Crossroads’ message series during advent is, What if? What would happen if we would believe in the promises of Christmas? We will be exploring parts of the Christmas story by asking “What If” something different had happened. As the Mission and Serve Coordinator at Crossroads, I have never had to wonder “what if our church family did not step up and help those in need?”, because you always do. Last week was a shining example of how you were the hands and feet of Jesus in the world.  

Thanksgiving Baskets – Last week, 106 baskets full food and grocery gift cards were collected and delivered to families in Loudoun County and throughout Southeast DC and over 30 families were provided with grocery gift cards to purchase needed items for their Thanksgiving meal. Crossroads has always generously supported this mission and this year was no exception. Thanks to everyone who contributed. 

The Annual Thanksgiving Day Ashburn Farm Run – This year’s Thanksgiving Day Race was back in person and over 2,200 individuals participated. All the proceeds from this race go to support educating children and young adults in Uganda. What a blessing and comfort it was to know that so many of you answered the call to run or volunteer.

Bells & Lights - Christmas is coming and the Crossroads family is in the giving spirit! The Bells & Lights mission is going strong. 28 families with a total of over 100 children are signed up to receive gifts from Crossroads. All of the children receiving gifts have shoppers assigned but we are still in need of Walmart gift cards. While it may be more fun to shop for families, imagine the joy and satisfaction the parents will have shopping for their own children. What a gift and blessing this will be. Please consider signing up here to purchase Walmart gift cards. You can also make a monetary donation online or by mail designated Bells and Lights. All gift donations and gift cards must be returned to Crossroads during the weekdays between the hours of 10am-3pm or before worship on Sundays on or before December 19th.

School Break Bundles - Crossroads will once again be providing School Break Bundles for needy families at Payne Elementary in Southeast DC, Trailside Middle School and our ESL families in Loudoun County. By providing any of the food items listed here, or donating $30.00 to School Break Bundles, you will be helping those students at risk of going without food during Christmas Break. Our goal is to provide 100 Bundles. Food Items can be dropped off at Crossroads Entrance 1 anytime during the week or before worship on or before December 19th. Monetary donations should be marked School Break Bundles and can be made online or mailed to Crossroads. To find out how you can get involved, contact Kathy MacKrell at kmackrell@crossroadsnova.org.

Give Generously – Crossroads’ Christmas offering is not used directly for food or gifts, however the offering will be used to support staff who work directly and indirectly to make missions happen as well as support the building where many Crossroads missions take place. Without the ongoing support of the Crossroads community, our missions would not be possible. The goal for this year’s Christmas offering is $200,000. Click here to give.

January 29, 2021 will be a day to remember at Crossroads. We are partnering with Generosity Feeds and Concepts creating 15,000 meals for the nearly 20% of children locally struggling with hunger.

To learn more about this event or to sign up click here.

To learn more about Porch de Salomon, you can also check out their website or contact Kathy MacKrell at kmackrell@crossroadsnova.org.

Afghan Refugees Assistance & Volunteer Opportunity 

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 refugees, 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 refugees across the country. To find out how you can volunteer or donate needed items, check out the AYRF website here.

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.

This Community Foundation of Loudoun workshop of our Racial Equity Framework program engages community members in conversation about race and racism.

Date: Thursday, December 2 and Friday, December 3, 2021

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. both days

Location: Online via Zoom

Cost: $50

Registration Link: https://oniondialoguesdecember2021.eventbrite.com

The Onion Dialogues workshop, presented by Amy Owen and Tamara Copeland, provides participants the opportunity to explore and normalize conversation about race and racism. Just as an onion has many layers, The Onion Dialogues engages participants in a multi-faceted discussion about race. Exploring topics such as language, systemic racism throughout US history, microaggressions, white fragility, and more, Amy Owen and Tamara will lead participants through an interactive dialogue in this two-day introductory workshop.

The Onion Dialogues is a two-day, online workshop from 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. on December 2nd and 3rd. Participants must attend both days.

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.

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, Community Tree Planting. This marks the beginning of Plant NOVA Natives Celebration of Trees campaign.

Loudoun County now has weekly free COVID-19 testing events. For information on where and when free COVID-19 testing is scheduled in your area, click here. 

Anyone age 5 and older is eligible to receive a vaccine. Certain groups are now eligible for a COVID-19 booster. 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.