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In this week's Crossroads, you will find information on:
Holy Cross Sunday
Sunday School Update
A special invitation
Course on the book of Revelation
Praying Friends
Update from the Mutual Ministry Committee
Sustainable Clothing Show-and-Tell
Sunday Offering Counters
Reading Centre
Holy Communion
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Prayer for James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon
World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel
In-Person Worship
Read Ahead
This Week at Church of the Cross
The deadline for all Crossroads submissions is Wednesday at 12 noon.
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Sunday, September 11, Holy Cross Sunday
We will celebrate the Festival of Holy Cross on Sunday, September 11 at 10 AM. As the festival connected to our name as a congregation “at the crossroads” and the 15th anniversary of opening the new sanctuary in 2007, it is a day to give thanks and celebrate. It has also been a day for some to give special offerings to reduce the mortgage on the building addition which is now less than one third of the original amount thanks to the generous donations of so many over these fifteen years. If you would like to make a donation, please use the “give online” button on our website at lutheranvictoria.ca, or e-transfer to the church office at lutheranchurchofthecross@shaw.ca or an envelope with the designation “mortgage reduction.” And everyone is invited to wear red if you wish to celebrate this festival day.
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Sunday School Update
Saturday, September 10, 1 PM
Gathering for Sunday School Families
Contact Pr. Lyndon for more info: pastorlyndon@shaw.ca
Upcoming Sunday School Dates
September 11, September 18, October 2
Please share with families with Sunday School ages children, ages 4 through 11.
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A special invitation
You are invited to attend a Middle Eastern Soiree at Congregation Emanu-El Synagogue (1461 Blanshard Street) on Sunday, September 11, 2022, 5:30 to 8:30 PM.
Throughout the evening there will be an opportunity to socialize while enjoying beverages, including beer and wine, and some finger food in the social hall.
Also, live music will be provided by Steluta, a professional band that will be playing a mix of Middle Eastern and other types of ethnic tunes in the sanctuary from 6:30 to 8:00. We invite those who wish to do so to join in some dancing. Masks are recommended.
The goal of this musical evening is to raise funds for a multi-faith project in Victoria BC, which has been launched to provide sponsorship for a Syrian family of 6 currently taking refuge in Southeaster Asia. Members of Congregation Emanu-El Synagogue and Lutheran Church of the Cross are working together to sponsor this family and to bring them to a new and safe life in Victoria.
We look forward to seeing you at this event which promises to be a lot of fun and will go a long way towards bringing this deserving family to safety in Victoria. Please contact Sherry Coughlin (sherry_coughlin@yahoo.ca) or the church office for RSVP so we can plan effectively.
Hope to see you there!
Sherry Coughlin, on behalf of the Sponsorship Team
Lutheran Church of the Cross
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Course on the book of Revelation
 Does the book of Revelation scare you? Are crises in the modern world forecast in Revelation? Have you actually read the entire book? You are invited to join the adult education group for The Apocalypse: Controversies and Meaning in Western History, a course taught by Professor Craig Koester of Luther Seminary in St. Paul who will guide us as we explore this extraordinary work and its impact on our civilization. The lecture series is divided into three parts: the historical and intellectual background of the Apocalypse; a close reading of Revelation, focusing on the meaning of its captivating and haunting images; and the wide-ranging legacy of its content on both Christian and Western history. Along the way we’ll look at our own thoughts and fears about “the end of the world”. When we’re done, you’ll come to see Revelation as it was intended: a book of encouragement and hope. Course participants meet weekly in the Rotunda 7:00-8:30 Tuesday evenings beginning September 20th (or join via Zoom). There is no charge. Reading assignments will be from the Bible. Bud Henning will lead the sessions. To register and receive the course guidebook, contact Bud via email: henning@islandnet.com or the church office. There’s nothing to fear about Revelation! Come and see!
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Praying Friends
Each year at Church of the Cross we invite families to participate in Praying Frien ds. It’s an opportunity for children to be paired with an adult praying friend, who pray for their designated child during the school year. Participants are also invited to join a couple social events organized together with families.
Praying for others builds one another up in faith, increases social bonds within the body of Christ, and one way we live out Jesus’ call to love our neighbour.
Susanne Standeven is helping to organize the program this year. Look for a notice in next week's Crossroads with more information on the start up date and how to participate in the program, especially for those who are new. Susanne will also be sending out an email next week to adult praying friends and the parents of children from last year to ask them if they wish to continue in this ministry. Let us know if you are new and would like your child to participate or be considered for serving as a praying friend. Please contact Susanne if you have any questions: standeven3525@gmail.com
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Update from the Mutual Ministry Committee
We wanted to acknowledge the process of going through the ministry evaluations has taken longer than expected due to a number of issues, and we appreciate the congregation's patience and understanding. If you have any questions or would like to connect, please reach out to a committee member or the committee chair, Johann Kuntze (email: jlkuntze@gmail.com).
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Sustainable Clothing Show-and-Tell
October 2nd, Upper Hall, noon to 2pm
Light lunch will be served
The modern clothing industry offers us an amazing array of choices but has negative ecological impacts. Fortunately, there are many things we can do to minimize the ecological impact of our need to be clothed.
Some ideas (which also save money!):
- Avoid buying on impulse or because it’s cheap
- Buy what you love and will wear for a long time
- Look for eco-friendly labels
- Choose used (or hand-me-down)
- Learn how to sew or knit
- Mend minor defects
- Make something new out of something old
- Declutter / sell / donate (and shop where you donate!)
If you do any of these things, come to our Show-and-Tell dressed in your finest threads that have a story around one of these ideas, whether it be:
hand-me-down,
thrift-store find,
hand-sewn or knit,
mended, or
just worn since forever.
Or come to share and listen to the stories of others.
We will also have a chance to learn more about the impact of the clothing industry on the planet that explains why making these choices is more important than ever. Speakers from Beacon Community Services, Vintage Fashion Showcase and UVic will join us to share the inside story about the global clothing industry and the value of recycling.
Let’s learn and share ideas that will help each other make our clothing choices shine!
Please RSVP using the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the hallway.
Sponsored by Care for the Earth, Education, and Women in Faith
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Sunday Offering Counters
 With the return to normal Sunday service we will resume the practice of having congregation members count the Sunday offering directly after service, starting on Sunday October 16th.
This valuable service is done in teams of two and usually takes between a half hour to an hour. Prior to the pandemic we had 6 teams of 2 with a rotation of every month and a half. If you have counted in the past or would like start to volunteer please contact the Financial Secretary, Barry Walker at: bhwalker@shaw.ca or by phone at 250-381-1698, 250-818-7931.
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Reading Centre
The Reading Centre in the Upper Hall that was established by the Truth and Reconciliation Committee has be en active and many excellent books exchanged by congregation members. The plan now is to include books on Social Justice, Care of the Environment and books of faith. This is very much like the numerous mini-libraries that dot our community. So if you have a book that you would like to share with others please bring it an add to the collection.
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Holy Communion
 Would you like to assist with preparing for our Sunday Worship?
The Altar Guild is the traditional church name for the group of people who plan and prepare for Holy Communion each week. Historically at Church of the Cross, the members of the Altar Guild have been women, but we have made a welcomed move away from this practice.
More people are needed in the rotation to prepare Holy Communion and clean up at the end of Sunday Worship. Marge Adams serves as the coordinator, and she can answer any questions you have and arrange a learning session if you decide you would like to participate.
If you would like to know more about what is involved and the time commitment, please call Marge Adams at 250-590-5732 or contact the church office.
The Board of Worship
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Prayer for James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon, Saskatchewan
In the wake of this past weekend's mass stabbing in James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon in Saskatchewan, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) National Bishop Susan C. Johnson shares a prayer for all those affected by this tragedy. The prayer was originally shared on the ELCIC Facebook page.
As our church, various communities, and nation continue to mourn, ELCIC members are encouraged to continue lifting up in prayer the families and communities impacted by this tragedy.
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World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel - September 15-22
Church of the Ascension, seen from the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC
Members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) are invited to observe the World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel. The World Council of Churches had recently published theological reflections for the World Week of Peace and an article entitled, "My hope is in you" - youth in the Holy Land carry the future. The ELCIC walks in partnership with The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan & the Holy Land.
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ELCIC National Bishop Elected to WCC Central Committee
WCC 11th Assembly Elects New Central Committee
National Bishop Susan Johnson was elected as one of 150 persons to the WCC Central Committee at its 11th Assembly on September 6 during a session at its proceedings in Karlsruhe, Germany. The WCC Central Committee serves as the main decision-making body of the WCC between assemblies. Please click on any of the links below for more information.
WCC Central Committee members elected by the 11th Assembly
Livestream of the WCC 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany
Photos of the WCC 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany
WCC 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany
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In-Person Worship, Sunday, September 4, 10 AM PDT
Covid-19 and Worship
- We offer worship in both live (in-person) and livestream (online) formats.
- We rejoice in the gift of vaccination and encourage everyone to be / stay vaccinated & boosted if you are eligible.
- To protect vulnerable persons, we currently encourage the wearing of masks during worship, especially while singing.
- If you test positive, or have symptoms for Covid-19, please stay home (and worship via live-stream)!
Church Council
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Read ahead:
 14th Sunday after Pentecost
September 11, 2022 Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28
Psalm 14
1 Timothy 1:12-17
Luke 15:1-10
Worship Bulletin: CLICK HERE for Worship Bulletin
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