Welcome to Hope in Action
August 6, 2020
A Note From Kathy MacKrell
Summer Acts of Service
Throughout the summer, the Crossroads family has had a weekly opportunity to be transformed by the stories from the Book of Acts where the first followers of Jesus shared the good news of love with their family, community and world. Each week, Crossroads Summer Acts of Service had us all working together inter-generationally to change the world one person, family and community at a time. We served in our neighborhoods by collecting food for Mobile Hope, making dog toys for the Loudoun Animal Shelter and writing notes of gratitude to veterans and first responders at Boulder Crest. We served those experiencing homelessness in DC by assembling hygiene kits and those around the world by supporting a chicken project in Uganda and helping feed families in Guatemala during the COVID Crisis. We have even served our families, friends and ourselves through random acts of kindness.
Through sharing stories of transformation experienced while serving the least of these, we were all able to see what Jesus knew all along. It is better to give than to receive. Thank you to all who participated in Summer Acts of Service. Even though we were not together physically, we were able to still be connected in service to those in need.

Hopefully, through weekly reflections and prayer around these acts of service,
you were able to grow deeper in your faith and awareness of your daily purpose as a follower of Jesus. Perhaps you have a clearer picture of what it means for you and/or your family to serve in ways big and small and would like to engage further. If so, I would love to hear what God is calling you to do next. Email me at kmackrell@crossroadsnova.org and together we will make it happen.

Before you serve with action, begin by going through the reflection questions that can be found here. We go inward to reflect and then we go outward to serve.
School Supplies for Payne Elementary
School is just around the corner. With most students distance learning, school supplies will look different this year. Crossroads will be providing at risk students at Payne Elementary in Southwest DC and Loudoun County with supplies needed to help the students be most successful. 

Supplies include classroom items, cleaning supplies and food items.

  • One Subject Notebooks
  • Loose Leaf Paper
  • Composition Notebooks
  • Mechanical Pencils
  • Colored Markers
  • Headphones
  • Hand Sanitizer Gel
  • Lysol Spray/Disinfecting Wipes
  • Paper Towels
  • Hand Soap
  • Face Masks
  • Granola Bars
  • Macaroni & Cheese Cups
  • Ramen Noodles
  • Apple Sauce

Supplies can be purchased locally and dropped off at Crossroads Entrance 1 or click here for an Amazon Wish List. Contact Kathy MacKrell if you have any questions.
Social Justice
Voting Processes Start NOW—Do you know the changed requirements?  
by Jan Wilson

One of your most powerful acts of social justice, or simply of being an American, is voting. Like everything else this year however, how you vote has changed. So, let’s be sure you have the facts and information you need to ensure that you can vote safely and have your vote counted. You have options and requirements. Are you ready? There are deadlines for various forms of voting that you don’t want to miss. If you have any questions, read on.

Fortunately in Virginia, unlike a lot of states, our lawmakers have made it easier and safer to cast our ballots during the coronavirus pandemic. However, all options come with requirements and deadlines. Let me give you an overview of the changes and then you can decide between the options of how and when you want to vote and check those requirements. The new rules have:

  • Eliminated a previous requirement for voters to attest to a valid reason for voting absentee. Now any eligible voter can safely cast an absentee ballot from home. Absentee ballots will be mailed out to those who request one starting 45 days before Election Day, Tuesday, November 3.
  • Expanded early in-person voting so that anyone can vote in person starting 45 days before Election Day at several locations. 
  • Eliminated the requirement of a photo ID at the polls, though you'll still need some form of identification or documentation and YOU NEED TO WEAR A MASK to enter the polls.
  • Designated Election Day as a state holiday, providing a day off for many employees.

So, make your decision on how you want to cast your ballot and follow the requirements to do that effectively. Traditional in person voting on election day at your polling location. Voting early in person at designated locations? Requesting and submitting an absentee ballot? As I mentioned, they all have different requirements and deadlines. So, let’s dig deeper and be sure you’re all set. First….  
Wearing Masks - A Social Justice Issue
As we have said many times before, taking care of our neighbor is the most important thing we can do as Christians. Right now, one of the easiest ways we can do that is by wearing a mask. It is simple. According to the CDC wearing a mask and social distancing are our best defenses against contracting and spreading Covid-19.  

To me wearing a mask says, “I see you, you are important to me and we are in this together”.  

If you don’t have a mask, Crossroads has cloth masks available. Stop by Crossroads Entrance 1 and pick one up weekdays from 10:30am-1:30pm. 
Taking Care of the Community
Masks Available at Crossroads
A limited number of masks are available for pick up at Crossroads. Please email Kathy MacKrell and we will get a mask to you for free or a small donation for those who are able. Masks are also available outside Crossroads’ Entrance 1, weekdays from 10:30am-1:30pm. 
Crossroads Native Plant Garden
Each week we are featuring a native plant in bloom in our native garden. The garden is flourishing and contains many pollinator plants that provide vital nutrients that keep insects alive and sustain them throughout the year. They also provide a safe habitat that is free from chemicals to help support the pollinator populations. If you live in the area, you are encouraged to check it out on your next nature walk or drive by. Click here for more information on native plants for Northern Virginia. You can also contact Crossroads' Native Plant Specialist, BJ Lecrone. Native plants can be purchased online at Watermark Nursery in Hamilton, Virginia.

For information on planting a vegetable garden and why pollinator gardens are important check out the following links:
Featured plant for this week
Community Resources
Loudoun County Health & Human Services has provided a comprehensive list of resources available to those in need. The link is here.

Contact the Loudoun County Information and Referral (I&R) program to get connected to vital health and human services information and resources in Loudoun County. The link is here.

Some vital resources are highlighted below.
COVID-19 Limited Rent Assistance
Loudoun County government has established a limited rent assistance program for Loudoun County households economically impacted by COVID-19. Check this link for details.

Loudoun Cares
Through their Information & Referral Helpline, Loudoun Cares connects residents in need with local nonprofits and agencies that can assist with a variety of health and human services that include rent/utility assistance, food, clothing, medical/dental, housing, job services and more. If you are in need of assistance, call the helpline at 703-669-4636 or click here for their website.

Unemployment and Employment Resources
Loudoun Workforce Resource Center provides information about unemployment benefits or other work-related topics. Click here for their website.

Crossroads Jobs is a non profit experienced in advising candidates who have challenges in securing employment. Counseling is available in English and Spanish. They will also assist those who need help filing for unemployment. All services are free. Click here for their website. 
Feed our neighbors
Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS), in participation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Summer Food Service Program, is planning to continue to support families during the current COVID-19 pandemic by providing breakfast and lunch to all children 18 years of age and under through the month of August.
 
Meal service will be provided at 28 current walk-up sites and bus stops. (For a list of the bus stops, click here.) Pick-up meal service is available between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. weekdays at 28 locations. Click here for the complete list of locations.  
Salvation Army Food Distribution at Crossroads
 
The Salvation Army will have a truck in the Crossroads parking lot to distribute food. Distribution is Wednesday, August 19th at 3pm the parking lot.
 
You will receive a FREE box of food that should feed a family of 4 for a week. We have 30 boxes to hand out so please come and get one. Please contact Kathy MacKrell if you would like to reserve a box.
Additional Loudoun County resources are available for anyone in need of food. 
Please take advantage of the following organizations:
 
Additional resources:
  • Sunday message: Watch here or on the GOTGo app
  • GOTGo App - Download from your app store by searching Crossroads GOTGo
  • Daily Texts - Text crossroads to 41411 to receive inspirational texts each day 
  • Daily Scripture, Prayer and Morning Focus - Sign up here
  • Spiritual Practices: Find them here
  • Prayer Requests: Submit them here
  • Imagine Well Being - Find online groups here
  • Small Groups: Find online groups here
  • Facebook - facebook.com/crossroadsnova
  • Instagram - instagram.com/crossroadsnova
  • Website - crossroadsnova.org