Dear Friends, Blessings, (Rev.) Hannah Lee, Minister

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1 Knob Hill United Church, 23 Gage Avenue, Scarborough, ON, M1J 1T3 or Minister: Rev. Hannah Lee, Dear Friends, Happy Easter! It s time to celebrate! The impossible has happened. Christ is alive in a new way and calls us into awesome joy. As the Easter stories of Jesus appearances to his friends unfold, my hope is that we will recognize that Jesus lives with us also. After the first Easter morning, nothing for the followers of Jesus was ever the same again. Jesus was present with his followers in a new and radical way. Each time he was present in those early days, his followers didn t always recognize him at first. He was the same Jesus and yet he was somehow different and he promised to be present with them from then on in a different way than walking alongside them on the dusty roads of Palestine. Jesus great prayer, in the gospel of John, prepares disciples for a new and radical presence, which will transform their relationships with each other so much that they become like the relationship between Jesus and God; united in oneness. This is the community to which we are called by God in this Easter season, a community of oneness in our faith in Christ. A community of oneness where love, compassion, forgiveness, and mutual respect are lived out each and every day. A community where for the sake of our life together we are willing to see things as they really are, not as we might like them to be, or might fervently wish they were, or as we think they should be, but actually as they are. In the loving care of our community, we can have the courage to look, clear-eyed at ourselves, knowing that we are loved by God as we are, not as we wish we could project ourselves to be. We can speak and act truthfully when we see injustice and unfairness in our families, our communities, and beyond. We can answer our call to love one another and to go into the world with God s love. In this Easter season, may love come to life for you and your family. May you faithfully answer the call to live truthfully, courageously, hopefully, and deeply in God s abundant creation. May you be richly blessed, and be a blessing to the world. Blessings, (Rev.) Hannah Lee, Minister

2 APRIL Vol. 13 No.2 Knews and Knotes, the official newsletter of the Knob Hill United Church congregation, is published five times yearly. We welcome any submission of interest. Page Article INDEX 1 Minister s Message 2 Index 3 Editor s Note 4 February and March Birthdays 5 Fellowship Events 6 Annual General Meeting March 18, Moderator Easter Message 9 Holy Week Events 10 Palm Sunday Service 11 News from General Council, Toronto Conference and Presbytery 15 World Day of Prayer 18 Easter Bible Study Quiz 19 Humour - Church Announcements Bulletin Bloopers 20 Editorial Staff Easter Wishes Editor: Hedy Baker-Graf Layout Assistant: Janet Hucklebridge Photographer: Lorraine Hullachan Web Site Coordinators: Jamie Quigley and Julio Torres

3 EDITOR S NOTE Almost three years ago, as a new Commissioner I attended General Council 42 in Cornerbrook, Newfoundland; the theme chosen was Behold I Make All Things New. At that time, there was a great deal of fear and uncertainty after Council attendees endorsed the need for Restructuring the UCC without having any concrete knowledge of where that path would lead. Here we are now in 2018, anticipating the enactment of Remits that will hopefully launch the UCC in a new direction. With the dawn of the 21 st century, the Church faced generational change. For young people with nanoseconds attention spans engendered by having grown up in an ever increasingly technological environment, the old structures and practices held little interest. If the UCC expected to survive as an institution with some societal influence as it previously had, there was no other option except making CHANGES. Let us think about some of the changes you have experienced and perhaps embraced: no more line-ups at Banks - instant cash from ATMS instead; no more consulting road maps but instant access to directions via GPS ; no more expensive taxis and hotels availability of Uber rides and Air B n B reservations; no more pay- phone booths just a quick touch of a smart cellphone s screen, etc. Now, the UCC which views itself as a united and a uniting church has recommitted itself to ecumenism and its approach to world mission and interfaith relations as it works in collaboration with other denominations to find common ground in which to plant seeds for God s mission and ministry It is hoped that communities of faith will explore opportunities for joint ventures/projects, since Mission is at the heart of the UCC s identity both globally and locally. As spring s arrival, almost two weeks ago, presaged the growth of new life, the UCC looks forward to its own Renaissance; it will set out on its untrodden path guided by GC43 s theme, Risking Faith, Daring Hope. UCC is moving on from Behold I Make All Things New! and embracing GC43 s motto Risking Faith, Daring Hope.

4 Celebrating Mary s Birthday in February March Birthdays A Special Wish to our Nonagenarian, Verna Gazley. May each day bring forth a special memory of the past 95 years as well as a chance to create even more amazing memories in the days that are ahead! Tracy, Verna, Scott, and Zak

5 FELLOWSHIP CLUB ACTIVITIES During March break, 24 members and friends had supper at Remezzo s. Events are open to all congregational members, their friends, and adherents of Knob Hill United. ====================================================================================== DINNER THEATRE The next activity will be attending a matinee performance of the musical Crazy for You on Saturday, May 19 th followed by supper at the Prague Restaurant on Scarborough Golf Club Rd. Twenty-eight people purchased tickets, and 30 plan to have supper. ====================================================================================== YARD SALE Knob Hill will host its 3rd Annual Yard Sale and BBQ on Saturday, June 23, 2018 from 9:00 AM-2:00 PM, rain or shine. Plans are still underway, but we anticipate it will include a bake sale and a table for Knob Hill sales items. Those who wish to reserve a table should contact Tracy Odell for further information. Please hold the date in your calendar, and tell your family and friends. More information to follow. ======================================================================================

6 Annual Congregational Meeting March 18, 2018 Twenty-eight (28) people were in attendance at the meeting which commenced at 12:00 p.m. Fran Ferguson, KHUC s Council Chair, welcomed everyone then opened the meeting with a prayer. Prior to addressing the items on the Agenda, Rev. Hannah Lee cited Ecc 3:1-8 : For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven., then read the names of 6 KHUC congregants who joined God, our creator in Bernice Rees Norm Wynott Vera Trimble Norma Davidson Archie McDowall Jack Fortnum ================================================================================== AGM Business Rev. Lee s report included comments on the seeds which have been planted within our neighbouring community Youth Basketball, Annual Yard Sale, the expansion of the Daycare to accommodate tiny tots. It is through our willingness to try and risk failure that [KHUC] can accomplish so much together. We may not know where the road leads, but we ll surely keep moving. God s Spirit is working in and amongst us, opening up new possibilities and opportunities to be faithful to our call, to serve God s mission in the world [and in our neighbourhood]. An Excerpt from Minister s Message All reports were approved as printed in the 2017 Annual Report. A few noteworthy thoughts relate to WOCE, Property, and Finances. WOCE and M & C - were merged to create a new committee, Worship and Community, chaired by Tracy Odell. The report of the Property Committee s chair,

7 Bob Mears, mentioned that a one-time grant received from UCC was applied to the cost of installing an Automatic door opener at the entry/ exit door of the Narthex; as well, a portion of a UCC loan ($22 000) was used for re-shingling the Sanctuary roof at a cost of $ In response to a question from Scott Bradley, Bob stated repairs are expected to be carried out on the south wing structure. In the report of the chair of Finance, Brian Coker, it was noted that KHUC s financial health is heavily dependent on rental revenue, especially from the Day care, the main source of non-congregational funds. Congregational offerings are at the same level as the previous year. Teresa Barry stated 39 members contribute by envelopes/par. A brief discussion took place concerning repairing the Parking lot; it is quite likely that a Fundraising campaign may have to be considered to cover costs of patching repairs. An update was given by Hedy Baker-Graf, Lay Presbytery Rep, on recent developments in Restructuring UCC. Sixteen Regions have been established, for the most part along provincial boundaries. The next step will include the number and location of Regional Offices, the appointment of provisional staffing drawn from current personnel at the Presbytery and Conference levels. All remits except one (One Order of Ministry) have been approved. Subject to the enactment of the Remits at GC43 to be held in Oshawa July 22-27, Presbyteries and Conferences will cease to exist; the new structure will become functional on January 1 st, Members were invited to attend GC 43. Brian, Fran, Rev. Hannah Lee, Tracy, assisted by Nada Bozic-Conliffe. No further questions were raised; thus, Rev. Hannah Lee, closed the AGM with prayer. The meeting was adjourned at 12:40 p.m.

8 Hallelujah, Christ is risen! He is risen indeed, hallelujah! HALLELUJAH, CHRIST IS RISEN! Moderator s Easter 2018 Message This Easter, may our hallelujahs affirm that, despite whatever hopelessness threatens to overwhelm us, we trust in the power of God s love to bring about resurrection within our lives. That is our Easter refrain full of joy and conviction. But that sure wasn t the response of Jesus disciples on that first Easter morning. The various gospel accounts show the disciples responding with awe, fear, incomprehension, doubt, terror, and amazement. Our response is born of hindsight. Knowing what we now know about how it all turned out, we think of Easter morning and we declare, Hallelujah! But when one is in the midst of resurrection, when it is happening to you or around you right now, it s a very different experience: full of uncertainty, anxiety, dread, and disbelief. Resurrection is, by its very nature, unexpected and unimaginable. We cannot see it coming; we are never prepared for it. It is the revelation of new life where just moments ago there was nothing but the possibility of despair and loss. The hallelujahs we announce at Easter are our affirmation that despite whatever hopelessness threatens to overwhelm us, we trust in the power of God s love to bring about resurrection within our lives. We don t know when, we don t know how, we don t know what it will look like, and we will certainly be confused and confounded by it if it should happen. But today, our hallelujahs declare that we believe resurrection is possible. And so we do not lose hope, no matter how hopeless a situation appears. This Easter season, as you sing, shout, whisper, and proclaim Hallelujah! may it strengthen your faith in the power and possibility of new life for you, your church, and our world. May we truly be a resurrection people. Transcript of video message Published on March 21, message

9 TAKE THE TIME TO REFLECT ON HOLY WEEK EVENTS Triumphant Entry Betrayal Arrest & Trial Crucifixon Jesus [rode] triumphantly into Jerusalem on a donkey while the crowds waved palm branches and shouted Hosanna. Jesus [was] welcomed as King then betrayed, put on trial and sentenced to death. These events are recorded in the Gospel: Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19, and John 2. ================================================================================ Such Love Have you ever stopped to wonder Why they called Good Friday good? It seems to me that sad, black day Could be misunderstood. How his father must have anguished As He watched His dear Son die, And not for crimes that He had done, But for sinners such as I. What kind of love could be so great, To suffer willingly The penalty for someone else: His blood was shed for me. But then when Sunday came around And Death had lost its sting, That Glorious morn was victory For Jesus Christ, the King! Now He s alive for evermore The Father s will was done. Forgiveness, pardon, full and free By trusting in God s Son. It was a good Good Friday For the thief who died there too He took his place in Heaven When that long, dark night was through. I m grateful to my Saviour; My life to Him I owe. I ll serve and love Him always, Because He loved me so. Anonymous Submitted by Verna Gazley

10 PALM SUNDAY SERVICE On the final Sunday of Lent, which marks the beginning of Holy Week, the KHUC congregation participated joyfully in waving palm branches during the commemoration of Jesus triumphant arrival in Jerusalem, days before He was crucified. The service began with the choir s re-enactment of a scene from Jesus Christ, Superstar as those in attendance morphed into a crowd shouting and singing Hosanna. Later in the service, the congregation shared Communion, then reflected on Bitter Was the Night, the service s piano postlude presented by Jamie, KHUC s organist. Brian (Caiphas), Julio (Jesus), and choir members re-enacting the song Hosanna from Jesus Christ, Superstar. The GOOD FRIDAY Service was held at SCARBOROUGH BLUFFS UNITED CHURCH.

11 NEWS FROM GENERAL COUNCIL, CONFERENCE, AND PRESBYTERY TORONTO CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA With the overwhelming approval of the UCC s Remits by presbyteries and pastoral charges, what was inevitable has now become much more apparent; there was a dire need for restructuring if the UCC expected to survive and be relevant within a society that was rapidly becoming more secular. Working within a tight timeline, the Boundaries Commission began their consultations; by the end of February, both an interim and final report were submitted. Toronto Conference will now be known as Region 10, comprised of 160 pastoral charges mostly from within its four former presbyteries, as follows: Living Waters Presbytery, save Uxbridge: Trinity PC, Sandford-Zephyr PC, and Goodwood-Epson-Utica PC; Toronto Southeast Presbytery; South West Presbytery, save Norval PC, St. John s PC (George town), St. Andrew s Georgetown PC; and Northern Waters Presbytery south of Hwy 9, save Erin PC, Ballinfad PC, and Acton PC, but including Bond Head-Newton Robinson PC, Beeton Trinity PC, Country Side PC, Midland: St. Paul s PC. Amidst all that was unfolding at the national level, the Executive of Toronto Conference has been busily planning what will be TC s 94 th and final AGM. Regional Councils will be replacing Conferences. A line of the hymn (Great is Thy Faithfulness, Voices United #288) was chosen as the theme song and theme for the final AGM of Toronto Conference. In the foreword of material prepared for this year s gathering in May, President Audrey Wells, wrote: As a song, it remains a stalwart touchstone, while also representing change. Over the years, the words and images have changed as our understanding of relating to one another and including all have changed. Yet the core of the message is that as things change, the Creator is with us, and evident all around. Last summer, as I mused about the changes to come and the anxiety this produces, and I wondered, what do people need from this last AGM?

12 We need to celebrate, remember, and move on. As part of this, we need to build [our] resiliency skills in order to be able to find our calm in the midst of the storms around us. This year we will do it all, the business and celebration of acknowledging retirements, jubilant, those entering ministry, [and] those we mourn. We will celebrate and tell stories, we will lament, and we will hold each other up in prayer and in practice we will carry on. North Simcoe Sports & Recreation Centre The 2018 AGM will mark the last of three hosted by the Northen Waters Presbytery in Midland. Activities will take place in the North Simcoe Sports & Recreation Centre while the celebration of Ministries Service will be held at St. Paul s United Church. Location of last Toronto Conference AGM President. Audrey Wells =============================================================================================== Ed. s Note: The information presented in this report has been adapted from details provided on various websites linked to the United Church of Canada. GENERAL COUNCIL: Final Report of the Boundaries Commission The report describes 16 regional councils that will be established on January 1, Remit 1: Three-Council Model is passed at July 2018 s 43rd General Council to be held in Oshawa.

13 The criteria that informed the Boundaries Commission s decision included: Geography: intuitive logical sense of the regional boundary; travel patterns; population size, density, and similarity; political/provincial boundaries. Relationships: connections among the communities of faith; continuity of relationships; access to resources. Capacity: financial and human resources; ability to do the work and make effective decisions; efficiency; technology, and Culture: language; theology; historical relationships; urban/rural. The final report was released on February 27 two weeks earlier than was anticipated. The major change is that the province of British Columbia will now become one region. Other small adjustments were made in terms of expanding or shrinking the regional boundaries and pastoral charges within their confines. The Remit Implementation Group s next step will be to consider a variety of Staffing models and determine the locations of Regional Councils. REGIONAL COUNCILS: Composition and Duties (as outlined in Remit 1) Regional Councils will be made up of lay and ministry personnel who will provide not only advice, support, and services to communities of faith in a variety of areas such as: human resources and property, but also connections to national and global partners for social justice, pastoral relations, and outreach. Among their other duties, each regional council will be charged with ensuring that communities of faith are living up to their covenantal relationship; they will step in if a community is not functioning effectively or is failing to meet its responsibilities. These councils, or their executives, will be expected to meet at least annually, and they may share staff members It is expected that an Executive Secretary and other office staff will be hired provisionally to get each Region functioning but allowing some flexibility for regional variations. Regional Council leadership drawn from the leadership of the current presbyteries and Conferences will be a part of staffing decisions until GC43 makes a decision on whether to enact the remits Opportunities for shared services will be identified so that the Denominational Council office can provide, where possible, co-ordination for technical issues in order to make the most effective use of resources. Some Items that are being examined include web hosting, information technology, archives, financial services, etc.

14 Conversations about practical issues and processes, such as: changes to bylaws and other legal matters will also take place. Plans for future consultations at the regional level re: financial assets, investment opportunities, etc. are being made to facilitate discussion amongst the newly-formed regional councils of how best to use financial assets for the ministries of specific areas and the denomination as a whole. Denominational Council It is suggested that 13 or 14 positions be considered for the Executive council to ensure there is diversity in accordance with being an intercultural church. Definitions around Clusters and Networks Pastoral charges will be known as communities of faith. They will have no governance role, but It is anticipated that efforts will be made to work together and provide support to each other and become a mechanism that will be central to the living out of the faith of the United Church. The definitions below are from the motion that was made at GC42 in 2015 A stained glass window, Flickr Clusters: local clusters of communities of faith that would provide community and support for communities of faith and their leaders, and focus on areas such as: worship, mission, learning, collegiality, and strategic planning Networks: linking people working on specific issues (e.g., supportive housing, intercul-cultural ministry, youth ministry) or for project work (e.g., event planning) that function through the whole church, depending on the issue. ===================================================================================== A Decade Dedicated to People of African Descent The UCC and The United Church of Christ USA are jointly launching a commitment to the United Nations declaration below. In proclaiming this Decade, the international community is recognizing that people of African descent represent a distinct group whose human rights must be promoted and protected. Around 200 million people identifying themselves as being of African descent live in the Americas. Many millions more live in other parts of the world, outside of the African continent.

15 WORLD DAY OF PRAYER 2018 This is a global ecumenical movement whose motto is Informed prayer and prayerful action ; it is celebrated by Christian women who unite in prayer and action for peace and justice usually on the first Friday in March each year. It originated in the U.S. and Canada in the 19th century, and became worldwide in The symbol for World Day of Prayer was developed by the women of Ireland and adopted as the international logo in Its design is made up of arrows converging from the four points of the compass, persons kneeling in prayer, the Celtic cross, and the circle representing the world and our unity. Symbols of Unity Around the World Stained Glass Hands United in Prayer Women know joint prayer can be effective. It can allow them to - affirm their belief and faith in Christ; - be enriched by the experiences of other Christians, their countries & cultures; - pray for and/or with others for the burdens of others; - become more aware of their own talents, and to be encouraged to use them in Christian service; - develop awareness of the world as a whole, and to understand and appreciate that God loves all people everywhere. Each year, on this day, Christians of many cultures, traditions, and races, in over 170 countries around the world unite in prayer. Of course, all people, including men and children, are always welcome and encouraged to participate. Adapted from The 2018 Program materials were designed by the women of the Republic of Suriname, formerly known as Dutch Guiana. It is a country located on the northern coast of South America. Although it is one of the smallest countries in South America, its population is one of the most ethnically diverse in the region. Its economy is dependent on its vast supply of natural resources, most notably bauxite which makes the

16 country one of the top producers in the world. The southern four-fifths of the country are almost entirely covered with pristine tropical rainforest. All God's Creation is Very Good! A heri grontapu di Gado meki bun doro, dóro! Genesis 1: 1-31 The theme for the Suriname worship service urges us to evaluate how our actions affect our planet - one of our Lord's greatest creations. In the beginning, God created from chaos. But everything created had its place in creation. All were related to each other -the earth with the light, the waters with the sky, the tree seeds with living creatures, and humankind with God. None could exist without the other, and the source of all was God Throughout the worship service, hosted by St. David s Presbyterian Church, seven different women (Arawak tribe, enslaved African, a Chinese immigrant, French creole, Dutch farmers, and 2 indentured labourers from India and Indonesia), revealed their ancestral origins through dramatic readings. Each one, representative of the multicultural and multi-ethnic society, brought forward the specific concerns of her respective community, for example: protecting all natural resources, the loss of horticulture, deforestation, pollution of rivers, etc. This was followed by prayers asking God s forgiveness for negligence in caring for His creation. Seven young women through dramatic readings offered their prayers of Intercession for the endangerment of the flora and fauna, societal concerns (mental health services, domestic abuse, etc.) The service concluded with a

17 commitment to raising greater awareness of the environmental crisis facing God s creation. A choir made up of members from different churches led the congregation in the hymns that were selected for this special service. Hostesses of Social Get-Together Combined Denominational Choir After Service Socializing Sampling cuisine from Surinam Fran, Lorraine and Ina WORLD DAY OF PRAYER s MESSAGE: REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE!

18 EASTER BIBLE STUDY (Matthew 21; Mark 11; Luke 19:28 ; John 12:12) 1. What was the Jewish feast which was being celebrated the week Christ was crucified? 2. During Jesus Triumphal Entry, what animal was He riding? 3. Why is the Sunday before the resurrection called Palm Sunday? 4. Which disciple cut off the ear of the high priest s servant in an attempt to protect Jesus from being taken as a prisoner? 5. What was the name of the high priest s servant who had his ear cut off by the disciple and subsequently reattached by Jesus? 6. How many times did Peter deny Christ after the abandoned the Lord? 7. For how many pieces of silver did Judas trade the life of Jesus? 8. How did Judas identify Jesus to the soldiers? 9. In repentance, Judas returned the money given as the price of betrayal of the Lord to the priests. What did Judas do next? 10. What did the priests do with the money that Judas had returned? 11. Before Pontius Pilate sentenced Jesus to death, whom did he release? 12. What advice did Pilate s wife offer concerning Jesus? 13. A man named Simon was compelled to carry the cross of Jesus. What are the names of Simon s two sons. (Hint: Mark 15) 14. What inscription was above the cross? 15. There are 7 recorded Biblical statements Christ said from the cross? How many can you cite? 16. Following Jesus statements on the cross, what comment was made by a Roman soldier? 17. What happened in the Temple as a sign that the death of Jesus gave the individual believers access to approach God? (Hint: Matthew 27:51). 18. When Jesus died there was darkness in the land. How long did it last? 19. What were the names of the two men who helped prepare the body of Christ for burial? 20. Who was the first person to see the risen Christ?

19 CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS AND BULLETINS BLOOPERS The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals. The sermon this morning: ' Jesus Walks on Water. ' The sermon tonight: ' Searching for Jesus.' Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring along your husbands. Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say ' Hello ' to someone who doesn t care much about you. Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help. Miss Charlene Mason sang ' I will not pass this way again, ' giving obvious pleasure to the congregation. For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs. Eighth-graders will be presenting the play Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7pm. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy. Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet on Thursday at 7pm. Please use the back door. Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get. Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days. A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow. Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones. Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children. Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered. The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment, and gracious hostility. Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow. The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon. This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin. At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be ' What Is Hell? ' Come early and listen to our choir practice The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the Congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10am. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B.S.

20 Editorial Staff: Hedy, Janet, Lorraine, Julio and Jamie