A Cross The Pews. Knox Presbyterian Church

Transcription

1 A Cross The Pews Issue 9 September, 2008 Knox Presbyterian Church 50 Erb Street West, Waterloo, ON N2L 1T1 Phone knox@golden.net Knoxwaterloo.ca Sunday Services at 9:00am and 11:00am Radio Broadcast: Sunday 10:00am CKWR FM 98.5 Knox Community Carnival Saturday Sept pm Fun for all ages BBQ Face Painting Bouncy Castles Mini Putt Bean Bag Toss Dart Throw Pie Room Music Entertainment Clowns Popcorn Candy Floss Knox Presbyterian Church 50 Erb St W or Bring your family and friends and spend an afternoon with us!! Want to help make the day a huge success? Check out the bulletin board outside Linda s office and sign up for an hour to help!!

2 Page 2 A Cross The Pews Music at Knox Terry English On behalf of the entire Knox music ministry, I would like to begin by thanking everyone for their support of the musicians and choirs. Your kind words are most appreciated. On a personal note, I have thoroughly enjoyed my first year at Knox and look forward to this new year. The following are some of the activities we have planned. Music Scholars The Knox music scholars program is a wonderful way to reach out to university students who are studying music and those who are musically accomplished. It is my hope to broaden the program this year. With your help, we would like to offer five scholarships four singers (soprano, alto, tenor and bass) and one for an accompanist. The voice scholars must attend all worship services in which the chancel choir is singing. In addition, they must attend at least two rehearsals per month. (7-8 hours per month). Through their participation, our choir emulates their outstanding example and thus builds their own musicality and singing ability. For their participation, we offer each student a small stipend of $1000 per year. Each student is also offered solo and small ensemble opportunities. The accompanist scholarship is an opportunity for accomplished pianists to develop their skills of choral accompanying and hymn leading, as well as develop skills at the organ. The hourly commitment is somewhat greater (14-15 hours per month). For their participation, we offer $2000 per year. Mary Catherine McNinch-Pazzano (soprano University of Waterloo), Adam Dyjach (tenor Wilfrid Laurier University) and Corey Cotter (accompanist University of Waterloo) have committed to the scholars program for this year. We are still looking for an Alto and a Bass. The cost of the program this year is $6000. Our Music scholar fund has been well supported in the past. In order to fund the program for the year , we need to add $4500 to the fund. I would ask you to consider making a donation toward our music scholars. Children s choir Music scholar Mary Catherine McNinch-Pazzano, has volunteered to direct our children s choir this year. She is in her third year of voice study at U of W. In addition to her studies, Mary Catherine is also teaching voice privately. Since children learn to sing by emulating those they hear, this is a wonderful opportunity for the children at Knox to develop their singing skills. Lynn Allen will assist Mary Catherine. The children s choir rehearsal (grades 3 and up) will begin Sunday October 5th between services in room 5. Please leave your child s name and phone number with Mary-Catherine or Terry English. Chancel Choir Chancel Choir practices every Thursday evening at 7:30 pm. We are always looking for new members. We invite anyone who may be interested, to join us for an evening or two before making a commitment. If you sing hymns in church, you have a voice that is perfect for the Chancel Choir. The ability to read music is helpful but not essential.

3 Issue 9 Page 3 Lessons and Carols at Christmas. For those who can t commit to the entire year, we will once again form our Christmas Choir for a presentation of Lessons and Carols. Rehearsals will begin at November 6. Lessons and Carols will be presented Sunday, December 21 at both services. Instrumentalists If you play any musical instrument and would like to participate in worship from time to time, please leave your name and number with Terry. In particular, we are looking for two or three guitar players and a set player to accompany some of the hymn and anthems in the chancel choirs repertoire. Finally, I would like to know if there is any interest in forming a choir that would practice on a Wednesday morning. This group would sing secular and sacred music for the enjoyment of singing. Ideal for those who are retired (but not limited to retirees) to enjoy the friendship and community of choral singing. If there is enough interest, we will begin the last week of September. Please leave your name and phone number with Terry. Update From Your Student For The Ministry It has been a busy summer for me in Toronto. I completed three summer intensive courses, two at Knox College Human Growth and Development, and Intro to Worship and one course at Emmanuel College that qualified as my Religion in Dialogue elective. This course was, in many ways, the highlight of my summer. It was entitled Engaging Aboriginal Theologies and involved three days of course work at Emmanuel followed by six days and five nights spent at the Francis Sandy Theological Centre near Six Nations. This was followed by three more days of class back at Emmanuel. Francis Sandy is one of three United Church (UCC) seminaries preparing aboriginal students for ministry. Instead of attending regular classes, the students learn in traditional learning circles one week out of every month for ten months per year and the program takes five years to complete compared to the traditional three or four years. The students from Emmanuel had the privilege of sitting in circle with aboriginal students for the ministry, native elders and current aboriginal ministers. The week was led by Stan MacKay, a former moderator of the UCC and the first aboriginal to lead any mainline denomination. Because of the recent apology by the Canadian government to our aboriginals around the residential school issue, the week was spent thinking, talking and praying about healing and reconciliation. I also had the privilege of touring the residential school in Brantford with survivors and being invited to their home for tea one evening. This course was transformational for my ministry. I now have a new understanding of, and appreciation for our aboriginal peoples; I am more open to the inclusion and integration of aboriginal spiritual practices in Christian worship; and I have a deeper knowledge of the theology and practice of healing and reconciliation. I will be participating in worship at Knox Waterloo on October 5 as we recognize and celebrate our aboriginal peoples and learn more about healing and reconciliation. I will also be the speaker for the First Sunday event that same afternoon (after the second service) and will speak at more depth about the Presbyterian Church in Canada and our 1994 Confession, the residential school system, and the theologies of healing and reconciliation. I thank you all once again for your support and ask for your continued prayers as I enter my second year at Knox College. Peace be with you Mike Burns

4 Page 4 A Cross The Pews A Note from Christian Education Do you think kids are sponges? Are they wet cement, to be quickly molded? Are they pilgrims on a journey with us? As we begin another year in Sunday school it s good to remind ourselves that the community of faith (that s us) has the responsibility to nurture the talent of the younger generation (that s our kids) and to orient their lives to the Lord. Finding ways to encourage children s love for learning while establishing them in faith is an important investment in the future. That s why we re using lectionary based lessons in Sunday school which means that our kids will be sharing the same scripture readings and hearing a similar message in Sunday school that you ll be hearing from the pulpit. The possibilities for us to join with our kids along our faith journey just got better. You ll notice that the scripture reading and the theme for each week s Sunday school lesson will now appear in the church bulletin under the Children s Time notation. That way you can ask your children about the message they heard in Sunday school and you can share your thoughts on hearing a similar message during worship. Every 6 weeks we ll be infusing some special activities into the Sunday school programming which will ignite a clearer understanding of how the themed lessons apply to our kids daily lives. The themes being explored are posted on the bulletin board which leads downstairs to the Sunday school classrooms (across from the office). We know that children learn worship by worshipping with the congregation. That s why the children in Grades 3-8 will join us in worship three times this year beginning with Oct 5 World Communion Sunday. Part of our promise to those being baptized at Knox is to nurture their faith and encourage spiritual growth. By worshipping together we nurture our children in their faith, and we can be nurtured by them in return. We know that children learn worship by worshipping with the congregation. I do think our children are like sponges and like wet cement ready to be molded. And yes I do think we are pilgrims on a journey together. We shape tomorrow s world by what we teach our children today. We re proud of the leadership we are blessed with in our Sunday school and we celebrate the learning that happens here. Our goal is to place the music of God around our children so that as they get older they will include God s music in their world. As teachers and leaders we hope to give our kids everything they need in their quest for spirituality to help them hear the notes that give their souls an ability to dance. If you are interested in being a part of Sunday school this year, please speak to either Linda Ashfield or Laura Vander Vleuten. We re always happy to hear about new gifts that are waiting to be shared. Laura Vander Vleuten Christian Education Director Knox Duke of Edinburgh - The next meeting for the Knox Duke of Edinburgh participants is Sunday, September 14, 2008 at 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the church. Any new youth over the age of 14 interested in obtaining their Duke of Edinburgh are encouraged to come out and see what it is all about. The leaders and the participants of the Knox Duke of Edinburgh would like to congratulate Fiona Harper on achieving the Silver Award Level. Fiona will be presented her Certificate at a future Silver Award ceremony. Well done Fiona!

5 Issue 9 Page 5 Wendy Garner is Running for the Cure! Knox member Wendy Garner has become a fund-raising phenomenon in the CIBC Run For The Cure, annual event of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. As a survivor who is eager to give back to the community for all the support she herself received, she joined the corporate team of her own employer, Sun Life Financial, a co-sponsor, in Each year, Wendy s earnings have been impressive. In 2007, she raised more than $10,500, becoming the top local fundraiser! What can I do for my 5th Year? Wendy wondered. She set her sights high: My goal is to raise my five-year total to $50,000. It s a big step up, she says. With the totals from past four years, Wendy needs to raise $14,000 in the 2008 Run For The Cure on October 5, to reach a grand total of $50,000 for breast cancer research. Wendy s daughter Jessica will be married on October 4, the day before the 2008 run on October 5. This will not stop Wendy, but it inspired her to start fund-raising early. There is considerable paper-work involved in processing the pledges and donations. She wants to be mentally and physically ready for the run [she walks to and from work daily, and walks with a group at lunchtime] ready with all her pledges, and ready for Jessica s wedding. The day I met Wendy to prepare this article, she was busy edging flower beds. An avid gardener, Wendy wants to have her home ready in advance, too. Wendy puts forth a large effort, whatever she commits to do. At Knox, she is our envelope secretary, volunteers in the nursery and the Knox building campaign, and has participated with Logos ever since it began 16 years ago. Wendy is aware that she is boosting her fund-raising goal in the year when Knox is also asking for pledges to the new building. She approaches this with humility. Large or small, it s not just our individual donations, but what we all put together that makes the difference, Wendy asserts. Wendy is also asking for our prayers for this huge undertaking. Wendy shared with me the memories of her own breast cancer treatment. She talks of the help she received during those dark days, when Knox people held Wendy in their prayers and supported her through the entire recovery period. Running For The Cure is Wendy s way of giving back to the community. Cheques can be made out to Wendy Garner or to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Submitted by Agnes Steffy Thank You Everyone at Knox Thank you to everyone for all your cards, prayers and gifts of food since Randy s passing. Stephanie and Mike and Ron and I cannot express to you how much your thoughtfulness means to us. Every thought and prayer gives us strength and gives meaning to Randy s life. It is amazing to be part of such a caring and thoughtful faith community. Thank you. Cheryl Meyer Our next A Cross The Pews will go out October 5th. Articles are due September 28th. Joan Campbell at joanmhc@rogers.com Or leave the information in my mail box outside the church office.

6 Page 6 A Cross The Pews Beyond Bliss coming in October You must have noticed a new piano in the chancel that has been used since last Christmas. This is a digital piano that can be used in marvellous ways that we have not even begun to figure out. Terry has been using it this summer and it has been wonderful. The piano can be tuned to the organ so the two instruments can be played together and used for enhancing the hymns and anthems each week. Money from the Living Legacy fund was used to pay for most of the cost but some of the cost is to be covered in another way. The Music and Worship Committee and the choir have engaged a group called Beyond Bliss for Oct 26 th at 2:30 in the afternoon. Tickets will be $ The quartet was formed in Kitchener Ontario in December Influenced by groups such as The Nylons and Manhattan Transfer, Brian had dreamed of singing unaccompanied popular music with a small group. He was fortunate to find three talented musicians to share his dream. Beyond Bliss first performed in Trinity United Church Kitchener. Although the group was formed to perform popular secular music, they have a wealth of experience singing sacred music. Music brings us bliss. The ideal performance would take you, the listener, Beyond Bliss! If you would like more information - go to their website Mark Oct 26 th at 2:30 in you calendar for an enjoyable afternoon of music. Members of the choir will be selling tickets later in September and October. Please see members of the choir for tickets. Submitted by Cheryl Meyer Faith book Scrap booking Weekend Do you enjoy scrap booking and want to have time to do more of it? Do you want to relate it to your faith and build relationships with others from Knox? If the answer is yes please consider the following. Our Faith book weekend is a chance for women to get away and enjoy time to explore their faith in a creative and different way. We will be exploring and creating prayer journals, creatively expressing bible verses and encouraging our prayer life by incorporating creative expression. We will have the opportunity to work on our own scrapbooks as we explore what family and photographs mean to us. The weekend will be made up of mainly women from Knox Waterloo with a few close friends from other faith groups. We are hoping to make this an annual event. Where/When: We have booked the House of the Prophet at Crieff Hills ( Oct 3-5 in order to provide opportunity for personal time to explore nature and use the labyrinth to explore our spiritualism. We will arrive anytime after 7pm on Friday and be packed up to go home at 2pm on Sunday. If you are interested in more details please contact Heather Purdy (519) crusinfrog@yahoo.co.uk or Ruth Millard (519) mmillard@golden.net Submitted by Heather Purdy

7 Issue 9 Page 7 Knox Knitting News and More Prayer Shawls Over the past few months Group C has organized the delivery of prayer shawls to people in our congregation who are in need of some encouragement. Of particular note is the fact that we sent a prayer shawl to Margaret Kuehl in Gibson s B.C. Marg had been experiencing back and leg pain and was especially happy to receive the shawl and know that we have been praying for her. Others have expressed their appreciation and commented on the warmth, comfort and morale boosting afforded by the shawls. The following people have visited 15 members of our congregation to bring a prayer shawl and news of our love and prayers: Jean Shantz, Betty Geddes, Elizabeth Mac- Donald, Ramona McWatt, Linda Ashfield and Ellen Yessis. We continue to knit and crochet pneumonia vests for the WMS to send to India and Malawi. Knox members, take note, our ladies who knit are pictured in the September/October 2008 edition of Glad Tidings, a publication of the Women s Missionary Society. Eight ladies are pictured with their shawls and pneumonia vests. In the May/June edition of Glad Tidings, there were 2 book reviews on this type of prayer ministry. The first book is Knitting into the Mystery by Susan S. Jorgensen and Susan S. Izard. Glad Tidings says that this book takes the act of knitting and turns it into a spiritual practice. In addition it contains practical information on selecting yarn and instructions to make a shawl, using either a knit or crochet method. The second book might appeal to another group of crafters at our church. It is Fabric of Faith by Kimberly Winston and it is a guide to beginning a prayer-quilt ministry. It starts by answering the question Why make prayer quilts?. Because they are tangible physical evidence of faith faith in God, faith in love, and faith in prayer. Also they are a symbol of our faith in one another. Just as with a knitting ministry, the entire quilting process is surrounded in prayer. Quilters in the church, are any of you interested in spearheading a prayer quilt ministry? There are many possibilities afforded by this type of ministry. I recently read about Touch Quilts which are made for Alzheimer s patients to have an experience of different textures in one quilt. If anyone would like further information about any of these ministries or other possible ministries, please contact Ellen Yessis at Possibly these books should be available at our church if this is of interest. The books are available at The Book Room, 50 Wynford Drive, Toronto, ON M3C 1J ; bookroom@presbyterian.ca Submitted by Ellen Yessis

8 Page 8 A Cross The Pews First Sundays at Knox: On the first Sunday of the month, you are invited to a luncheon program at Knox, Waterloo after the 11 a.m. worship service. The meal (soup & a bun) starts at noon with a short presentation to follow. The program is over by 1:15 p.m. There is no charge but a free will offering helps to purchase the food for the next month. Everyone is welcome to attend any First Sunday. Sunday, October 5 th "Canada's First Nations and the Presbyterian Church" - Mike Burns. Mike is Knox s student for the ministry, studying at Knox College, Toronto School of Theology. He recently took a course led by Elder Stan McKay called Engaging Aboriginal Traditions which also involved travelling to the Six Nations in Brantford. Mike will share some his insights from this experience. Sunday, November 2 nd The Connection between Faith and Architecture Courtney Morris Sir Winston Churchill once said, We have one opportunity to shape our buildings, afterwards our buildings shape us. What are the connections between the Christian faith and our church buildings? What does the architecture say about what we believe and the community that worships there? Courtney Morris, a recent graduate from Knox College (Master of Divinity) is also a graduate of the University of Waterloo with degrees in Environmental Studies and a Masters of Architecture. Courtney will explore with us the relationship between Christian and Reformed theology and a church building. Sunday, December 7 th The story of Coventry Cathedral Linda Ashfield On November 14 th, 1940, Coventry was devastated by bombs dropped by the Luftwaffe. The story of the destruction and rebuilding of the Cathedral will be told with photos and a virtual tour. To walk from the ruins of the old Cathedral into the splendour of the new is to walk from Good Friday to Easter, from the ravages of human self-destruction to the glorious hope of resurrection. Today, Coventry Cathedral is a dynamic centre of worship and mission, a place of pilgrimage, liturgical creativity, healing; and a focus for international reconciliation. Sunday, January 4 th Justice and Peace in the Holy Land Laura Ashfield Laura was a PCC delegate to the Sabeel International Young Adult Conference held in Jerusalem this summer. Sabeel is an ecumenical grassroots liberation theology movement among Palestinian Christians. They seek to deepen faith, promote unity and encourage social action. Laura will share experiences from her time in Israel and the West Bank. Sunday, February 1 st Supporting Housing of Waterloo (SHOW) Debbie Schlichter Knox has been interested in the issue of affordable housing for our community for many years. SHOW is a non-profit multi-faith charity with a desire to address chronic homelessness through creating affordable housing with support services in Waterloo. Deb Schlichter is Knox s representative on the Board. We will look at an overview of homelessness in the region, hear about the SHOW organization and get updated on the upcoming project.

9 Issue 9 Page 9 Sunday, March 1 st China Sue Senior & Brooke Ashfield In the summer of 2006, four members from Knox, Waterloo were appointed as the first PCC team to join with the Amity Foundation in China. For the month of July they taught English in the Zhangzhou Institute for Education to middle school English teachers in the Fujian Province. They also visited churches in the area and learned more about the ministry and presence of the Christian churches in China. Sunday, April 5 th From Palm Sunday to Easter Linda Ashfield Having had the great opportunity of visiting Jerusalem twice now, Linda discovered that walking in the Holy Land is like reading a fifth gospel. With photos, scripture and maps she will lead us through the streets of Jerusalem (as they were in the time of Jesus). From the Mount of Olives to the Upper Room, to the Temple and Calvary we will walk the way of Christ during Holy Week. Sunday, May 3 rd Out of Chaos, Hope Members of Knox s Adult Mission Trip In April 2007, 11 members from Knox, Waterloo (& two friends) volunteered with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance in Orange Grove, Gulfport, Mississippi. They were there to help rebuild from the devastating effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita which had devastated the southern states. Our team stayed in a tent village with the Presbyterian Church USA working for a week on rebuilding a home. They were also able to visit a school, New Orleans and the coastal area. Submitted by Rev. Linda Ashfield Knox Stampers It's Fall and time to start stamping again. For those who are not familiar with Knox Stampers, we usually meet the last Wednesday of the month for a couple of hours and make handmade cards for our card ministry at Knox. The cards that get sent from our office range from get well wishes, baby announcements to wishing our 80 plus members of our congregation happy birthday. We make the Christmas cards for the same group and for the poinsettia delivery. If card-making and/or rubber stamping interests you and you would like to join us please come out or contact Ruth Millard. There is no experience needed as it is all hands-on learning and wonderful conversation. The first date we will meet will be Wednesday, September 24, 2008 in Room 1 from 7-9pm and the cost is $10. We make 3 or 4 designs - 2 cards of each design. You keep one, and one goes to the church for the card ministry. Come and enjoy the fellowship and the opportunity to outreach to members of our Christian community. Feel free to bring a friend, but please let Ruth Millard know so that enough supplies can be prepared in advance. Phone Ruth at or at mmillard@golden.net

10 Page 10 A Cross The Pews Greetings from the LOGOS ministry of Knox Church! My name is John-Peter Smit and I am the new director of LOGOS. I would like to take a minute to both introduce myself and to urge you to consider the LOGOS ministry for your children and grandchildren. I am a minister of the Presbyterian Church in Canada and have lived in Waterloo for just over two years. My wife Tori and I have two children, Jacob (21) and Miriam (17). My actual job title is Congregational Development Consultant for the Synod of Central, Northeastern Ontario and Bermuda. What that means is that I am a resource worker for the Presbyterian Church and thus am usually away on weekends. Therefore, even though we belong to Knox, I am rarely there on Sundays. Likewise, my wife Tori works at Knox Church in Guelph so that the only regular attendee from the family is our daughter who is there most every week. While I am honoured to be the new director, I realize that contacting me isn t as simple as grabbing me after church. Therefore, please feel free to phone ( ) or johnpetersmit@gmail.com if you have any concerns or questions. My family has been involved with LOGOS as long as Knox Church has. Tori and I went to the LOGOS training school with Brooke and Linda many years ago. We have started LOGOS in every church we have served since then and not only is my wife Tori a LOGOS trainer but she is starting LOGOS in her church this fall, so, our family will be involved in two LOGOS programs. Our children have both grown up through LO- GOS and we see the difference it has made in their lives. In fact, we decided to move to Waterloo so that our daughter could attend LOGOS. In other words, we picked the ministry and the church and then moved to that community, that s how valuable we believe LOGOS is! If you are considering LOGOS for your children or grandchildren, I would invite you to consider this. The average household (USA statistic) has the TV on for 6 hours and 47 minutes per day. The average child has 3.5 minutes of meaningful conversation with their parents per week. The average Sunday School class can be measured in minutes not hours. LOGOS happens once a week from 4:40 until 7:30 beginning September 18 th. If you are concerned that your children grow up into a faith relationship with Jesus, I can think of no better cornerstone that the LOGOS ministry. The underlying principal of LOGOS is that a life giving relationship with Jesus Christ really is the most important thing. I believe that and have tried to live by the one rule of LOGOS: you are a child of God and I will treat you that way. No one has the right to treat someone as though they don t matter. This rule affects every area of our lives. So, even if you don t have children, I would urge you to consider ways to become involved in this ministry. We need all kinds of leaders; cooks, debris folk, teachers, musicians and recreation leaders just to name a few. If you are feeling led to do any of these things, please contact me or any of the LOGOS leaders (their names are on the website) and if you do nothing else, please pray for this program and for the children in it. See you Thursday nights! John-Peter Smit

11 Issue 9 Page 11 PASSAGES Baptisms: Julia Anne Hunter Ferguson - daughter of Murray and Grace Ferguson - baptized on August 31, 2008 Marriages: David Reeder and Amanda Kennedy were married July 19, Richard Patterson and Amanda Soehner were married August 16, Eric Monteiro and Stacey Taylor were married August 16, Thinking of you: Eleanor Wilson, Janet Stevens-Hart, Ellen Yessis, Stéphane Paré.. A Word of Appreciation: The Knox computers had served us long and well, but met with end of life issues earlier this year. We at Knox owe a big THANK YOU to our computer expert Dave Hare who supervised service for them while living in Hawaii and to Mark and Mary Culp for doing some emergency repairs. This summer we had a long awaited upgrade to new computers with Windows Vista and Microsoft Office Dave managed to spend an entire weekend here in the church changing over five computers and the entire network while at the same time managing to transfer all of the data to the new computers for each of the five computers. On Monday morning we could all get on our new improved and much, much, much faster computers and shout Hurray! Now if we can only figure out all of the new improvements to Word and Windows! Thank you Dave! Submitted by Brooke Give Time. Save Lives. Canadian Blood Services relies on the skills and expertise of many volunteers. We are searching for reliable volunteers to help ensure the success of our Waterloo Permanent clinic located at 94 Bridgeport Road East. Volunteers provide refreshments to donors following their donation, distribute milestone awards and ensure donors are feeling well before leaving the clinic. Volunteer opportunities are currently available Wednesday and Friday during the day. Help lend a hand to this life-saving program. If you are interested, please contact Andrea Davies, Canadian Blood Services a extension 6318.

12 Page 12 A Cross The Pews Canada Youth 2009 July Brock University St. Catharines Canada Youth 09 is a five-day conference that focuses on youth and youth ministry in the Presbyterian Church in Canada. The event has three branches, each with a separate focus: Conference Branch: for high-school students. There will be small bible study groups, recreational fun, worship, music, and workshops. Mission Branch: for young adults (ages 18-25) to engage in mission activities and focused workshops. Youth Ministry Branch: for adults who work with youth in their congregations. Key note speakers and workshops to help encourage and recharge those who give their time to the youth in our churches. We also need adult volunteers to provide care and supervision for youth participants. As well, there is a need for health care people, drivers, work crew staff, activity leaders, and small group leaders (and the list goes on). If you are interested in participating in Canada Youth 2009 in the Conference Branch, the Mission Branch, or the Youth Ministry Branch or as an adult would like to volunteer your time in any way that week, please speak to Rev. Linda Ashfield or Laura Vander Vleuten. Senior High Retreat to Cairn Sept Information packages and Permission forms are available on the Youth Bulletin Board ** We need adult supervisors and drivers to make this event a success. Parents please sign up to help. Payment and Permission forms are due to Laura V by Sunday Sept 14

13 Issue 9 Page 13 New Small Group - What s so Amazing about Grace? In the spring, the Congregation was invited to read Philip Yancey s book What s so Amazing about Grace? Sermons in June focused on the theme of grace, and three evenings were set aside for discussion. Now, the Adult Christian Education Task Group at Knox is offering another opportunity to study the themes of this book. This will be in the form of a ten week small group study that will meet Tuesday evenings from 7:30 9:00 p.m. Each session will use the video series What s so Amazing about Grace and discussion guide. Philip Yancey himself presents this investigation of grace through candid interviews with individuals mentioned in his book and others who have experienced God s forgiveness in their lives. Leadership of the group will be rotated amongst those attending (booklet and easy-to-lead discussion guide are available.). This is a wonderful opportunity to get to know people at Knox, to enjoy fellowship and hospitality, and to reflect, investigate and discuss the many forms of grace in our lives. We hope you will consider being a part of this new group at Knox! New Small Group - What s so Amazing about Grace? A Ten week Small Group Adult Study Video and Discussion Tuesday evenings 7:30 9:00 p.m. September 23 rd to November 25th The first gathering on September 23 rd will be held in the church lounge. However, it is hoped that the group will be able to rotate to one another s homes (for those who have a tv & video player and wish to invite people to their place) The group will decide each week where they will meet. The video and leadership booklets are easy to follow and the group will share leadership. There is no cost, but we would like people to register for the group either by signing up on the bulletin board outside of Linda s office, contacting the church office or signing up at the Welcome Desk during coffee hour.

14 Page 14 A Cross The Pews Knox Nights Enjoying fellowship together is one of the great joys of the church. Our Living Faith says: The church is the family of God. Here all should be valued for themselves. We are one body in Christ: together rejoicing when things go well, supporting one another in sorrow, celebrating the goodness of God and the wonder of our redemption. We want to grow in our friendships with one another and we seek to do this in many ways. One program here at the church is called Knox Nights and its main purpose is fellowship and friendship. Knox Nights are for all ages, for singles and couples and families, for children, youth, students, adults and seniors. All are invited to join together for fun and learning and fellowship. Knox Nights involve a very informal potluck dinner with a program before or after. We hope you will consider coming to one, many or all of these Knox Nights. They are a great way to get to know one another. Saturday, September 27 th Fall Carnival 2-5pm This is an afternoon long event for all ages with a special emphasis on games and fun for children and youth. We hope you will invite your friends and neighbours to enjoy carnival games, bouncy castles, mini golf, candy floss, BBQ Fundraiser, tea room and entertainment. No charge for the activities and games. Saturday, October 25 th Potluck Dinner and Games Night Potluck: 5:30pm in the Church Hall (no nuts in any of the dishes please) 6:30-8pm: Bring your favourite board games to play with us all! Saturday, November 29 th Potluck Dinner and Come to Bethlehem Potluck: 5 pm (no nuts please) in the Church Hall. 5:45-8:30pm: Your household has been summoned to return to Bethlehem for the Census. The Village Rabbi greets you and invites you to follow a shepherd to meet some of the villagers. They ll teach you about life at the time of Jesus birth and invite you to participate in activities from that time. On your journey toward the stable you ll visit the Stone Mason, the Woodworkers Shop, the Synagogue, the Weaver s home and the Tile Maker. Wrap up the evening by visiting the stable and witnessing the miracle of God s promise. Pre registration will be required since spaces are limited. Saturday, January 31 st Potluck Dinner and Skating Party Potluck: 5 6 pm (no nuts please) in the Church Hall. 6:30-9pm Skating outside at the Martin s Farm in St Jacobs. A donation from each family is appreciated to pay for the ice time. A map with directions to the farm will be posted at the church in January.

15 Issue 9 Page 15 Saturday, February 28 th Tobogganing and Spaghetti Supper Tobogganing: 3-4:30pm at the Columbia Sports Field, University of Waterloo. Dress warmly and bring your own toboggan to the hill. A map with directions will be posted at the church in Feb. Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser: 5-7pm in the Church Hall. Proceeds from the Spaghetti Supper will support youth attending Canada Youth 09. Tickets will be on sale during Feb. Saturday, March 28 th Potluck Dinner and Ceilidh Potluck: 5:30pm (no nuts please) in the Church Hall. 6:30pm: Ceilidh (a traditional Scottish social gathering with music, dancing and storytelling) featuring the band Failte. A free will offering will be taken. Saturday, April 25 th Potluck Dinner and Bowling Night Potluck: 5:30pm (no nuts please) in the Church Hall. Bowling: at Waterloo Bowling Lanes time TBA Please check the bulletin board outside Linda s office for confirmation of times and details of the programs each month or call the church office. Submitted by Rev. Linda Ashfield Student Ministry Now that a new academic year is underway we are thinking of our young people who are attending post-secondary institutions and would like to extend a ministry begun in the last couple of years. This ministry involves periodically keeping in touch with our students and supporting them through prayer, , snail mail, phone calls, or perhaps the occasional care package. We want them to know that their church family still cares for them. Do you have a student (or students) in your family who is attending college or university? If so, we would like to hear from you. We will be asking for your help in providing us with the contact information for your child. We have a form we d like you to fill in and return to the church. Forms will be mailed and can also be picked up at the Welcome Desk. And. If you don t have a student in your family but would like to be a part of this ministry we would like to hear from you, too. Please contact the Church Office, or Femmy Birks ( , femmy.birks@sympatico.ca ), or leave your name at the Welcome Desk. Thank you for your assistance with this ministry to the young people of our church family. Femmy Birks For the Nurture Committee

16 Page 16 A Cross The Pews KNOX CHURCH REDEVELOPEMENT PROJECT FINANCE REPORT The following Finance Report covers the period August 1, 2007 to July 31, 2008 KNOX CHURCH REDEVELOPEMENT PROJECT Statement to July 31, 2008 INCOME August 2007-Memorial Fund $ 5, December 2007-Parking Lot Fund 50, Seed Funds 71, Stewardship Funds Received 437, TOTAL RECEIPTS $ 563, EXPENSES Architect fees $ 123, Soil Tests 5, Stewardship Campaign - RSI $ 46, Campaign costs 23, , TOTAL EXPENSES $ 199, FUND BALANCE $ 363, Balance represented by: Bank Account New Building $ 4, Bank Money Market Account 359, TOTAL $ 363, The project was initially funded by a memorial gift of $5,000. and by $50,000. from the parking lot fund. The $50,000. is an interest free loan with no repayment date established at this time. A total of $71,030. was given by the congregation as seed money prior to the Stewardship Campaign. The seed money of $ 71,030 fully funded the Stewardship Campaign costs of $70, (RSI-$ 46, and Campaign costs for mailings/printing/brochures of $23,995.56). An analysis of the Stewardship Commitments of $2,320,961. indicates that funds will be received as follows: % % % % The earlier the funds are received the greater interest income will be generated and less interim financing will be required. As of July 31st. actual funds received is ahead of schedule. The committee is continuing to explore project funding with financial institutions. As stated at our congregational meeting, additional givings will be needed to cover the annual mortgage costs. Annual mortgage costs could be in the range of $300,000 depending upon the term and interest rate. An appraisal of the church land is underway since the land asset will be used as support for the required mortgage funds. Quarterly reports will be presented in future monthly newsletters. Ron Charie Redevelopment Project Finance Chair

17 Issue 9 Page 17 New Building Timeline Update (from the Knox Redevelopment Committee) New building construction is on target to begin May 2009 and construction timeframe to be about 12 months. Here are some upcoming milestones and dates that we plan to meet: Mid October - Completion of schematic design: That will give us floor plans and images to show the congregation for approval before actual construction plans begin. Mid October - Completion of Financial Plan: An actual mortgage will not be in place but a relationship with a financial institution will be established. - Open Houses: Floor plans and building images will be on display to the congregation. Late October / Early November - Congregational Meeting: After reviewing floor plans, building images, and the financial plan, the congregation will be asked for approval to proceed with construction and financing plans. March/April - Tenders: Construction plans will be put to tender and replies will be evaluated. Late April - Construction Contracts: Signed, sealed, and delivered. Mid May - Construction begins If you have any questions about this process, please feel free to talk to any one of Brooke Ashfield, David Blake, Lawrie Carter, Kari Feldmann, or Connie Graham. (If you don t know who these folks are, ask someone at the Welcome Desk to point them out.) Submitted by David Blake

18 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 1:15 Group D 3 10:00 Presbytery 2:00 Group C 4 10:00 Quilters 7:45 Choir :00 Trombone Choir 7 9 &11 Services 12:00 First Sunday 8 7:30 Council 9 7:30 Sunday School Meeting 10 6:30 Praise Band 7:30 Worship Committee 11 10:00 Quilters 7:45 Choir &11 Services 7:00 Duke of Edinburgh :30 Praise Band 7:30 Sunday School Meet 7:30 Session 18 10:00 Quilters 4:30 Logos 7:45 Choir &11 Services :30 Bible Study 24 1:00 Book Club 6:30 Praise Band 7:00 Knox Stampers 25 10:00 Quilters 4:30 Logos 7:45 Choir :00 Knox Community Carnival &11 Services