Happy New Year Crossroads! In Sunday's message, Pastor Tim laid out how we as a church are going to live out Crossroads’ vision in 2022. Our vision is to transform the world one person, one family, one community at a time with the compassion, forgiveness, service, and wisdom seen in Jesus. We will continue to do this by offering ALL people an unlimited welcome, God’s unconditional love, and an unwavering hope of transformation. We intend to grow our ministries and mission over the coming year by going back to the ways of the early church. It will be through our connection to one another.

Get used to the word connection because we will be using it a lot this year. We will be finding new ways to connect with one another within Crossroads and with those in our community. I can’t think of a better way to get connected than through service to others. When we work to help our neighbor, we become more connected to each other and to those we serve. We see each other in new ways and are transformed into better humans. The early church knew how important it was to welcome everyone, help one another and share life experiences. We were not made to go it alone. We need to connect.

I look forward to serving and connecting with you this year. One way you can serve right now is by wearing a mask in public and getting vaccinated and/or boosted for COVID-19. We need to take care of each other.

Crossroads Jobs is a great organization that helps people who have challenges securing employment.  For the month of January, Crossroads Jobs will receive a $1 donation from each purchase of the $2.50 reusable Community Bag at the Giant store located at 61 Catoctin Circle NE, Leesburg VA.

Grab some groceries, help the environment and support our program - a one-stop opportunity!! To learn more about Crossroads Jobs click here. 

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

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.

Loudoun County now has free COVID-19 testing events twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays. 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.