sunday of Advent – recognitions
Next Sunday we will recognize the ministries of Rev. Ron Nelson, celebrating the 55th anniversary of his ordination and Rev. Dave Lefsrud celebrating the 35th anniversary of his ordination, giving thanks for their service to the church and God’s world.
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Meeting Needs in Times of Change
The difficult times we are living through raises many questions about the big and small effects the pandemic is having on us, the ones we love and the future. What are our vulnerabilities as individuals and as a faith community? What are the risks that we see as this year ends and a new one begins?
Keeping connected in a meaningful way in the pandemic has been a challenge for everyone, and in this regard, the Church has not been immune from the consequences of trying to carry on in a Covid-19 climate. While we can be truly grateful that no one in the Church of the Cross community has contracted Covid-19 when in-person worship was resumed at the end of August, it continues to disrupt our lives in small and big ways.
While 2021 carries with it much uncertainty, it also carries hope – hope for a vaccine and the knowledge that we continue to find new ways to grow as a faith community. The generous financial support you have given to Church of the Cross over the years has been a blessing and has made so much care and good work possible in our community.
That said, with the effects of the pandemic expected to continue into the new year, it is clear that the need for this support in the year ahead is not going to diminish. Your pledges for 2021 will help provide some certainty going forward, and help Church of the Cross as it seeks to find even better ways to fulfil its commitment of care and service to all.
Many in our church community have felt the financial pinch arising from the economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, while others have been fortunate to be largely unaffected. These differing situations are playing out in terms of individuals’ and families’ abilities to support the key work of church in these difficult times.
As you may be aware, the newly elected provincial government plans to follow through on its commitment to provide most families and individuals with a Covid-19 Recovery Benefit. For many, this windfall will help with their finances in a time of personal need. For those of us who have not been as affected, it offers a unique opportunity to provide financial support for some cause or purpose that we feel is worthy. While the special missions of the church in the wider community continue to be well supported by the congregation, the day-to day work of the church, particularly in terms of worship and care for our members, along with the goal of paying down the mortgage, could use your extra support at this time. In evaluating your personal circumstances, we ask you to give these important purposes some consideration in your pledges for 2021. Thank you.
A message from your Stewardship Committee
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2021 Pledge Drive and Giving Envelopes
 As 2020 nears a close our Pledge Drive and distribution of 2021 giving envelopes has begun. Due to COVID 19 concerns, we are mailing out stewardship information, pledge cards, and giving envelopes. 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 have any questions or concerns 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.
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One World Film Festival
To celebrate its 30th anniversary and given the current  circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the One World Film Festival (OWFF) will be presenting its first online festival of thought-provoking documentaries. The OWFF’s parent organization, One World Arts, is thrilled to be partnering with The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) Canada, Amnesty International Canada, CARE Canada and Oxfam Canada in this endeavour.
The One World Refugee Film Festival’s (OWRFF) program of films and discussions will address a range of issues related to refugees and forced displacement globally, and it will take place over a two-week period from December 1st to 14th, 2020. A pre-festival launch event will take place on November 30th, 2020 with the opening film I Am Rohingya, as a free preview to the OWRFF.
The One World Refugee Film Festival will be accessible virtually across Canada at owrff2020.eventive.org. A festival pass is $30 and includes access to all contents over the duration of the festival as well as a one year One World Arts membership. Single program tickets are $10 each. All proceeds from pass and ticket sales will go to charities chosen by each partner organization.
Media contact:
Mukarram Ramadan
Events and Communications Coordinator, One World Film Festival
Board Member, One World Arts
mukarram@oneworldarts.ca
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Something New
 On Tuesday, the Oxford English Dictionary announced their “Word of the Year”, an annual event in November. “It is,” they said, “a little ironic that in a year that left us speechless, 2020 has been filled with new words unlike any others.” According to the newscast, editors of the OED analyzed the usage of new words which unexpectedly entered our vocabulary and daily life during the year. Some words chosen in this “unprecedented year”, include: Covid-19, lockdown, social distancing, Black Lives Matter, and many others. These words reflect a strange new language but are already becoming common place for most of us. I wondered if anyone even recalls the 2019 word of the year?
It was according to one source, climate emergency, which entered our vocabulary in 2019. Climate emergency is defined “as a situation in which urgent action is required to reduce or halt climate change and avoiding potentially irreversible environment damage resulting from it.”
It is a dramatic word. But I wonder if I don’t become immune to such ubiquitous terms, overused and thus fail to actually hear it and the context in which that word or concept was born, or coined?
If that is so, then, a small group of LCC members gathered via Zoom recently to talk about the impact of climate emergency. The individuals responded to an invitation from the Social Justice Committee to form a Greening Faith Community and met for the first time on November 4, 2020. We discussed what a sustainable green community looks like and asked how, as people of faith, we can promote the Love of Creation, and respond to climate emergency.
We were encouraged by each other and the common desire to wanting to seek changes to reduce the effects environmental damage to all of the Creation, creatures and peoples. We decided to continue to meet and talk about what a healthy, sustainable faith community looks like and work toward that vision.
We would like to extend an invitation to LCC members interested in joining us to find solutions, and work as a subcommittee. Please contact me, Susan Beiderwieden, at 250-533-9075 or, by email at susandb@telus.net.
Meanwhile, be calm, be kind, and stay well…. socially distanced, of course.
Susan Beiderwieden, Social Justice/Green Committee
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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 .
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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Read ahead: First Sunday of Advent
- Sunday, November 29, 2020 Isaiah 64:1-9
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Mark 13:24-37
Worship Bulletin: CLICK HERE for Worship Bulletin
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This Week at Church of the Cross
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