June’s Summer Acts of Service will focus on animal and creation care. As United Methodists we are called to be stewards of all of God’s creation. The following is an excerpt from the United Methodist Social Principles:The Natural World.

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.

*Loudoun County Animal Shelter – Crossroads will be collecting food items for the LCAS food drive. We are collecting the following items:

*Donate handmade dog toys to the LCAS. Watch this tutorial for making dog toys. These simple and easy to make toys are a fun activity for all to enjoy. All you need is a tee shirt!

All food items and dog toys can be dropped off during worship on Sundays or outside Crossroads Entrance 1 any time before Wednesday, June 30th. An Amazon wish list for food items can be found here for easy shipping to Crossroads.  

*Learn about Native Wildlife by checking out the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center- The center is a full-service, wildlife teaching hospital that cares for injured, sick, or orphaned native wildlife and teaches the public how to be good stewards of the land around us. Check out their website for educational opportunities and ways you can serve.  

*Learn to care about all of God’s Creation by checking out the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy – Audubon at Home. The Audubon at Home program was created to make a difference by supporting the efforts of property owners and managers to become better stewards of nature in their own outdoor spaces.

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 adult and children’s toothpaste and toothbrushes, shampoo 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 is excited to announce a new 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.

“Expanding the Table,” a new video podcast series from the General Commission on Religion and Race focuses on how individual Christians and church-based entities can and should engage the work of racial justice-making and anti-racism. Read the press release here.

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)

Thirst Quenchers - As states impose restrictions on how to vote, we must evaluate this decision through the lens of God’s love. Read about it here.

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.

June is Gay Pride Month

Crossroads welcomes and affirms all persons without regards to sexual orientation or gender identity. Everyone is a sacred member of God's family.

History of Gay Pride Month - To learn more about the history of Gay Pride Month and how you can get involved in supporting our LGBTQ+ Community, click here.

Trevor Report Findings - From the Trevor Project’s latest report, “even just one accepting adult in an LGBTQ kid’s life can lower their likelihood of attempting suicide by 40%.” Read more about the findings here.

PFLAG Loudoun - PFLAG Loudoun meets virtually every fourth Tuesday from 7-8:30pm. They offer online break out groups for LGBTQ+ Adults, LGBTQ+ Youth (12-17) and Families/Allies of LGBTQ+ folk. To register click here.

How to Be an Ally and Advocate for LGBTQ+ Teens - Discussion Series - The Ryan Bartel Foundation - June 10th, 7pm. The Ryan Bartel Foundation offers a safe, inclusive space for all youth, including LGBTQ+ young people, through our teen meetups, workshops and volunteer opportunities. Register here.

Reconciling Ministries - Reconciling Ministries provides A Prayer for Pride Month.

Click here to read it.

Celebrate June with Sacred Worth Books For Children There is so much to celebrate in June! Look through this list of our Sacred Worth children’s books to find ways to share June's observance days, from World Environment Day to Father's Day to Juneteenth to Pride, with the children in your life.

Click here to see the complete list.

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.

Conversations about COVID-19 vaccines are opportunities for mission, United Methodist Global Ministries' leaders say, adding that United Methodists can love their neighbors by participating in the discussions. Read about it here.

Native plants can be purchased online 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 planting container gardens called Planting in Pots for Easy Butterfly Viewing.

The newsletter features an article on Native Plant Sales - Native Plant Sales Are Booming

Ask the Expert - Rain Gardens

A rain garden is a constructed landscaping element where storm water is captured and filtered by native plants. Maria Harwood from the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District will give some basic background and answer questions that are submitted ahead of time. Register here.

Recordings of previous “Ask the Expert” events can be viewed on this YouTube playlist.

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

Please visit the interactive map to identify the location to get meals.

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.