Join us in continuing to positively impact the community of San Pedro, Guatemala by sponsoring a child
On Sunday November 3 we will be hosting World Vision and giving you an opportunity to sponsor a child. This will not be your typical sponsorship event. It is an opportunity for you to say YES to sponsoring a child and for you to be 'Chosen’.
World Vision will be back on Sunday November 17 @ 10 AM for the BIG REVEAL and to give us another opportunity to say YES to impacting the life a child, their family and the community. Watch the video at the button below to learn how the Chosen sponsorship works.
Join us in blessing children around the world
this Christmas!
Operation Christmas Child is a hands-on way for Canadians to bless struggling children in the developing world by filling shoe boxes with toys, hygiene items, school supplies, and other items. Samaritan’s Purse collects the boxes and distributes them in the name of Jesus to children living in need. Last year we collected 313 - let’s make it 400 shoeboxes this year!
Pick up a shoebox at TOB starting Sunday October 27. Pack the shoebox and drop it off at the church. Last day for collection is Sunday November 17. Watch the video at the button below to learn about the impact of your gift:
Purchase a Christmas gift on behalf of an incarcerated parent
Angel Tree Christmas is a program of Prison Fellowship Canada that connects church communities and individuals with the families of prisoners through the delivery of a Christmas gift on behalf of the incarcerated parent. The goal of this program is to transform a painful season into a joyful and memorable one for both the child and incarcerated parent. Sharing the hope and love of Jesus during this time can also strengthen family ties and help reduce the probability of reoffending.
This year Branch Out will be supporting 10 children. If you and your family would like to help purchase a gift of no more than $40 for a child, please sign up at the button below by December 8:
Donate or serve with City Street Outreach
∗ Drop off new toys for children of all ages for City Street’s Toy Drive. The Olive Branch will be collecting toys from November 17 to December 15
∗ Help keep people warm by donating new or gently used blankets, sleeping bags, and men’s and women’s mittens. TOB will be collecting these items from November 17 to December 15
∗ Make Sandwiches for City Street to distribute on Thursday December 5
Email branchout@tob.ca if you would like to participate.
∗ Go to the button below to learn more about City Street Outreach:
Serve a warm meal to individuals and families struggling with food insecurity
This opportunity is great for all ages. Sign up to serve on Saturday December 21 from 4:00 - 6:30 PM at 270 Gerrard St. E, Toronto (The Yonge Street Mission building)
Want to join us? Go to the button below:
Branch Out is The Olive Branch commitment to being 'out there', out there where the needs are, passionately engaged in the struggles of others.
Responsible to make God's love visible, we partner with other agencies to serve those whom Jesus calls 'blessed': who struggle because of poverty, injustice, serious illness or social alienation.
Throughout the year we will have various 'Branch Out Initiatives' where we put out the call to the church to be involved with a special need or project. No two projects are the same. Interested in being a part of it? Email branchout@tob.ca for more info
Watch the video below to find out how it all began at The Olive Branch:
Throughout the year Branch Out efforts are focused on three main strategic thrusts:
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
Branch Out supports and encourages community organizations that work effectively with the poor and distressed in the GTA and abroad. The support is in the form of volunteers, financial resources, special projects and visibility within our church community. Go to the button below for a list of our current community partners.
COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE
- Branch Out provides direct help to those in distress in our community by providing prayer support, financial assistance or connecting them with a care planner through our partner Restore Canada. Restore Canada is available to assist in more complex cases, when many types of assistance are required to help people build and cross a bridge to a healthier more sustainable life.
- Interested in becoming a Care Planner or a volunteer within our Care Network? Contact BranchOut@tob.ca
- Need assistance? Email BranchOut@tob.ca or contact Help@Restore.org
COMMUNITY AND CONGREGATIONAL INITIATIVES
Branch Out will support community outreach opportunities initiated by members of the congregation or by ministries within The Olive Branch. We want to give people the tools, confidence and support to engage in their world in a missional way.
One current example of this is The Olive Branch Gym Nights. A few years ago, two families in the church wanted to rent a school gym where they could invite neighbourhood and church families to play together and build community. Building on this program last year a second gym night was started on Monday’s for young and older adults. With the financial support of Branch Out they have continued to run this program.
This story is an example of us living up to the statement that "we got your back" when church attenders act as the hands and feet of Jesus to serve people in the community.
We will also support ministry leaders as they plan events and initiatives that intentionally engage our community or encourage the congregation to share the good news of Jesus in their neighbourhoods, schools, workplaces and social communities. (i.e. camp, community carnival/block party, praying for schools, etc.)
We want to support people to connect with their neighbours, build community, and shine the light of Jesus wherever they are outside of the church. To be 'Good News' wherever they go!