In an UMC news article condemning the Buffalo shooting, Rev. George Nicholas, the Pastor of Lincoln UMC and a close friend to Aaron Salter who was killed, said the following: “See for us Black folks, we are familiar with suffering. This ain’t news to us. We’ve been here before and we’re just desperately waiting for God’s people to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us not just for a moment, not just for a vigil, not just for prayer time. I’m talking about standing with us.”  

If you would like to stand with those being terrorized by those filled with hate and don’t know where to start, I encourage you to read the UMC news article Churches Condemn Hate, Urge Action After Shootings. In it you will find many ways you can take action. 

Crossroads wants to honor a special group of moms who are enrolled at W.O. Robey High School in Sterling. William O. Robey High School is Loudoun County Public Schools' (LCPS) first Non-Traditional High School that opened this academic year. This high school serves students who are working, parenting, or need to earn credits more quickly than their traditional LCPS High School allows. Currently there are 23 students enrolled and five are moms.  

We will be collecting them until Sunday, May 29th. You can purchase these items in person and drop them off at Entrance 1 of the church anytime, on Sundays during worship, or through our Amazon wish list. A monetary donation will also be accepted by clicking here, and we will purchase the items for you!  

Come and support our local food truck community! Invite your friends and neighbors and enjoy great local food. Volunteers are needed to help set-up, greet, and clean-up. You can sign-up here to volunteer.

Stick around after dinner for AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) Heritage Movie Night! Learn about AAPI Heritage and see what movies will be featured 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 corn flour, canola oil, spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, macaroni pasta and angel hair pasta. They have also requested used egg cartons. You may drop your donations in the bin outside Crossroads Entrance 1 anytime. For ease there is an Amazon Wish List provided here. You can purchase the items online and have them delivered directly to Crossroads.

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.

We are all holding the people of Ukraine in our prayers. A prayer for Ukraine can be found here.

As we pray for protection, reconciliation and peace, you may feel called to help in other ways. Although United Methodist Global Ministries currently does not have missionaries on the ground in Ukraine, United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is communicating with partners in the region to coordinate a humanitarian response. We can support UMCOR’s international disaster response efforts by making a gift here. 

Native plants can be purchased online or in person at Watermark Nursery in Hamilton, Virginia. You can also contact Crossroads' Native Plant Specialist, BJ Lecrone. 

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 Rescuing Trees called Millions of Trees at Risk in Northern Virginia? Introducing Tree Rescuers! 

Residential households in the U.S. are now eligible for another order of free at-home tests on USPS.com. Here's what you need to know about your order:

Order yours here.

COVID Testing – Free COVID Testing is available throughout Loudoun County. For information on where and when to schedule free COVID-19 testing 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.