Welcome to Hope in Action
May 20, 2020
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A Note From Kathy MacKrell
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During this Pandemic, Crossroads has been limited in what SERVE Opportunities we are allowed to participate in. Social distancing doesn’t allow us to be up close and personal with those on the margins. Crossroads members are doers however, and we have found new ways to serve the most vulnerable.
Some of us are making masks. Other have donated critical items such as diapers, toilet paper and toiletries. Others are in contact with those identified as vulnerable in our community and others are shopping for them. Notes and Birthday cards are being written to healthcare workers, teachers and the elderly. We have delivered grocery cards to the Loudoun County Homeless Shelter.
The SERVE team will continue to find opportunities for Crossroads to serve our community in creative ways. The new and ongoing ways to serve will be highlighted below each week.
The team is also committed to helping us all find ways to advocate and speak up for those who don’t have a voice, just as Jesus did. Serving in this way is equally important.
For the next five weeks, Jan Wilson, a SERVE Team member, will be sharing her thoughts on social justice and how we as United Methodists can serve those who don’t have a voice. I hope you enjoy her writings and are inspired by what she has to say. I am grateful to stand with her advocating for change.
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Act Justly?
In the past weeks you’ve heard Dave talk about, and seen Kathy write about, social justice. I must confess, social justice is a passion… When I see the many ways injustice prevails, it both breaks my heart and makes my blood boil when I see discrimination and unfairness especially with the vulnerable and marginalized in our society. If we’re all created equal and God loves each of us equally, why do some of us have greater access to justice and why do we see so much inequality?
Even though my passion is to try to help eliminate injustice, ensuring justice is biblically based and a vital part of the United Methodist beliefs. Jesus taught us to strive and long for the elimination of inequities. Throughout the Bible, advocacy of social justice is prevalent, starting with the answer Jesus gave to the question of what the greatest commandment is…. Love your neighbor as you love yourself. The Old Testament gives us more guidance by asking and answering “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8.
We are required to act justly and to walk with God towards justice! What does that mean for each of us? As a lawyer I am passionate about the law, but I know that laws aren’t always equitable. Laws are enforced by imperfect beings, making inequities inevitable. Throughout the bible we are taught that we should strive and long for the elimination of inequities and long to be more equitable. The Lord requires it, and our neighbors are desperate for it.
If you want to know about what’s required of you and what you can do, you’re in luck because your church, Crossroads, and the larger United Methodist Church have as core principles treating people justly and seeking justice. In fact, the 2020 Social Principles, all 44 pages of them, can be read
here.
For a glimpse at what the church is doing, you can skim that, or watch
this
.
But the church does more than write or speak about justice---it has dozens of resources and more opportunities and ways to serve…locally or globally because we’re all neighbors in this global world. There are limitless ways we can fight injustice by doing something.
In the coming weeks you’ll hear more here about the UMC resources and what each of us at Crossroads can do. I know that the needs can seem overwhelming, but as Max Lucado has said, “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something”. We hope you’ll join us in learning how we can seek justice for all of God's people. Let’s each do something.
Specifically tomorrow, May 21st, you could take a late lunch and join the Church and Society of the United Methodist Church webinar on Systemic Racism and Covid 19. For more information on the entire Webinar series - "
COVID-19: Pre-existing Disparities Exposed"
and to register for this week's session, click
here
.
Together we can literally change the world.
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Hope in Action Featured Friend
Karin Ippolito is a nurse at INOVA. Karin attends Crossroads with her brother Chris. A couple of weeks ago Chris wrote us a note wanting to share Karin’s story. This is what he wrote:
"My sister, Karin, attends Crossroads and is a nurse here in Loudoun county. Her unit cares for very sick individuals, more than a few of which now include those with COVID-19. Beyond being exposed to the virus, she must self quarantine...so it’s been nearly two months since we’ve been able to have real contact with her (we celebrated her birthday a few weeks ago in the street in front of her house).
Under ‘normal’ conditions her work is stressful; now as you can imagine, it’s exponentially more so. This past week was tough with an increase in COVID cases, but she is staying strong and positive as she cares for the sick and is present for those who are alone."
Let us show our appreciation for her dedication and hard work; we know Karin would love a note from you!
Please send letters to: Crossroads UMC Attn: Karin Ippolito, 43454 Crossroads Drive, Ashburn, VA 20147
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Monday, May 25
th
is Memorial Day – This day is usually observed by going to parades, parties and traditional Memorial Day observances. While we won’t be celebrating communally this year, it's important to remember what the holiday is truly about: honoring the men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom.
Here are a few ideas of how we can celebrate and honor the true meaning of Memorial Day:
- Moment of Remembrance - There is an official time to remember the lost each year on Memorial Day: The official National Moment of Remembrance takes place at 3 p.m. local time around the country.
- Sidewalk Chalk Art - Get all the kids involved to create a patriotic-theme mural, or even just write out a simple thank you to our veterans, using side walk chalk.
- Send words of support and appreciation to our heroes serving on the frontlines of the COVID-19 Pandemic including the military. A link to Operation Gratitude is here.
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Taking Care of the Community
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic, our mental health is more fragile than ever. It is important for us all to be looking out for higher levels of anxiety and depression in ourselves and our loved ones. The CDC has provided a great resource on
Stress & Coping During COVID-19
.
Finding ways to cope amid this crisis will make us all stronger coming out of it.
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Masks Available and Mask Making
A limited number of masks are now 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.
If you are interested in helping produce the cloth mask, you can contact
Jill Hughes
.
You can sew masks or prep and cut material. Jill also has created a Facebook page under the name
Emmaline's Treasures
to share information.
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Crossroads Native Plant Garden
Crossroads will be featuring native plants in bloom in our native garden. The garden has been prepped for spring and is alive and well. 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.
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Featured plant for this week
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Loudoun County Health & 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.
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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.
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Feed our neighbors
It is important during this time to make sure that all families have enough to eat. Take advantage of Loudoun County School Nutrition Services’ free breakfast and lunch options. Many Loudoun County Public Schools are open for food pick up.
A list of LCPS meal pick up locations can be found
here
and a map of LCPS meal service bus routes can be found
here
.
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Additional Loudoun County resources are available for anyone in need of food.
Please take advantage of the following organizations:
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Unemployment and Employment Resources
Loudoun Workforce Resource Center provides i
nformation 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.
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- 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
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