Last summer, Crossroads led a weekly conversation about Racial Injustice. It was based around the book The Color of Compromise by Dr. Jemar Tisby. Over 75 people from all over the country participated in these conversations. For many, this time together was eye-opening and cemented our commitment to pursuing racial justice and equality for everyone.

Tomorrow night, the Discipleship Ministries, UMC is hosting a free webinar, How to Fight Racism: Courageous Christianity and the Journey Toward Racial Justice. One of the presenters is Dr. Jemar Tisby, the best-selling author of The Color of Compromise and How to Fight Racism. 

Click here for more information and to register for this free webinar.

As the weather turns colder, it is time for Crossroads’ Warming the Homeless - Coats and Boots mission! Coats and boots will be distributed to the DC Downtown Day Services Center and the Loudoun County Homeless Shelter. You can contribute by donating new boots size 8-13 as well as jackets/parkas in LG-XXXLG. You can also make a monetary donation to Crossroads marked “Warming the Homeless” by mail or on our website. All donations are tax deductible. The deadline is October 24th.

Volunteers will be needed to sort the many coats and boots that are donated and pack them for distribution. Sorting will take place on Wednesday, October 27th; you can sign up to volunteer here.

The trucks will be Two Smooth Dudes, Big Kyle's BBQ, and Bilstads Beignets.

In order to make this event as welcoming as possible, we are in need of a few volunteers.  Sign-up here if you would like to help set-up or take down some tables and chairs.  

The 28th Annual Ashburn Farm 10K/5K/2K

We’re back to continue the tradition. Whether you run to win, run for fun, run to support our students in Uganda or just run because you want a guilt free day of eating – plan to join us for the 28^th Annual Race events. You can choose to run in person or participate virtually.

Runners, volunteers, sponsors and donors are needed. Learn more or email Jen Score for more information about how to be involved.

Many people have asked how we can help our brothers and sisters who are fleeing Afghanistan. At this time Crossroads is not currently collecting items for Afghan Evacuees, however there are ways to help! The Afghanistan Youth Relief Foundation (AYRF), located in Chantilly across from the Dulles Expo Center is in need of volunteers to sort and label supplies being collected and distributed to Afghan evacuees across the country. To find out how you can volunteer or donate needed items, check out the AYRF website here. The All Dulles Muslim Society (ADAMS) Center is requesting only monetary donations at this time. The link to make donations is here. To see what the United Methodist Church is recommending as appropriate responses, click here or here.

In response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti, the United Methodists Committee on Relief (UMCOR) has asked for monetary support at this time. Anyone interested in supporting UMCOR’s response in Haiti can make gifts online here or by checks sent to Global Ministries/UMCOR, 458 Ponce De Leon Ave, NE Atlanta, GA 30308, with Advance #982450 noted on the memo line.

As always, prayers for those in Afghanistan and Haiti during these incredibly difficult times are appreciated and very much needed.

Crossroads continues to assist the Round Hill United Methodist Church stock their food pantry. The Round Hill Food Pantry has been serving their Round Hill/Western Loudoun neighbors for 10 years. As many as 31 families (over 100 individuals) visit the Pantry each month.

Items being collected are changed periodically. Currently, we are collecting mayonnaise, taco kits, strawberry jam and corn flour. You may drop your donations in the bin outside Crossroads Entrance 1 any time. For ease there is an Amazon Wish List provided here. Purchase online and have the items delivered directly to Crossroads. More information can be found here.

The Crossroads’ SERVE Team provides a Crossroads’ Microloan Ministry called SPARK! SPARK stands for: *Start *Propel *Access *Reach *Kindle

For more information about the SPARK Microloan Program, visit our webpage to download an application or contact Kathy MacKrell for next steps.  

Interested in supporting the ministry? The SERVE team is looking for volunteers to be Peer Coaches, please contact Kathy MacKrell.

A general election will be held in Loudoun County on Tuesday, November 2, 2021. Offices on the ballot will include governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, seats in the Virginia House of Delegates along with other local government positions.

For information on how, where and when you can vote at home, early or on election day, click here.

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 featured monthly newsletter article is titled, Celebrate Fall Color. This marks the beginning of Plant NOVA Natives Celebration of Trees campaign.

Loudoun County has expanded free COVID-19 testing events to weekly beginning October 12, 2021. For information on where and when free covid testing is scheduled in your area, click here. 

Anyone age 12 and older is eligible to receive a vaccine. If you have health concerns regarding the vaccine, please discuss them with your doctor and make the safest decision for you and your family. A link to schedule your vaccine is here.

Loudoun County, Virginia, is urging residents to take advantage of programs set up to help with the economic impact of the coronavirus.

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.

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.