Hope in Action - How We Serve
April 14, 2021
A Note from Kathy MacKrell and a SERVE Opportunity
Thank you, Crossroads family! Because of your generous giving to the Lenten Missions, we were able to give School Break Bundles to 30 ESL Families in Loudoun County and 50 Families at Payne Elementary in Southeast DC. In addition, over $500 in change was collected to purchase food for families in Guatemala and Uganda. 
We are also continuing to support the Round Hill Food Pantry. New items have been added to the list including laundry and dishwasher detergent, white rice and canned fruit. You may drop your donations in the bin outside Crossroads Entrance 1 any time. Or for ease there is an Amazon Wish List provided here. Purchase online and have the items delivered directly to Crossroads. 
Lenten/Easter Offering- Final Week
Thank you to all who have participated in the Lenten/Easter offering. To date, we have received $50,000 of our $65,000 goal! We are so close and could not be here without your generosity. Again, thank you!

If you have not had a chance to participate, there is still time! The Easter Offering is an opportunity to share over and above our regular giving and it specifically supports two important ministry areas, SERVE and the Capital Fund. The Capital Fund is how we keep our facility well maintained and in good repair. SERVE ministries are active throughout the entire year. 
 
With the generosity of your sacrificial gifts, we believe we can reach this goal to support these vital missions and ministries. Thank you in advance for expressing your love for God and others through the practice of giving.
 
You can help reach our Easter offering goal by giving online, through the GOTGo app, or mailing in your contributions. More information can be found here.
Social Justice & Advocacy
Take Action: Support Free and Fair Elections
As United Methodists, we “hold governments responsible for the protection of the rights of the people to free and fair elections” believing that “the form and the leaders of all governments should be determined by exercise of the right to vote guaranteed to all adult citizens.” (2016 Book of Discipline,¶164A)

Read more here.
Support a Pathway to Citizenship
After decades of organizing and advocacy by immigrants, activists, people of faith, and most importantly the tireless work of Black and Latino organizers, faith leaders, and allies, we have an opportunity to transform this fear into hope.

Read more here.
UMC Resources for Anti-Racism
Here are some resources from the United Methodist Church regarding racism:
Taking Care of the Community
COVID-19 Updates:

Loudoun County
Click here for the latest information on Covid-19 vaccines and testing in Loudoun County.

Clergy Vaccine Confidence
Dr. Anthony Fauci, Dr. Francis Collins and other leaders from the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Health and Human Services join Washington National Cathedral as we vaccinate DC-area clergy. Click here.
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”.  
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.
Plant NOVA Natives is an excellent resource for gardeners of all skill levels. You are encouraged to check out their website for upcoming online programs. Their monthly newsletter can be found here. 

The newsletter features an article on planting container gardens called Planting in Pots for Easy Butterfly Viewing.
 

Ask the Experts - We continue our series of interactive video conferences in which you can ask landscape designers for advice on improving your native plantings. Submit your questions and photos ahead of time if you can. Register on our website.
  • Pruning Native Shrubs and Trees: Maraea Harris
May 5, 6:30pm – 8 pm
Recordings of previous “Ask the Expert” events can be viewed on this YouTube playlist.
Community Resources
Salvation Army Food Distribution at Crossroads
The Salvation Army will have a truck in the Crossroads parking lot to distribute food. 

Distribution is Friday, April 16th at 11am.
 
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.
Loudoun County Public Schools Meal Service
Delivery of meals will be limited to Mondays only with all meals (breakfast, lunch, snack and supper) for the week (Monday through Sunday) delivered on Mondays. There will not be any deliveries Tuesday through Friday.

Please visit the interactive map to identify the location to get meals.
Some food pantries and other services available in Loudoun County are:
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. 
Additional resources:
  • Sunday message: Watch here or on the GOTGo app
  • GOTGo App - Download from your app store by searching Crossroads GOTGo
  • Daily Text - Text crossroads to 81411 to receive an inspirational text each evening 
  • Daily Scripture, Prayer and Morning Focus - Sign up here
  • Online giving: Sign up or submit giving here
  • Spiritual Practices: Find them here
  • Prayer Requests: Submit them here
  • Yoga and Wellness - Find online groups here
  • Small Groups: Find online groups here
  • Facebook - facebook.com/crossroadsnova
  • Instagram - instagram.com/crossroadsnova
  • Website - crossroadsnova.org