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Dearly Beloved,

Have you been watching any of the Olympics? 

I always find it fascinating that sports that never really interest me can suddenly captivate me for about two weeks. It's also funny how us humans can become short-term experts on a sport and offer all the advice we want to the competitors on the screen from our couches. 

As I admire these athletes, one thing I thought about recently was the ways in which swiftness can make a difference. A swift start. A swift turn or adjustment. A swift response. I wish I could be more swift in so many ways. 

In recent weeks, our church has been making structural and language changes that have resulted in what we are calling "Others & Elsewhere." Some of this has allowed us to become even more swift. 

I want to tell you about two ways in which we've been able to make a swift response through Others & Elsewhere: 

Local Flood Response. Through your giving to O&E, we were able to send financial resources toward responding to recent local flood responses, specifically to those impacted at Maple Pool in Courtenay. Your giving to O&E is resulting in help and food provisions that will support people in need right now, here in our local community. Thank you for giving over and above your tithes to O&E. 

Tumbler Ridge Response. We have all been so saddened to learn of the tragedy in this northern town in our province. Many of us know the feeling of 'I wish I could do something to help.' And of course we can pray! Additionally, your giving to O&E has allowed our church to respond immediately, and we are sending a financial contribution from our church that will help to send a Christian trauma specialist to Tumbler Ridge and also help to provide care and support for families impacted right now. 

Sometimes what we can do feels small, but it is wonderful to be able to respond swiftly at times and at least do something. Even small acts of generosity seem to open the door for even greater opportunities for impact.

"You will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God." 
2 Cor 9.11 NLT

I want to commend you for your generous spirit. God is growing something special within you and among us — all for Jesus' glory! 

You may think this weeks' Dearly Beloved is short and sweet, but maybe it is just swift! 

Pastor Mike