Mount of Olives Church

Status Update

Status Update

May, 27, 2020


Dear Friends,
Check out the newest message from Pastor John Steward - click the video below.



Or read the transcript of the video below:

We’ve been on a very difficult and challenging journey. And you’ve probably heard the news that Gov. Newsom and the State of California is now allowing churches to open and re-gather again for public worship. This is very exciting news! We’re really encouraged, and we look forward to getting back with you again for worship.
 
And we are developing a plan that we are going to announce on Sunday during our broadcast of our worship service. Because the State of California is mandating certain things - so many people can be in the buildings at a time, social distancing, facemasks, sanitizing the facility between services - there is a great deal that needs to be done; and so a good plan needs to be in place.
 
We thank you for filling out the survey and getting it back to us. Its been a part of our decision-making process. We are building this plan in consultation with our Church Council. 
 
Now we know there are a variety of perspectives and points of view concerning all of this. We appreciate that very much. But please know, we are doing everything we can to do what is right and to fulfill the mission of Christ and His church in the world. So I hope you’ll pray for your church, and I hope you’ll keep us in prayer that God’s will might be done in our midst.
 
So you’re going to receive this plan on Sunday and learn more about it. I hope that you understand that everything we’re doing is with your safety as our highest priority.
 
God bless you and keep you in His grace. I want to close with these words from Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
 
To give you a future with hope - that is God’s plan for us. God bless you and keep you in His grace. Amen. 

Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church

We Want to Hear From You

May 13, 2020


Dear Friends,

 

Our mission at Mount of Olives Church in Mission Viejo is “to know Christ and make Him known” as Jesus commanded us in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). For over 50 years, we’ve gathered as a community to worship our Lord, study the Bible, serve others as Jesus teaches and reach others with the Good News in many different buildings, homes, retreat locations and mission fields. As a result of the current pandemic, the way we know Christ and make Him known has changed until we can gather again.

 

Our staff and volunteer teams are hard at work making plans for how we will begin to meet again safely – once we’re able. There are many moving pieces, supplies on backorder, increased volunteer needs and government regulations to consider.

 

While we continue to worship online each week, and plan for when we can gather again – we’d like to hear from you. Please take a few minutes to complete a survey we prepared to let us know how you’re feeling about going back to church.

 

You are in our prayers at this time, and we can’t wait until we can safely worship together in-person again. Thank you for your time, and for sharing your thoughts and opinions.

 

Yours because of Him,

Pastor John R. Steward

Senior Pastor

Mount of Olives Church


Survey Closing Monday, May 25.

Easter Invitation Update



Status Update

April 1, 2020

 

Dear Friends,

 

In these trying days, our strength comes from our Everlasting God (Isaiah 40:28-31). At this time, the suspension of all our church’s ministry gatherings and events will continue until further notice (see details below in March 18, 2020, update on our website).

 

We still have much to celebrate. This Sunday is Palm Sunday – we invite you to worship online with us as we remember the celebration upon Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem so many years ago. We will also offer online services for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, available online at 7:00pm on their respective days (and available online anytime thereafter).

 

Easter Sunday may look very different this year from year’s past, but we encourage you to worship online with us, celebrate our Risen Savior, and share the Good News with your friends and family however you can. We’ll offer services online Easter Sunday at the same time as every other week during this Stay Home Health Order: Online Traditional Service Sundays 8:30am PDT and Online Praise Service Sundays 9:45am PDT (and available online anytime thereafter). Click here to learn more about Easter online.

 

We ask that you stay constant in your giving and tithing so that we can continue to do ministry. We ask for your support as we continue to care for our congregation via phone and internet, to make our mortgage payments, pay hardworking staff, support South County Outreach and Southwest Community Center, and support ministry in Namibia. Click Here to give online to Mount of Olives Church. You can also set up giving through your bank’s online bill pay. Contact Robin Horton, Business Administrator, for assistance at  rhorton@moochurch.org.

 

We continue to strive to fulfill our mission “To Know Christ And Make HIM Known” in our community at this time – even while we’re not gathering together physically.

 

Yours because of Him,

Pastor John R. Steward

Senior Pastor

Mount of Olives Church

Coronavirus Update




March 18, 2020

 

Dear Friends,

 

We continue to closely monitor the outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus), and following the Health Office’s Order, we are taking appropriate steps to ensure we keep our Mount of Olives Church community as safe as possible.

  • We are suspending all ministry gatherings and events through March 31.
  • The church office is closed and staff are working remotely. The best way to reach staff is via email, click here to see the staff page on the website to find contact forms.
  • We will continue to worship together via our Online Service. New services will stream live on Sunday mornings and will be available anytime thereafter. Click Here to learn how to live stream and watch online messages.
  • We are postponing all Memorial Services scheduled on campus throughout March.
  • We encourage you to continue to connect with others in Christian Community Online and via Phone:
  • Follow the church’s Facebook page
  • Join one of our church’s Facebook Groups
  • Connect with your Small Group via Google Hangout, Facetime, Phone conversation, etc.
  • Submit Prayer Requests on our website – our Staff and Volunteer Prayer Team will continue to pray for you
  • Pastors and the Pastoral Care Team visitations are suspended per the County Health Officer’s order, but we will continue to communicate with you via phone and email. 
  • Continue to utilize the Emergency Pastoral Care Phone Number if you have an emergent need. (If you have a health question, contact your doctor. Or if you feel your health situation is life-threatening, call 911). Emergency Pastoral Care Phone: 949-228-7679.
  • Our Kid City (children’s ministry) and Rock (student ministry) continue to engage parents and students online via Facebook Groups, posting resources and more – stay connected and share with others.
  • Regarding Easter
  • We will continue to monitor the situation and update you with plans for Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter services soon
  • The Easter Fair is cancelled to not put our teams and community at risk

 

“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” - Isaiah 43:1-3a

 

Remember God is with us. Let’s care for one another, stay engaged with one another and continue to support those in need.

 

We continue to strive to fulfill our mission “To Know Christ And Make HIM Known” in our community at this time – even while we’re not gathering together physically.

 

We ask that you stay constant in your giving and tithing so that we can continue to do ministry. We ask for your support as we continue to care for our congregation via phone and internet, to make our mortgage payments, pay hardworking staff, support South County Outreach and Southwest Community Center, and support ministry in Namibia. Click Here to give online to Mount of Olives Church. You can also set up giving through your bank’s online bill pay. Contact Robin Horton, Business Administrator, for assistance at  rhorton@moochurch.org.

 

We ask that all follow the government’s directions about social distancing to help slow the spread throughout the rest of March.  Learn more at coronavirus.gov.

 

Please stay calm, stay in prayer, and remember God is in charge.

 

Yours because of Him,

 

Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church

Coronavirus Precautions

& Weekend Worship

March 12, 2020


Dear Friends,


We’ve been closely tracking the news of the coronavirus (COVID-19) through the CDC, WHO and local health agencies. As you may know, the Governor of California issued an updated policy on gatherings to protect public health and slow the spread of COVID-19. For the most up to date information on COVID-19 and California’s response, visit the CDPH website.


We are not currently making changes to our weekend services, however we are taking the following precautions to mitigate the spread of germs:

  • When on our church campus, we discourage you from handshaking and other physical contact.
  • The Offering Baskets will not be passed during the service, but will be placed on tables in the church’s foyer for you to place your Offering, Tithes and Communication Card.
  • The Balcony in the Worship Center will be open during all services, should you like to have more space between yourself and others while participating in the worship gathering.
  • There will be no Holy Communion before the 8:30am service throughout the rest of March.
  • We plan to have a team wipe down surfaces in between services.
  • To stay consistent in your giving and tithing to the Lord’s Work, especially as your worship attendance may be altered, you can click here to give online or set it up through your bank’s online bill pay.
  • We regularly Live Stream the Sunday 9:45am service. If you choose to stay home from worship gatherings, we encourage you to watch the service live online at 9:45am – click here to Live Stream or click the Live Stream link on our website moochurch.org.
  • If you are sick, please stay home.
  • We will have all children wash their hands as they arrive and depart from Kid City.

You need to make the decision for yourself if you feel it necessary to not attend church services or other ministry group gatherings, especially if you are a member of a higher risk group – learn more here from CDPH.


We appreciate your understanding as we take precautionary measures and adjust our usual routines. We are evaluating daily and will keep you updated as we make any changes.


Please stay calm, stay in prayer, and remember God is in charge.


Yours because of Him,


Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church