Dear OCCers,
We will not be meeting together for the next few weeks (until at least April 19). Our Leadership Team, following the Ministry of Health, will evaluate the situation on an on-going basis.
Follow OCC updates for details on how we are going to work together over this next season, even while we can’t meet face to face. We will not be live-streaming our service. But we will be creating or linking to video, graphic and written content to enable us to enter into worship, to dig into God’s Word, to pray for one another, and encourage us to care for OCC and our neighbours. We will also be creating or linking you to resources for OCCKids, OCCYouth and families.
We can walk through these days, together, with God’s strength and presence.
A few things to note:
- Practice “social distancing.” That means keep your distance from others. Don’t meet with others.
- When you do have to go out, to get groceries and other necessities, please wash your hands vigorously. If you are unable to get out because you are in quarantine or self-isolating because you have just returned from out of Canada, please let us know – we will do that for you.
- Do get out and get some fresh air and exercise, but do that alone, or with your family.
- Please keep in contact with those who are older or whom you know have health issues by text, phone, email or social media to ensure their safety and well being. While we cannot gather together, and some are in quarantine or self-isolating, we want to do our best to make sure that everyone feels connected. Isolation MUST NOT mean alienated or forgotten.
- Listen to that nudge of the Holy Spirit. Maybe make one or two calls a day – you will bless others and you will be blessed as well.
- Expenses at OCC continue. We are taking steps to reduce these as much as possible. The Leadership Team at OCC wants to thank you for your faithfulness in giving to the ministry of OCC. You can give online, by e-transfer, or mail. See the above link for all the details.
This is a time for grace and imagination. As well as a crisis, it is an opportunity to follow Jesus in loving our neighbour. Let us be ready to respond to the needs of family, OCC, neighbours and even strangers. We love our community and want to ensure its thriving for the sake of our life together and for all our neighbours in our spread-out-all-over-Orillia-and-area church.
We live in a world where all creation is groaning and we ourselves are groaning as we wait for the adoption of the children of God and for the redemption that is ours through Christ. Christians have generally been at their best when everyone else around them is consumed with panic. We are faith people and love people and serve others even when it costs us. Let’s be those people now when it counts. If you have any questions, please let us know.
In Christ,
pastor Mike
For up-to-date information follow the Government of Canada public health site:
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html
Simcoe Muskoka Public Health site:
http://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/Promos/Novel-Coronavirus
OCC website
https://occweb.org/news-and-updates/category/covid-19-updates/
occ 2020 letter 2 letterhead
You need to know, friends, that thanking God over and over for you is not only a pleasure; it’s a must. We have to do it. Your faith is growing phenomenally; your love for each other is developing wonderfully. Why, it’s only right that we give thanks. We’re so proud of you; you’re so steady and determined in your faith despite all the hard times that have come down on you. We tell everyone we meet in the churches all about you.
