Welcome to Hope in Action July 9, 2020

A Note From Kathy MacKrell

Last week’s Summer Acts of Service project collected an abundance of hygiene products for our friends in DC experiencing homelessness. These products will be made into hygiene kits for the DC Day Services Center to distribute as needed. Thanks to all who participated in supporting those on the margins.

Summer Acts of Service This week’s Summer Act of Service is highlighting the Military Service members who protect our great nation, specifically those who visit Boulder Crest, in Bluemont, Virginia. Boulder Crest provides veterans and their families with a retreat where they can stay free of charge to rest and reconnect. The Crossroads family is being asked to provide thank you notes to veterans that visit Boulder Crest. They will be included in the Welcome Baskets they receive when they arrive. Because Boulder Crest guests represent many different religious and faith beliefs, we are asking that the notes be non-denominational. A sample note is provided  here  as a guide. All notes should be mailed to or dropped off at Crossroads UMC, Boulder Crest, 43454 Crossroads Drive, Ashburn, VA 20147 by Friday, July 10th. For more information on Boulder Crests visit their  website . 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.

Social Justice

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.

The Color of Compromise: An Ongoing Conversation Join us for 10 weekly online sessions (Wednesdays through August 19 from 7:00-8:30pm) featuring large group presentation and small group conversation focused on the history and legacy of racial injustice in our nation and the church. Through listening, learning, and sharing in conversation, we will reflect on both the painful reality of racism and meaningful steps toward greater levels of justice and reconciliation.   Pastor Jim Melson leads this weekly series based on the book  The Color of Compromise   by Jamar Tisby who is an African American speaker, theologian, writer and president of The Witness: A Black Christian Collective. The book is a challenging and insightful resource to help all of us learn and grow in the call of Jesus to racial justice and reconciliation.   If you can't attend each week, you can watch a recording of the teaching at your convenience.      To listen to the previous weekly sessions and to sign up for the ongoing conversation, click  here .

Taking Care of the Community

Let's Go To The Birds! Linda Colucci, a longtime Crossroad’s member and a lifetime lover of all things nature has written a Northern VA Background Bird Identification Guide and Checklist. Linda says she created the online Bird Guide and Checklist “to provide a meaningful activity for kids and adults of all ages to do right in their yard or while out on a walk in nature (ex: wooded trail, park). Use your observation skills to look and listen for birds, refer to this Bird Guide to identify them, and record your findings on the Bird Checklist. This of it as a living matching game.”  To download Bird Identification Guide and Checklist click here .

Masks Available at Crossroads 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.

Crossroads Native Plant Garden Crossroads will be featuring native plants 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: https://www.plantnovanatives.org/post/vegetable-gardening-for-earth-renewal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrivqxQgsBU&feature=youtu.be

Featured plant for this week Blazing Star

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.

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.

Additional Loudoun County resources are available for anyone in need of food.  Please take advantage of the following organizations:   Loudoun Hunger Relief Mobile Hope Dulles South Food Pantry Catholic Charities United Way

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.

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