Earlier this week we stopped in at historic Simcoe St. United Church in Oshawa to say hello to a good friend. There are integrated outreach programs for the indigent and underserved running out of this downtown building. They provide a variety of services beyond food, including social workers, a psychiatrist, and physicians.
Our friend left family medical practice last year but hasn't retired. Wednesday was her first shift as a doctor to those who often have complex health needs but rarely have them addressed other than in crisis response. She is a Christian who has long been involved in her congregation and she has a strong social conscience. She'll find out whether this is a good fit for her gifts and skills.
When we lived in the area I was in this church building through our Presbytery (regional group) when the congregation undertook a drop-in ministry for those living on the margins in the community. We were invited to meet there and see what was happening. Over time this work has grown and expanded as community partners emerged. But the congregation dwindled as its members aged and went to their reward. The pandemic accelerated the decline, as was the case with so many other churches that essentially died of COVID. The last Sunday service for Simcoe St. was held in April and at the end of this month Simcoe St. congregation will cease to exist. What had been the Backdoor Mission will be "front door."
The Simcoe St. building was opened in 1867, the year of Confederation for Canada. For more than a hundred years the congregation was involved in meaningful Christian ministry in a host of ways. While this could seem to be a defeat to some there is still a vital outreach to the community which fulfills the gospel. God be with those remaining members who are making the transition to Kingsview United and with those who are ensuring that the "least of these" are treated with dignity and respect.
No comments:
Post a Comment