|
|
|
|
|
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:
In-Person Worship & Sunday School
Office Hours for Next 5 Weeks
Orange Shirt Sunday
Why am I here?”
Sylvia Olsen Sept. 28
Orange Shirt Day - September 30
Minus One Group: bereavement
Letter from Bishop Johnson & Prayer
Karren Stinson Bursary
Mortgage Reduction
|
|
Creation Photographs Invitation
Creation Photographs This Week
Women In Faith Book Group
Wednesday Scripture Study
Annual Luther Lecture
75 Years of Canadian Lutheran World Relief
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.
|
|
|
In-Person Worship and Sunday School has resumed, Sundays 10 AM
 Church Council and many others have worked together to prepare a safe return to in-person worship and Sunday School. 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.
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.
September 26, Orange Shirt Sunday, 18th Sunday After Pentecost
Everyone planning to come to worship 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.
|
|
|
Office Hours for the next 5 weeks
Nicky Ni, our Office Administrator, has arrived safely in China. She will be working remotely and also taking time for vacation between now and October 28. The office hours when the church will be open will be reduced. Regular office hours will be Monday to Thursday mornings, 9 AM - 12 noon. The office may be open at other times, but please call first to be sure. We give thanks Nicky can see her family.
|
|
|
Orange Shirt Sunday with Carolyn Klaassen
Sunday, September 26, 10 AM PDT
with Feast to follow
Join us In-person or via Worship Livestream for Orange Shirt Sunday with Carolyn Klaassen, Indigenous candidate for ministry in the BC Synod and student at VST. Carolyn led us in worship for Orange Shirt Sunday 2020 as well.
Worship will begin outside for a rite of mourning on the church lawn for those who are able and will process inside to the Sanctuary for Word and Meal.
A Feast will follow outside the church, weather permitting. Join us.
|
|
|
“Why am I here?”
Documentary & Conversation with a Holocaust survivor
Please join us for an in-person and on-line event at Church of the Cross on Tuesday, October 5th from 7:00 - 8:30 pm PDT with guest speaker Julius Maslovat. Masks are required. Mr. Maslovat resides in Victoria and is one of the youngest children on record to have survived the Nazi concentration camps. A viewing of his 45 minute documentary will be followed by a Q&A period.
Check out the Event Page on how to participate on-line.
Both of Mr. Maslovat's parents were killed in the Holocaust. The documentary follows his journey as he researches his past to learn more about the people who helped to keep him alive during his time in concentration camps. The film encourages viewers to learn about injustices in our current world and to ask themselves the question 'Why am I here'? Maslovat says; “I survived because of other people, people who were concerned enough, despite their own condition, to help someone else.”
Click here to view a trailer on his documentary.
Susanne Standeven
on behalf of the Social Justice Committee
|
|
|
First Nations Housing with Sylvia Olsen
Tuesday, September 28, 7 PM to 8:30 PM PDT via ZOOM
Conversation with Sylvia Olsen, Advisor with First Nations Housing & Infrastructure Council to speak ahead of the inaugural Day of Truth and Reconcilation on September 30.
This will be on online conversation over Zoom. We’ll share the link to the talk ahead of time with those on the church e-mail list. Others are welcome to contact the church office for the link.
Hosted by Truth & Reconciliation Committee.
Share the website link to the event with a friend.
|
|
|
Orange Shirt Day - September 30, 2021
What is Orange Shirt Day?
- A time to remember the lives of Indigenous children who attended residential schools in Canada
- A day to inspire Canadians to be pro-active in promoting anti-racism and anti-bullying in schools and in the workplace
- To learn more about Reconciliation and how we can become more involved in making a change
Please consider wearing orange on September 30th, or if you wish you can purchase a shirt from various online stores, or design your own..
https://www.orangeshirtday.org/shirts--gifts.html
https://dreamcatcherpromotions.com/promotional-product/every-child-matters-orange-shirt-day/
http://www.orangeshirtday.net/
Canada has a new national holiday on September 30th known as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
|
|
|
Minus One – A group for those whose spouse has died
Beginning October 5, 1:30 PM at Church of the Cross
The intention of this group is to provide a safe and supportive gathering for people to share the experiences and impacts of the death of a spouse. The plan is to begin with a first meeting in-person, masked and distanced as the protocols require, and explore if everyone is comfortable with continuing the group together. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact, Pastor Lyle, pastorlyle@shaw.ca, Pastor Lyndon, pastorlyndon@shaw.ca, Bob Kohlert bobkohlert@gmail.com or the church office. Feel free to pass this invitation on to others who may be interested.
|
|
|
Letter from Bishop Susan Johnson
including prayer from Carolyn Klaassen
Titled: “Orange Shirt Day, National Day For Truth And Reconciliation - A Day Of Quiet Reflection, Learning And Participating In A Community Event”
Read the letter with prayer here.
|
|
|
Karren Stinson Bursary
 We celebrate this very special occasion of the Karren Stinson Bursary this year. It is hard to believe that so many years have passed since its inception. The first applicant to receive the bursary was our own national bishop, Susan Johnson. Since that time, awards have been made to deserving candidates in memory and honour of Karren Louise Stinson.
Karren was the parish worker at Church of the Cross for six years. She resigned that position to enter the University of Victoria’s School of Social Work. Unfortunately, her dream was quickly dashed at the age of 32 years when she was stricken with a burst aneurysm, just as she had begun her studies. To honour Karren’s dedicated spirit, a bursary was established in her memory.
The Bursary Committee invites the congregation to tell friends, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, etc. About the bursary. Encourage them to seek an application. Applications can be obtained from the church office or from the church website. All applications must be received by October 31st.
Blessings and with thanks,
Catherine Krock
|
|
|
Mortgage Reduction Update.
To date we have been able to pay down more than two-thirds of the original mortgage amount – an achievement that, in no small part, is due to our special donations.
The principal now owing is about three hundred and eighty thousand dollars ($380,000). At the current rate of repayment, we estimate that the mortgage will be paid-off in about 10 years.
 If we continue to make additional annual lump-sum payments from special donations, we can move up the date of a mortgage-burning party. Just think of what more we could do once the mortgage is fully paid.
As we prepare for worship in-person as well as via live stream, prayerfully consider a donation to reducing our mortgage. Any amount of gift matters and is appreciated! Thank you for your ongoing support of the congregation.
Lyndon
Resource Stewardship Committee
|
|
|
Creation Photographs
 During the month of September we continue to celebrate the gift of creation. Women in Faith invite everyone to send us your favourite creation photo. Perhaps it is in your own backyard, something you see during a walk or perhaps you have a favourite spot that reminds you of God's creation. We want to see them all. Send Pastor Lyndon (pastorlyndon@shaw.ca) an email with your photo attached. The photos will be posted here in Crossroads (see below) and on Facebook and Instagram. For additional information please contact Janice Nelson.
|
|
|
Creation Photographs This Week
Photos from a walk in Beacon Hill park in downtown Victoria.
From Janice Nelson:
A Mighty Giant
A Waterfall in Action
A Rainy Day in Beacon Hill Park
From Lennor Stieda:
|
|
|
Wo men In Faith Book Group
The Women in Faith Book Group will meet on Wednesday, September 29th at 1:00 PM to discuss Hamnet and Judith (also known as Hamnet) by Maggie O'Farrell. The Zoom link will be sent out later in the month. If you wish to join us please contact the church office to be added to the email list.
|
|
|
Wednesday Scripture Study
Bring your Bible, a favourite beverage, and your sense of wonder as we delve into the week’s readings in a setting that is safe for curiosity and nurtures spiritual growth!
Join Denise Maier Pawliuk, Diaconal Candidate, in the Rotunda on Wednesdays from 10:30 AM to noon. Each session will include reading, reflection, and a personal spiritual practice such as meditation or centring prayer.
Join this Wednesday, September 22, 2021 (or another upcoming Wednesday). Drop-ins welcome.
Questions? Please contact Denise at dmaierpawliuk@gmail.com, Pastor Lyle pastorlyle@shaw.ca, or Pastor Lyndon pastorlyndon@shaw.ca.
|
|
|
Annual Luther Lecture
Luther College is pleased to present its annual Luther Lecture virtually this year. The 2021 Luther Lecturer is Dr. Azza Karam, Secretary General of Religions for Peace. The title of her lecture is "Religions and the Pandemic: Sobering or Hopeful?" Religions for Peace works to transform violent conflict, advance human development, promote just and harmonious societies, and protect the earth. This virtual lecture is on September 27 at 7:00 p.m. If you would like to register for this virtual event, please sign up for more details or to receive the Zoom link.
|
|
|
75 Years of Canadian Lutheran World Relief
For 75 years, Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) has been a grassroots movement of Lutherans in Canada with incredible global impact. Join ELCIC congregations across Canada in celebrating 75 years of this work with worship resources from CLWR and its partners around the world. Find out more by visiting clwr.org/75.
|
|
|
Read ahead:
Orange Shirt Sunday - Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
- September 26, 2021 Isaiah 43:1-3a
Psalm 23
Matthew 11:25-30
John 10:11-17
Worship Bulletin: CLICK HERE for Worship Bulletin
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
