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OPC Mini-Newsletter                                                  September 25, 2020                                                                

“Small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7: 14

To a newspaper inquiry asking of its readers: “What is wrong with the world?” author G. K. Chesterton sent back the shortest letter the editor had ever received:  Dear Sir, regarding your article “What’s wrong with the world?”—I am. Yours truly, G. K. Chesterton

Chesterton’s response demonstrates a humility that is lacking in many people. When you come to think of it, most of us would much rather note someone else’s shortcomings or sins than our own.  This is the easy way. The first step towards transformation is to be aware of our faults and face up to our sins, rather than going into a state of denial about our failures and getting defensive about the foolish choices we’ve made.

The road to God is a narrow road and often not followed. It’s easy to be lured away from the straight path by choosing the easy way (the wider path). Here are some examples of taking the wider path: making personal comfort your main life goal; being prideful, pursuing materialism; sensual satisfaction, etc. When we follow the wide road, we live with little influence from God as we make our daily decisions. We can then find ourselves alone. Also, when we seek to continue to carry our own burdens and not ask Christ to help carry them, we can be consumed by anxiety and worry for the future especially during this time of Covid uncertainty.

To avoid these and more, we have to name sin for what it is and not allow its influence to sidetrack us. Let’s turn to Psalm 23 (NIV) which gives us divine joy and encouragement and peace as we follow God’s way:

       1.   The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

2.   He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters,

3. He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
4. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;

       Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

5. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

       You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

6. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,

       And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Prayer: Lord, may we be quick to repent from being sidetracked. Lead us in your way and may we always be ready to follow your path and rest in the faithfulness and joy of your grace. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Blessings, Pastor Ed                                                          

YOUTH

Sunday Mornings - We continue to have our Youth lesson on our YouTube video. Plan on joining us there. 
Wednesday Evenings @ 6:30pm - Our Zoom meetings are continuing. It is very exciting to see one another again. Contact Jeff to get the link to be part of the zoom call. 

YOUNG ADULTS 

Zoom Bible Study will be continuing this Sunday as we study the book of Acts, Chapter 13. Email Jeff to get a link to be part of the study. 

PASTORAL / ADULT MINISTRY NEWS

WEDNESDAY MORNING CAFÉ met in a new and safe way – outside
*PLEASE NOTE THE NEW TIME*

"Bring-your-own beverage & snack Café" (ONLY IF WEATHER PERMITS)

• DATE:  Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. 
• PLACE: OPC South Lawn (under/near the pine trees)

Tables and chairs will be set out (a safe social distance) or bring your own lawn chairs.

This is a wonderful opportunity for us to start re-connecting in person. Thank you all for the many caring ways you have connected with each other over the past 6 months. It is a blessing!

REOPENING INFORMATION:

This Sunday, September 27th we have will have services at: 9:15am and 11:00am 
Spots are still available for both services. Register today! 

Your health and well-being is very important to us. Here are a few things that we want you to know before joining us. 

• If you have any Covid-19 Symptoms or have come in contact with a confirmed case of Covid-19, please enjoy the service from home on YouTube.
• Please use washroom facilities at home. On site facilities will be available for emergency use. 
• At this time Congregational singing is not permitted.
• There will be no Children and Youth programming at this time.

*Registration opens on Monday morning for the next Sunday. The link is the same each week so please save it on your computer. Or go to the OPC website www.oakridgechurch.ca and click on the link. Register early, seating is limited.

If you are unable to register yourself online, please contact Kathy MacDonald to get registered. kmacdonald@oakridge.london.ca or 519-471-2290 Ext. 221 

Kind regards,
OPC Reopening Team

F.A.Q.

Is it safe to come to church?

• The Reopening team has worked hard to increase our safety measures.  Before we opened to the public we contacted the Middlesex London Health Unit (MLHU) and had an inspection done to ensure all safety measures were being met. The inspector was extremely satisfied with our protocols.
• These protocols include: hand washing/sanitizer stations throughout the church; mandatory masks/face shields while in the building; disinfecting of high touch surfaces and pews; screening procedures; and contact tracing measures.

Why doesn’t Rev. Ed wear a mask when he preaches?

• Rev. Ed wears a mask/shield before and after the service. Due to microphone and hearing difficulties he preaches without one.  According to the MLHU Inspector, Rev. Ed exceeds the 2 metre distance to safely take off his mask.

Why does the praise band wear masks?

• According to the MLHU Inspector it is mandatory that musicians wear face masks.

Can I change seats after I am seated?

• Short answer…no.  We ask all participants to remain in your assigned seats until the service is over in order to maintain hygiene standards.

Can I come after the service has started?

• Services begin at 9:15 & 11 am.  Once the service has started doors are locked.  Please arrive no more than 20 minutes before the service starts.

When does the live stream occur?

• Live streaming takes place at the 9:15 am service.

If you have any further questions please email kmacdonald@oakridge.london.on.ca with the subject line “Reopening Team”. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1) WEC (Women’s Evening Connection)- Tuesday, Sept. 29^th from 7-8:30pm Upper Room

All women of Oakridge are invited to come. We are planning a time of sharing, discussion and encouragement. We will need to wear masks and be socially distanced. We are not able to serve drinks or food, so please bring your own! Looking forward to getting together again!!!

2) Assistive devices - available to someone who needs them: commode chair, walker and shower chair. They have all been sanitized.   Contact Taesang Ahn at (226) 378-7637

3) Wallet found - If you have lost yours please contact Kathy MacDonald in the church office. 

Staff Contacts

The staff is still working hard and wants to support you. Please call 519-471-2290 and our extensions are listed below. 

Rev. Ed Hoekstra, Lead Minister. ext 222 or ehoekstra@oakridge.london.on.ca
Wilma Boyce, Pastoral Care and Adult Ministry Volunteer Coordinator. ext 225 or wboyce@oakridge.london.on.ca
Jeff Hopkins, Youth and Young Adult Minister. ext 226 or jhopkins@oakridge.london.on.ca
Sonia Brule, Children and Family Ministry. ext 224 or sbrule@oakridge.london.on.ca
John Radossevich, Business Administrator. ext 231 or jradossevich@oakridge.london.on.ca
Kathy MacDonald, Office Administrator. ext 221 or kmacdonald@oakridge.london.on.ca
Susan Lee, Korean Ministry. ext 235 or slee@oakridge.london.on.ca
Lawrence Mizzi, Custodian, ext 221 or lmizzi@oakridge.london.on.ca