Hope in Action - How We Serve
January 13, 2021
A Message from Kathy MacKrell
Crossroads Food Drive – Round Hill United Methodist Church
There are many families and individuals in Loudoun County who are food insecure. Unfortunately, this is not a new problem. The Covid-19 pandemic has only added to this crisis, forcing more people choose between paying the rent, utilities, medication or food. The media has shown us time and again the long lines of people waiting for food. Some of you in the Crossroads family have asked how we can help. This is our response.  
 
Crossroads will be starting a food drive to assist Round Hill United Methodist Church stock their pantry. The Round Hill 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. The Pantry is open the third weekend of the month, Saturday-Monday. There is also a newly installed Blessing Box located in front of the Pantry. It is stocked with an emergency supply of food for times the Pantry is closed.  
The majority of the families served at the Round Hill Food Pantry are Hispanic. In order to meet these families most requested needs, we are collecting the following items at this time:
 
  • Canola Oil
  • Corn Flour – NOT CORN MEAL
 
You may drop your donations in the bin outside Crossroads Entrance 1 any time or you can use the Amazon Wish List provided here and purchase on line and have the items delivered directly to Crossroads.  
 
Round Hill UMC Food Pantry treats all those seeking food assistance with respect and dignity. They are only asked their names and how they can be helped. Let us support our neighbors in the way of Jesus as well.  
Social Justice & Advocacy
Crossroads’ next book study on racial reconciliation is, "Be the Bridge" by Latasha Morrison. This 10 week study starts Tuesday, January 19th from 7:00-830pm. This study will be led by Crossroads leadership and will have large and small group interaction. 

During our last book study on the Color of Compromise, our eyes were opened to what we don’t know about the history of race in America and the church. Like many things in life, the more you know the more you can do. Let’s learn together how we can be bridge builders where we live and worship.  
 
The book is available here. 
Please register here. Contact Deborah Michel with any questions. 
Martine Luther King, Jr. Day
Monday, January 18th is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. This is a national holiday to commemorate the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement. It is also considered a National Day of Service. Everyone is encourage to do acts of service big or small on this day and everyday. Because of COVID restrictions, one way we could honor Dr. King is by learning more about who he was and what he stood for. 

Below are links to the Loudoun County Virtual MLK March and other resources:

"As a church, as Christians, we must condemn all the forces that led to the unprecedented insurrection today - forces of hate, of white supremacy, of distorted self-interest, and abuse of power. "
Taking Care of the Community
Winter doesn’t mean we forget about our gardens and landscaping! 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. 
 
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.

  • Monday, January 18, 10 am – 11 am (MLK Day): Melissa Gildea, Lotus Design and Consulting
  • Topic: Shade Gardens and Gardening among Tree Roots
  • Monday, February 1, 10:30-11:30 am: Jim McGlone, Virginia Department of Forestry
  • Topic: Choosing and planting native trees

Recordings of previous “Ask the Expert” events can be viewed on this YouTube playlist.
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.
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, January 22nd 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
  • Walk Up Meal Service - 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
  • Daily Bus Delivery of Breakfast and Lunch Meals throughout Loudoun County
  • 2 Runs: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm and 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
  • For delivery: Please visit the interactive map to identify the nearest bus stop and associated time for mobile service.
  • Daily breakfast and lunch meal service at 93 sites
  • Children and teens aged 18 and younger eat FREE of charge
  • Breakfast & lunch meals distributed simultaneously at both walk up sites and bus stops
  • Parent meal pick up available
  • Meal service available for childcare participants and students in attendance
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 Texts - Text crossroads to 81411 to receive inspirational texts each day 
  • 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
  • Imagine Well Being - Find online groups here
  • Small Groups: Find online groups here
  • Facebook - facebook.com/crossroadsnova
  • Instagram - instagram.com/crossroadsnova
  • Website - crossroadsnova.org